2012 Subaru Legacy Preview

The Legacy is Subaru's midsize sedan semi-premium, sporty and sophisticated offering than the smaller, entry-level Impreza. The current Legacy model made its debut in 2010, and little has changed since then. That's hardly a bad thing if the current model is a well-rounded, solid medium choice.

Each Legacy offers all-wheel-drive system Subaru, Subaru defining characteristic. But the automaker is also known for its flat-style motors, which have a lower center of gravity for better handling to offer. The Legacy lineup is powered by three engines and three transmission options, depending on your sports or economy driving intentions.

The base engine is a 2.5-liter flat-4, and with Subaru's CVT can be up to 31 mpg highway. For the spirited driver, the 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 makes gobs of power, but is only equipped with a manual gearbox. Subaru's 3.6-liter flat-6 engine will cost more money and makes less power than the turbo engine, but both the turbo and six-cylinder, 25 mpg highway rate.

Inside, passengers will enjoy a carefully planned interior, plenty of head and knee room, and a big trunk. The center console is tasteful modern, Subaru offers a voice-activated navigation, a rear view camera and a powerful Harman Kardon sound system.

While the Legacy has standard all-wheel drive, Subaru has a different sized sedan that does not cause or falls behind in the segment.

Body Style: Sedan

Engines: 2.5-liter flat-4, 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4, 3.6-liter flat-6

Transmissions: six-speed manual, five-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission

Models: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited

Legacy is expected to be a few new colors, but also enhanced audio and interior to receive.

The Legacy was designed in 2010. With large wheel arches, prominent chrome grille, headlights and high-arched, it's not the prettiest midsizer, but it can be sporty, unique, or refined, depending on your taste.

The Legacy is the dimensions and clever interior packaging provide adequate usable space, and the cabin materials and overall build quality is very good.

Enthusiasts will opt for the 2.5GT Limited, with its 265 hp turbocharged flat-four, six-speed gearbox, sports suspension and revised. The transmission is awkward and the brakes are not very confident, but it's so comfortable on windy mountain road as it is in the fast lane. The rest of the lineup lacks performance, but has control over all wheel drive Subaru, that's favorite in the rain and snow climates.

Safety

The Legacy has four-wheel electronic anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, electronic stability control, two front airbags, seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, traction control, and the all-wheel drive. The Legacy was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2010 and 2011, and expected again for 2012.

2.5 GT: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

2.5i: 19-23 mpg highway mpg city/27-31

3.6R: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway