Model Strengths:

• Compelling Design Inside and Out
• Plenty of Power
• Ride Comfort
• Standard All-wheel Drive
• Fine Balance of Luxury and Performance

Model Overview:

For 2011, the Subaru Legacy is available in seven trim levels. The 2.5i is the entry-level trim, and comes in Premium, and Limited trims. In the middle of the range is the 2.5GT in Limited trim, and the 3.6R in both Premium and Limited trims tops the line.

Three engines are available. The 2.5i trim comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder horizontally opposed "boxer" engine that makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5GT comes with a turbocharged DOHC version of the same engine making 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6R gets a 3.6L V6 boxer DOHC engine capable of 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.

The 2.5i comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The 2.5GT is offered only with the 6-speed manual transmission, while the 3.6L engine is offered only with a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on all models. MacPherson struts in front and a new double-wishbone rear setup provide the Legacy with a sporty, compliant suspension.

Standard safety equipment includes front seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, intelligent dual-stage deploying front air bags, 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, brake assist, an electronic parking brake with Hill Holder and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Limited trims offer voice-activated GPS with rear-backup camera.

Standard equipment on the base 2.5i includes air conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, power doors, windows and mirrors and steering wheel controls. The 2.5i Premium adds as standard a 10-way driver seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tip, leather-wrapped steering wheel and driver's window with auto up/down. The 2.5 Limited adds a 4-way power passenger seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, dual-zone climate control, a Harman/Kardon 440-watt premium audio system, leather-trimmed upholstery and an All Weather Package, which includes a windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors and heated front seats.

Gone is the 2.5GT Premium, though the 2.5GT Limited has gained some sporting equipment to change its character a bit. The car has gained standard features such as a power moonroof, fog lights and satellite radio, as well as interior appearance parts such as aluminum pedals, silver stitching and a carbon-look dash. Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips and functional hood scoop, plus a power passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, a Harman/Kardon 440-watt premium audio system, leather trimmed upholstery and the All Weather Package.

The 3.6R base trim adds as standard 17-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips and driver's window with auto up/down, in addition to all the standard features of the base 2.5i. The 3.6R Premium adds 10-way power driver seat, All Weather Package and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 3.6R Limited adds 4-way power passenger seat, dual zone climate control, Harman/Kardon 440-watt premium audio system with 6-CD player, Bluetooth and hands-free phone and leather upholstery.

A Harman/Kardon audio system and a power moonroof are optional on the Premium trims. A power moonroof is optional on the Limited trims and a voice-activated GPS system with backup camera, iPod, USB, Bluetooth, hands-free phone and Bluetooth streaming audio. The All-Weather Package is standard on 2.5GT Limited and 3.6R Premium and optional on 2.5i Premium.

Model Changes:

Following a complete redesign in 2010, the Subaru Legacy returns for 2011 with few changes. Biggest among them is that in the middle of the range, the 2.5GT Premium has been dropped. With a modest bump in price, that car has gained several standard features, such as a moonroof, fog lights, satellite radio and various interior appearance enhancements.

Model Value:

Subaru has long been known for standard all-wheel drive in all of its models. The Legacy brings Subaru's reputation for safety and reliability to a stylish mid-size sedan capable of surprising performance. MSRP starts at just under $20,000, and estimated mileage performance across all trims is 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.