Highlights*
Generous passenger and cargo room, superb ergonomics, and comfortable seats attract drivers to the 2013 Subaru Legacy. Of course, standard AWD and above-average resale value also have a lot to say in the car's success.
Lowlights*
The base audio system is sub-par, vague steering takes some fun out of the driving experience, and the loss of a turbocharged GT model will disappoint many potential buyers. The noisy 4-cylinder engine doesn't help, either.
Pricing
The 2013 Subaru Legacy starts at $23,495 in base 2.5i trim. Equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats. Then you have the Convenience Package at $25,995 (16” alloy wheels, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat), the Touring Package at $27,295 (17” wheels, power sunroof, dual-zone climate control), and finally the Limited Package at $32,495 (multimedia system, leather seats).
Meanwhile, 3.6R models are priced from $34,695. Adding the EyeSight option demands an extra $1,500.
Fuel consumption
The 2013 Subaru Legacy's most fuel-efficient model is a CVT-equipped 2.5i -- 8.6L/100km city, 6.5L/100km highway. It's also available with Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) equipment for even cleaner performance. On the other hand, expect 11.8L/100km city and 8.2L/100km highway with the 3.6R engine and 5-speed autobox.
New for 2013
The base powerplant delivers increased fuel economy, and is quicker off the line and more responsive than ever in all sorts of driving conditions. The second-generation CVT deserves some of the credit. Moreover, the newly available EyeSight technology utilizes two cameras to monitor activity on the road ahead.
Styling
The new front-end design incorporates a new hexagonal grille, bumper, headlights, and fog lights to create an even sportier and more attention-grabbing presence. Strong character lines and flared wheel arches further emphasize the 2013 Subaru Legacy's dynamic looks.
Powertrain
Producing 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, the 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER engine of the 2013 Legacy can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters. As for the 3.6L 6-cylinder BOXER engine, it develops 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque exclusively through a 5-speed automatic transmission.
In all cases, power goes to all four wheels via Subaru's symmetrical full-time AWD system.
Cargo capacity
The trunk of the new Legacy can hold 415 litres of cargo. However, there's extra storage available underneath the floor, and levers to drop the rear seatbacks.
Safety
The 2013 Subaru Legacy received a “Top Safety Pick” award from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) thanks in large part to its six airbags, standard stability and traction control, whiplash-reducing front seats, and advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame. The aforementioned EyeSight features various advanced active safety systems: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, as well as Lane Departure and Sway Warning.
Competitors
Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.
*Based on expert reviews.
Charrette Daniel, L’auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.514
Laguë Philippe, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.548
www.subaru.ca
Generous passenger and cargo room, superb ergonomics, and comfortable seats attract drivers to the 2013 Subaru Legacy. Of course, standard AWD and above-average resale value also have a lot to say in the car's success.
Lowlights*
The base audio system is sub-par, vague steering takes some fun out of the driving experience, and the loss of a turbocharged GT model will disappoint many potential buyers. The noisy 4-cylinder engine doesn't help, either.
Pricing
The 2013 Subaru Legacy starts at $23,495 in base 2.5i trim. Equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats. Then you have the Convenience Package at $25,995 (16” alloy wheels, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat), the Touring Package at $27,295 (17” wheels, power sunroof, dual-zone climate control), and finally the Limited Package at $32,495 (multimedia system, leather seats).
Meanwhile, 3.6R models are priced from $34,695. Adding the EyeSight option demands an extra $1,500.
 |
| Photo: Subaru |
Fuel consumption
The 2013 Subaru Legacy's most fuel-efficient model is a CVT-equipped 2.5i -- 8.6L/100km city, 6.5L/100km highway. It's also available with Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) equipment for even cleaner performance. On the other hand, expect 11.8L/100km city and 8.2L/100km highway with the 3.6R engine and 5-speed autobox.
New for 2013
The base powerplant delivers increased fuel economy, and is quicker off the line and more responsive than ever in all sorts of driving conditions. The second-generation CVT deserves some of the credit. Moreover, the newly available EyeSight technology utilizes two cameras to monitor activity on the road ahead.
Styling
The new front-end design incorporates a new hexagonal grille, bumper, headlights, and fog lights to create an even sportier and more attention-grabbing presence. Strong character lines and flared wheel arches further emphasize the 2013 Subaru Legacy's dynamic looks.
Powertrain
Producing 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, the 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER engine of the 2013 Legacy can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters. As for the 3.6L 6-cylinder BOXER engine, it develops 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque exclusively through a 5-speed automatic transmission.
In all cases, power goes to all four wheels via Subaru's symmetrical full-time AWD system.
 |
| Photo: Subaru |
Cargo capacity
The trunk of the new Legacy can hold 415 litres of cargo. However, there's extra storage available underneath the floor, and levers to drop the rear seatbacks.
Safety
The 2013 Subaru Legacy received a “Top Safety Pick” award from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) thanks in large part to its six airbags, standard stability and traction control, whiplash-reducing front seats, and advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame. The aforementioned EyeSight features various advanced active safety systems: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, as well as Lane Departure and Sway Warning.
Competitors
Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.
*Based on expert reviews.
Charrette Daniel, L’auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.514
Laguë Philippe, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.548
www.subaru.ca