2010 Subaru Legacy Feature And Invoice Pricing Review

The 2010 Subaru Legacy received a redesign this year that added more size, an updated interior, a boost in power and new exterior styling. The end result is an attractive all-wheel drive sedan with above-average performance capabilities in a roomier package, and an available powerful turbocharged engine on the 2.5GT.

The 2010 Legacy's standard all-wheel drive (AWD) is a big plus in the snowbelt and its efficient-redesign actually added 3.2 inches of wheelbase, 3.3 inches in height and 3.5 inches in width while only adding 1.4 inches in overall length. Nor did this size enlargement add much gas-guzzling and performance-damaging curb weight, coming in at just 50 additional pounds. It remains simply one of the better-handling family sedans available with respectable fuel economy given its engine power.

Trims, Standard Features And Options:

There are many model choices when considering a 2010 Subaru Legacy: base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Premium, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited.

Standard features on the base 2.5i include air conditioning, 16 inch steel wheels, steering wheel audio controls, a height-adjustable driver seat, an electronic parking brake, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and a 4-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The Legacy 2.5i Premium model adds an 8-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto up/down driver window and alloy wheels (still 16 inch), while the 2.5i Limited includes those features plus leather upholstery, a 4-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, a windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and 17 inch alloy wheels.

The 2.5GT Premium comes with all the 2.5i Premium's features plus the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, performance tires, 18 inch alloy wheels, larger brakes, the All Weather package (heated front seats, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors) and a hood scoop. The 2.5GT Limited model adds leather upholstery, automatic climate control and the power passenger seat.

The Legacy 3.6R begins with the same features as the base 2.5i, but adds the 3.6 liter flat-6 engine and 17 inch alloy wheels. The 3.6R Premium then adds on all of the 2.5i Premium's features except the wheels (already 17 inch alloys), plus the All Weather package. The 3.6R Limited is outfitted like the 2.5GT Limited.

Many of the higher trim levels standard features are available as options on the lower trims. In addition, a sunroof is an option on all models except the base 2.5i. And for Limited models only, there's a optional voice-activated navigation system that comes with a back-up camera, Bluetooth and streaming Bluetooth audio, and an iPod/USB input.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

The 2010 Subaru Legacy offers both three engine and three transmission choices. The base engine is a capable 2.5 liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Standard on the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models is a 6-speed manual transmission, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual shift control is optional. The CVT is standard on the 2.5i Limited.

Powering the 2.5GT is a turbocharged version of the 2.5 liter four-cylinder that pumps out a robust 265 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque (it runs on premium fuel) and comes with the 6-speed manual transmission only. Under the hood of the 3.6R models is a 3.6 liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque (runs on regular fuel) and is equipped with a 5-speed automatic only.

In terms of fuel economy, the CVT-equipped 2.5i comes out the best with an EPA-estimated gas mileage rating of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway. With the 6-speed manual, these numbers decline to 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Gas mileage for the more powerful Legacy 2.5GT and 3.6R models come in at an identical 18 city and 25 highway.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all Legacy models include antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and stability control. In crash testing done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Legacy was awarded the top rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact collision protection.

Interior:

The cabin of the Legacy is attractive, sophisticated and user-friendly. Gauges and instruments are well placed and easy to read, while the three-spoke steering wheel lends to the overall sporty look and feel.

The seating is supportive and comfortable. And passenger space has been enhanced by the larger dimensions, particularly for rear passenger legroom (an additional 4 inches). While the cabin space has increased, trunk space hasn't been sacrificed and remains quite adequate at an average 14.7 cubic feet.

Drive:

The 2010 is still one of the top-handling family sedans despite its increased size. With a new double-wishbone rear suspension, the drive is extremely smooth and it does a commendable job at handling the bumps and rough spots. At the same time, while not a "sport sedan", the new Legacy's all-wheel-drive has tremendous grip and traction when needed.

Power in the base 2.5 liter engine will likely satisfy most drivers. For those seeking more thrills, a better choice would be the turbocharged 2.5GT, but bear in mind that it's manual transmission only. The new 3.6 liter flat-6 is a good choice for those seeking both solid power and an automatic transmission.

Subaru's new CVT is particularly noteworthy as it delivers the best gearing for both fuel efficiency and acceleration when needed.

Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Legacy Prices:

Subaru's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.

They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.

Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.

How To Buy A New Legacy At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Subaru Legacy, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.

Prices:

2010 Subaru Legacy:

2.5i, manual: listed price: $19,995, invoice price: $18,926
2.5i, CVT: listed price: $20,995, invoice price: $19,844

2.5i Premium, manual: listed price: $20,995, invoice price: $19,876
2.5i Premium, CVT: listed price: $21,995, invoice price: $20,794

2.5i Limited, CVT: listed price: $24,995, invoice price: $23,516

3.6R, automatic: listed price: $24,995, invoice price: $23,440

3.6R Premium, automatic: listed price: $25,995, invoice price: $24,474

3.6R Limited, automatic: listed price: $27,995, invoice price: $26,270

2.5GT Premium, manual: listed price: $27,995, invoice price: $26,228

2.5GT Limited, manual: listed price: $29,995, invoice price: $28,061

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