Subaru may not be the largest automaker from the Pacific Rim, but the company has worked diligently and successfully to cultivate a loyal following.
While no gas-electric or plug-in hybrids currently adorn the Subaru showroom floor, its stable of compact and mid-size offerings are designed with peace of mind in mind. With 336,441 units sold in the U.S., Subaru sales in 2012 were up an impressive 26 percent from the previous year. Throughout turbulent times in the auto sector the last five years, Subaru has been on a steady upward trajectory of sales and profits.
Until the sporty, rear-wheel-drive 2013 BRZ sporty compact debuted last year, all Subaru's included all-wheel-drive standard in all models; that holds true for our tester this week, the mid-size Legacy sedan. While a majority of mid-size four doors boast front-wheel drive, fewer have all-wheel drive as an option while standard all-wheel drive is rarity. Subaru offers one other all-wheel-drive sedan in its lineup, the compact Impreza; otherwise, crossovers and SUV's complete the lineup.
Legacy has withstood the test of time, first arriving in the U.S. in 1989 and undergoing a fifth-generation makeover in the 2010 model year with a new platform including a longer wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) and upgraded interior.
While a large variety of Legacy trim levels in a wide pricing spectrum, engine and transmission selections are available; a turbo-edition offered in the 2012 model year has been dropped. Assembly takes place not too far from the Windy City in Lafayette, Indiana.
Standard content gets increased in 2013 with an electric parking brake and upgraded stereo nuances with added USB port for portable electronics, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod connections.
Two naturally aspirated engines are available: an upgraded, double overhead cam four-cylinder 2.5-liter cranking out 173 horsepower and a 3.6-liter with 256 horses, a carryover from 2012. The four cylinder engine now boasts three more horsepower and enhanced low end 'grunt' (a.k.a. power) than the 2012 single overhead cam counterpart. The six-cylinder comes with a standard five-speed automatic transmission. Standard in the four-cylinder is a six-speed manual with an optional, second-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The four-cylinder power plant is available in three equipment trim levels: Base, Premium and Limited while six cylinders offer Base and Limited. Premium four-cylinder models offer a heated seats/mirrors option package; moon roof package and upgraded stereo with Satellite radio package. Four and six-cylinder Limited trims offer three option packages: moon roof package; moon roof/navigation (with satellite radio) package and moon roof, navigation and new-for 2013 Eye Sight System with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and pre-collision warning system package.
Legacy includes Subaru's longitudinally-mounted Boxer engine design. Different from conventional V-shaped designs, pistons are laid flat at 180 degrees (instead of the conventional 90 degrees) and ride shallower in the engine compartment, lowering the center of gravity for improved handling and agility.
Subaru's engine layout is inspired by airplane engine design needing enhanced 'aerodynamic-tivity' for weight and balance issues. Boxer engines are turned so as to face the same direction as the vehicle's long, central horizontal driveshaft. Side-to-side symmetry optimizes balance. Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), began in 1917 as an aircraft research business. The six stars depicted in Subaru's oval logo represent the six companies making up FHI.
Our Limited V-6 trim checked in with a $28,895 starting price. Added was the $3,940 moon roof, navigation and lane departure/sway warning group. After factoring in $72 for floor mats and $770 for destination, the bottom line ended at $33,667 one of the priciest Legacy's available. A base four-cylinder modes with six-speed manual transmission checks in at $20,295, add $1,000 more for the CTV transmission.
The six-cylinder's mileage estimates of 18 mpg city and 25 highway are decent considering the all-wheel drive feature, which historically diminishes fuel economy. The fuel leader is the four cylinder connected with the continuously variable transmission generating 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The 32 highway is the highest fuel rating for a mid-size sedan with all-wheel drive. The fuel tank holds a relatively large 18.5 gallons of unleaded, 87-octane fuel.
Inside, the user-friendly instrument panel includes two circular analog gauges with two, three-quarter circular appendages in the lower outside corner. At night, hot red backlighting adorns the steering wheel, door and dashboard. An illuminated ignition cylinder on the steering column's right side helps guide the key into place after daylight hours fade away. Power mirror controls are on the dash left of the manually tilt-and-telescoping steering column. Power windows and locks are found on the driver's door. Cruise control functions are located on the three-spoke steering wheel. Buttons control ventilation functions at the bottom of the center column.
The optional seven-inch navigation screen above acts as a backup feed for the rear view camera and touch-sensitive controls for the audio system. A narrow digital strip with time and other information is atop the central dash above a curved out section. New audio plug-in jacks are found in the bottom of the dual-level storage bin between the front buckets. Side-by-side beverage holders are nearby. Limited models include glossy wood trim on the dash and doors.
Headroom in front and back is good even with the moon roof, which historically tightens up space. One of the segment's larger back seats (with enhanced leg room) make Legacy a serious choice if three adults will be riding in row two on a regular basis. Limited trims include a new rear-seat air conditioning vent.
Legacy's overall exterior look tilts towards the conservative spectrum; appealing without being polarizing. Its front end gets upgraded in 2013 with a good-sized trapezoidal honeycomb front grille flanked by newly designed, band-like headlight housing. Strap-like door handles adorn side doors while our Limited trim included chrome highlights around the window. The very short rear deck lid hides the fact that inside, 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space is available, one of the largest in the mid-size segment. No spare tire is found under the flat-floored trunk, but hinges outside the cargo region maximizes interior volume. Pull taps unlocking the 60/40 rear seats are accessible from the trunk. Dual exhausts are six-cylinder staples.
Wind and engine noise seeps into the cabin at a greater frequency than most rivals. Handling remains crisp and better-than-average thanks to superior weight distribution. Large side windows minimize blind spots and help create good sight lines. While certainly a competent vehicle for Chicago's four-season climate, Legacy's biggest challenge is the plethora of rivals in the highly competitive and hotly contested mid-size sedan segment. However, if all-wheel-drive is a priority, Legacy is a top selection. In 2013, Legacy qualifies as a 'Top Safety Pick Plus' from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), receiving top scores in four out of five IIHS evaluations.
2013 Subaru legacy
Price as Tested: $33,677
Engine: 3.6-liter six cylinder
Horsepower: 256
Length: 187.2 inches
Width: 71.7 inches
Height: 59.3 inches
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Fuel Economy City/Highway: 18/25
Curb Weight: 3,545 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 5 years/ 60,000 miles
Built: Lafayette, Indiana
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