2013 Subaru Legacy

Exterior and Interior

After being redesigned for the 2010 model year, the 2013 Legacy has received a new, sportier front styling with new headlights, grille, and front bumper. For the interior, Subaru has added new seat fabrics, a dark, glossy wood grain trim, and a new electro-luminescent instrument cluster in the Limited models.

For 2013, the new Legacy 2.5i will be offered in three trim levels – Base, Premium, and Limited - while the 3.6R version only comes in Base and Limited. The previous 2.5GT version has been discontinued.

Base model features:

• Steering wheel cruise control and audio switches
• a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat
• Electronic parking brake with Hill Holder System
• Automatic headlight function
• Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming
• iPod control capability
• USB charging port
• AM/FM stereo, single disc CD player, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), 3.5mm aux. input jack, and four speakers.

Premium models add:

• Lineartronic CVT
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• Pair of dash-mounted tweeters
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Body-colored side mirrors
• 17-in. alloy wheels (all 3.6R trim lines have 17-in. alloy wheels as standard)

Limited models will add:

• Perforated leather upholstery
• All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats and mirrors
• Windshield wiper de-icer (package optional for Premium)
• Dual zone automatic climate control
• Four-way power front passenger seat
• Display-type harman/kardon premium audio package (optional for Premium) with a 4.3-in. color display
• 440-watt amplifier
• Nine harman/kardon premium speakers
• Standard XM Satellite Radio service (four-month free trial subscription included)
• Rear A/C duct
• Electro-luminescent gauges

2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R

Engine

For 2013, Subaru will be offering two engine options for the Legacy: a new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series 2.5-liter BOXER engine for the 2.5i models and the usual 256 HP 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine for the 3.6R versions.

The new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series 2.5-liter boxer engine delivers a total of 173 HP and 174 lb.-ft. of torque - an increase of 3 HP and 4 lb-ft of torque over the previous 2.5-liter SOHC engine. More importantly, the new engine produces greater low-end torque across a broad speed range. This new engine will be offered with a choice of either a standard six-speed manual transmission or the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). When equipped with the Lineartronic CVT transmission, the Legacy will achieve 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined, compared to 23/31/26 for the 2012 model.

Also for 2013, the model will receive Subaru’s new EyeSight driver-assist system, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

Prices

The 2013 Subaru Legacy will go on sale later in 2012. Prices will be announced closer to its market launch.

Competition

The new Legacy will be facing one of its competitors in New York: the new 2013 Nissan Altima. The new Altima will feature a new exterior language, plus a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid version. Next to it, the Ford Fusion will also remain a serious competitor: it will get a new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.