2009 Subaru Legacy: Road Test
2009 Subaru Legacy ▼
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- MSRP: $20,795 - $34,595
- Invoice: $19,641 - $32,081
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Related to Subaru Outback and Legacy
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Our road test for the 2009 Subaru Legacy includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Subaru Legacy from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Subaru Legacy, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Subaru Legacy help you decide if a 2009 Subaru Legacy is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Only Legacy GT models have been made available for testing so far. They have good power--7.8 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. Throttle response is dulled by annoying turbo lag. Some of our testers find the manual transmission to have imprecise, overly long shift action. Note that a short-throw shifter is optional with the spec.B.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a GT with manual transmission averaged 20.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Subaru recommends premium-grade gas for the 3.0 R and requires it for the GT. Legacy 2.5i models use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6 |
GTs ride firmly on their 17-inch wheels, with larger road imperfections pounding through into the cabin.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.9 |
Quick steering on the GTs can hinder straight-line tracking on highway. Their handling is composed, with little body lean in fast corners. Brakes feel strong on all.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6 |
The turbocharged engine is subdued and refined. Some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement. A fair amount of wind and tire noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.2 |
The gauges are brightly lit, but they're not easy to read in bright sunlight. The navigation system is separate from audio and climate controls, though the screen is small and difficult to read at a glance.
DETAILS
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.5 |
Assembly quality has been good on models tested. Interior materials are nothing special given Legacy's near-premium pricing.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.7 |
Plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders. All seats are comfortable, and the GT's contoured seats offer more lateral support. Visibility is good in all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.1 |
Headroom is good. Foot space is cramped, even with the front seats raised. The cushion is mounted on the low side, forcing passengers to ride in an uncomfortable knees-up position.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.1 |
These sedans have a wide trunk opening and low liftover. The hinges are shrouded to avoid cargo damage, but they take up some space. Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold almost flat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.3 |
Legacys don't provide generous rear-seat room compared to some other midsize cars, and these Subarus are pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors. They do have some appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous available safety features.
Total Score
| 2.5 GT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 60 | 63 |
Total Score: 60
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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