2010 Subaru Legacy Premium Package (AWD)

The new, fully redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy is a stylistic departure from its predecessors, to put it mildly. Its steroidal fender flares are equal parts Mercedes-Benz S-Class and J.C. Whitney, and its large headlights and slablike front end wouldn't look out of place on a crossover SUV. While previous Legacy shapes ranged from inoffensive to downright sleek, this one is a bit more controversial. We hope consumers will warm to the Legacy's new skin, though, because underneath, there's a lot to like about Subaru's heavily updated midsize sedan. Another Legacy hallmark in recent years has been its diverse array of powertrain choices, and the 2010 Legacy carries on this tradition as well. The base 2.5-liter "boxer" (horizontally opposed) four-cylinder engine will be adequate for many buyers, but those with a greater need for speed will be heartened to find two optional engines -- a revised turbocharged version of the boxer-4 that promises to be the sporty pick of the bunch, and a new, smooth-running 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that packs a lot more punch than last year's 3.0-liter flat-6. With either of the upgraded power plants, the Legacy can be seen as a budget-priced alternative to premium all-wheel-drive sport sedans from Germany and Japan. In addition to its larger cabin, distinctive powertrains and standard all-wheel drive, the 2010 Subaru Legacy features a modern interior that can be outfitted with a full range of electronic gadgetry for buyers so inclined. In the crowded midsize sedan segment, these traits should help set the Legacy apart. We'd still advise you to test-drive the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima and Volkswagen's CC and Passat, paying particular attention to interior design and feature availability. But as long as the Legacy's edgy new look doesn't rub you the wrong way, it should definitely be on your short list of family-oriented four-doors. The 2010 Subaru Legacy is a five-passenger midsize sedan offered in base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Premium, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited trim levels. The base 2.5i comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio controls, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, an electronic parking brake and a four-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5i Premium trim steps up to 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power driver seat and an auto up/down driver window. The 2.5i Limited adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a four-way power passenger seat, an All Weather package (includes a windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors and heated front seats), dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The 2.5GT Premium starts with the 2.5i Premium's equipment and adds the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, larger brakes a hood scoop and the All Weather package. The 2.5GT Limited tacks on the power passenger seat, automatic climate control and leather upholstery. The 3.6R starts with the base 2.5i's equipment and adds the 3.6-liter flat-6 engine and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 3.6R Premium adds the 2.5i Premium's extra features except for the wheels, which remain 17-inch alloys, and it also gets the All Weather package. The 3.6R Limited has the same extras as the 2.5GT Limited. Many standard features on higher trim levels can be specified as options on lower trims. Exclusive to Limited models is an optional voice-activated navigation system that's bundled with an iPod/USB input, Bluetooth and streaming Bluetooth audio, and a back-up camera. A sunroof is a stand-alone option on all but the base 2.5i.