2010 Subaru Legacy at 2009 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry
• Looks like: Subaru is borrowing styling from Infiniti and Lexus
• Drivetrain: 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or CVT; 265-hp, turbo four-cylinder with six-speed manual; or 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder with five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Late summer 2009

While we’re not sold on the looks of the completely redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy, the much-needed increase in interior room is welcome. The car rides on an entirely new platform with a new interior design.

Overall interior volume has increased 10 cubic feet to 103 cubic feet, which is on par with the rest of the class, between the Accord’s 106 and the Camry’s 101. The trunk’s 14.7 cubic feet is also improved, besting the Accord’s 14 cubic feet and just shy of the Camry’s 15 cubic feet. Rear legroom is nearly 4 inches greater than before, which also puts it on par with the competition, once again between the Accord and Camry.

Engine choices are similar to the current lineup, with a base four-cylinder now teamed with a continuously variable automatic transmission instead of a four-speed auto. The turbocharged 2.5GT gets a few more horses and is teamed with a six-speed manual only. If you want more power and an automatic, you can opt for the six-cylinder 3.6R.

The interior changes are significant, with an all-new center console, dashboard, instrument cluster and steering wheel. Standard on the 2010 2.5i are steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, automatic headlights, ambient lighting and an electronic parking brake. Stability control and all-wheel drive are also standard on all 2010 models.

Premium models add an eight-way power driver’s seat, Harman Kardon stereo system, power moonroof, heated seats and windshield-wiper deicer.

Limited models add leather, dual-zone climate control and a four-way power passenger seat. This is the only trim level where you can add an optional GPS system with Bluetooth and a rearview camera.

More photos are below, and they’re sure to stir debate.

Comments

I think they did a great job on the redesign - very good looking vehicle. Last year for my company car I had a choice between a Subie and an Accord. I selected the Accord as it was more comfortable (Subie's interior was too tight), better handling (barely), and the 4cyl engine was smoother and more "fun" to drive. I did like a lot about the Subie but the boxer engine and the tight interior made the Accord selection a no brainer. Now that they've taken care of the interior space issue, the redesigned Subie I think is better looking. Would I switch next time around? I'm not sure as the Accord was delivered with a V6 and leather interior and it's been one impressive car (last road trip I managed 33mpg highway) Next time around if I'm "stuck" with cloth and a 4cyl I believe I would select the Subie as I think it's that good looking of a redesign. My only nit pick is I think the rear looks too similar to a Hyundai, especially the taillights.

Is it just me, or does the rear seats really look cheap?

Looks like a G37, GS, and Honda Accord all got together and had an ugly, frumpy looking baby. I think I even see some Sebring in some of the proportions!! I am sooo not impressed with this, what is happening at subaru, it seems like they are trying to grow and be more mainstream with every new car- I don't know if that is a good thing for them.

Broq

BTW- I think the G and GS both look really good, lol.

broq

C,
I think these shots are of the 2.5i, the base model with cloth. It's unusual for an automaker to highlight a base trim level in press photos at launch. Probably why you think they look cheap.

Uninspiring

I do not like this at all. The exterior is dull and odd at the same time. There are several better looking cars on the market in this price range. Also the "all new" interior looks like the old one.

It looks like a Infiniti G37 and Lexus GS had a baby. The look is boring.

G37 up front - no question
The rear is Germanic, I would say. AUDIsh... 2009 A4?
From the side - Altima.

Finally, Subaru I might consider. Just want to see the gas mileage, which is probably not as good as FWD sedans. And since it is AWD it has that hump in the middle, where Camry has leg room. Seat materials is also cheaper in Subarus then Hondas and Toyotas. I like the plush fabric the Hco and Tco offer compare to Subaru, Mazda, etc.

Looks like Subaru gave up the ghost in went mainstream with car designs. Hope it works out looking like all the other cars. I see G37 upfront and Accord/Sonata from the back side.

tailights look like the 3 series coupe.

Great looking car. Looks like the off spring of a Lexus GS and an Infiniti Q45.

Expected better after the great job they did on the Forester. Inside and headlights definitely remind me of the Sebring. Glad to hear that the frameless glass is a thing of the past.

I have to say Subaru did a really good job with that brushed aluminum around the shifter, looks very nice and probably a unique design touch in the class.

I'm not too sold on the styling. The front reminds me strongly of the current Sebring, which is not necessarily a good thing. The back definitely has some Honda and/or BMW influence.

As for the car itself, I'm happy that interior room has been bumped up, and they are still remaining with solid choices in engines.

Borrowing from Infiniti? Seems more like borrowing from Hyundai circa 2002.

Scott J.
you are drunk. Yesterday we put G37 pic next to this Subaru and it matched 95% in the front.

If Saab had this car and called it the 9-5, they'd be in much better shape then they are now.

Hybrit,

If Honda produced engines for Chrysler...

BMW quality and luxury at an affordable price. My bad the quality is better than BMW. The luxury is on par though. You can drive the Subaru in the winter, whereas the rear wheel drive on a beamer is a bummer when half inch of snow is on the ground. Subaru did an awesome job with this. One test drive and you will fall in love.

One rear muffler with a 2.5 liter engine AND a CVT?
Not good.

If Nissan upgraded to jatco's 7 speed automatic, why can't Subaru?