2010 Subaru Legacy

Voice-Activated Navigation System
Available only on Limited trims, Subaru's new voice-activated navigation system offers a big eight-inch view screen, a rear backup camera and Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming music capability. The system also includes a harman-kardon 440-watt sound system, single-disc CD/DVD player, USB auxiliary audio input and iPod control capability.

Electronic Parking Brake with Hill-Holder Function
The traditional parking brake handle is replaced by a push/pull switch mounted on the dash. The electronic brake system includes a hill-hold feature that keeps the car from rolling forward or backward on inclines greater than five degrees.

The new Legacy touts an interior superior to its predecessor in every way. The front seats are supremely comfortable, with the driver's-side lumbar support among the best we've tested. There's plenty of legroom for tall passengers both front and rear, and the front passenger now enjoys the same length foot well as the driver. A new three-spoke steering wheel has controls for the cruise/audio features as well as a nice, thick rim. Instruments are larger, and the new electronic parking brake placed on the dash frees up additional storage space in the center console area. The rear seats are divided into a 60/40-split configuration and fold flat to create an enormous cargo area. Of special note is the optional navigation system which offers a large screen, voice activation and the ability to stream music through a Bluetooth-enabled device. Other nice touches include sun-visor extensions for both driver and passenger and a remote trunk release cutoff switch in the lockable glove box.

The 2010 Subaru Legacy's exterior is stylish and sleek, but breaks no new ground in areas of excitement or innovation. Aside from its larger wheels and subtle hood scoop, there isn't much to distinguish the hot-rod GT model from the 2.5i Limited, a bit of a mystery from the company that knows how to turn a boring Impreza into a stunning WRX STI. Still, looks aside, the Legacy has much to offer. Larger rear doors provide improved ease of entry, and the previous model's frameless windows are now a thing of the past, a change that contributes to the new car's low interior noise levels. The wheelbase is up three inches from last year's version but, with shorter overhangs, the car gains only 1.4 inches in length. All but the base models feature handsome alloy wheels and a new double-wishbone rear suspension helps improve ride quality and create more trunk capacity.

Subaru offers three horizontally-opposed boxer engines in the 2010 Legacy. The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers 170 horsepower, which may not be best in class but does generate enough muscle to provide satisfactory performance. Equipping this engine with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) will produce the best fuel economy, but the six-speed manual is a better choice from a performance standpoint. A turbocharged version of the same engine bumps output to 265 horsepower and is recommended for enthusiast drivers. The best choice for the Legacy is the six-cylinder, which offers much better acceleration and passing power than the four while delivering slightly worse fuel economy (18/25 vs. 23/31).

2.5-liter Boxer four
170 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
170 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 (manual), 23/31 (automatic)

2.5-liter Boxer four turbocharged
265 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2000-5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25

3.6-liter Boxer six
256 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
247 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25