2010 Subaru Legacy Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
A twenty-year lifespan provides a lot of time for refinement, and Subaru had a heck of a fine starting point with the Legacy. Before the...
A twenty-year lifespan provides a lot of time for refinement, and Subaru had a heck of a fine starting point with the Legacy. Before the official unveiling at the New York International Auto Show (April 10th-19th), Subaru revealed specs and pics for the 2010 Legacy, showing us a car that's bigger, taller, and more powerful.
Let’s start with the outside specs of this all-wheel-drive four-door sport sedan. The '09 edition is 35mm longer, 90mm wider, and 80mm taller than in 2009, with an 80mm longer wheelbase as well. This means more legroom, headroom, and trunk space. The front grille and C-pillars are reminiscent of the 2009 model's, but the rest of the car has been redesigned to have a more aggressive look. Inside, Subaru attempted to create a more open space, eliminating the lever-operated parking brake in favor of a cleaner electronic option, and redesigning the instrument panel along the same lines. The three-spoke steering wheel has been redesigned and includes audio controls and paddle shifters for automatic trims. Interior storage has also been increased with a larger console box and armrest.
Perhaps the biggest news is in the engine and transmission lineup. Every engine is tweaked, revised, or remapped. Starting with the base 2.5i trim, the 2.5-liter boxer four gets a weight-saving resin-baked intake manifold that brings peak torque in at 4,000 rpm, as opposed to the previous 4,400. Subaru reports improved cooling and a revised catalytic converter have increased fuel efficiency to 19/27 mpg. The turbocharged 2.5 for the 2.5GT is revised with a modified turbo and an rpm reduction for more power and efficiency. Even with the 22-hp increase and additional 17 lb-ft of torque, fuel efficiency comes in at 18/25. Both engines now come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. An optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) is new for the 2.5i, although the automatic option for the 2.5GT is still a five-speed. The CVT is especially notable as the first longitudinally mounted CVT in an AWD car, not to mention its impressive fuel economy of 23/31.
The top-tier 3.6R gets a big upgrade in its 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder engine, putting out an additional 11 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing 3.0, although the sole transmission available is a five-speed automatic, with that combo achieving 18/25. The suspension has also been revised across the model line, and all trims now include standard stability control.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2010 Subaru Legacy are very pleased with their purchase, particularly praising its all-wheel drive capability, fuel efficiency, and comfort features. Many drivers appreciate the car's performance in snowy conditions and spaciousness. On the downside, some reviewers had expected a more athletic performance on dry roads and noted minor issues, but these concerns didn't overshadow their overall satisfaction with the vehicle."
I bought this car with 40k miles back in 2013. The Lariche Subaru in Findley Ohio had service this car from headlights to exhaust muffler. Just regular oil change and tire rotation on this car until it reached its 60k service. I drove it along on country roads. I drove it to Canada and also drove it twice to VA. Great gas mileage at driving 75-80 mph. 33+ mpg on the highway. This is my first Subaru but I'm so glad I bought this car. Sometime calculating your budget and buying something really odd can turn out to be one of the best investments you've done. Subaru's are great cars with the bucks worthing every penny. Once you drive an AWD car, you'd never enjoy driving a FWD car. 2010 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5i (Stock) 170hp AWD K&N air filter.
November 13, 2014I love the Legacy for the 256 horsepower 3.6 litre flat six and 5 speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmission that provides spirited performance for a nearly 3600 pound car. The car as can be expected for one with All Wheel Drive is not the most athletic on the street but it corners without drama and goes pretty well in a straight line. The build quality is execptional. I had a WRX 5 years ago and the car nearly fell apart. The Legacy feels as solid as a brick wall. The styling is an evolution of the previous generation so it crisply done and very handsome. The only costs i have incurred over the first 3,363 miles is the cost of petrol.
December 2, 2009Great looks, runs smooth, wonderful savings on gasoline, good value for the price. Love the lumbar support and the heated seats! Buy one today friends!
October 27, 2009What owners say
I bought this car with 40k miles back in 2013. The Lariche Subaru in Findley Ohio had service this car from headlights to exhaust muffler. Just regular oil change and tire rotation on this car until it reached its 60k service. I drove it along on country roads. I drove it to Canada and also drove it twice to VA. Great gas mileage at driving 75-80 mph. 33+ mpg on the highway. This is my first Subaru but I'm so glad I bought this car. Sometime calculating your budget and buying something really odd can turn out to be one of the best investments you've done. Subaru's are great cars with the bucks worthing every penny. Once you drive an AWD car, you'd never enjoy driving a FWD car. 2010 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5i (Stock) 170hp AWD K&N air filter.
November 13, 2014I love the Legacy for the 256 horsepower 3.6 litre flat six and 5 speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmission that provides spirited performance for a nearly 3600 pound car. The car as can be expected for one with All Wheel Drive is not the most athletic on the street but it corners without drama and goes pretty well in a straight line. The build quality is execptional. I had a WRX 5 years ago and the car nearly fell apart. The Legacy feels as solid as a brick wall. The styling is an evolution of the previous generation so it crisply done and very handsome. The only costs i have incurred over the first 3,363 miles is the cost of petrol.
December 2, 2009Great looks, runs smooth, wonderful savings on gasoline, good value for the price. Love the lumbar support and the heated seats! Buy one today friends!
October 27, 2009I researched many vehicles and I bought what I wanted, Its been a great car and I would buy another one. I couldn't touch any other AWD vehicle for the price of my Subaru. Granted its no truck, and I miss mine, I have mostly owed 4wd trucks, however the gas mileage plus the AWD capability was worth the down size. I drive this car every day, in all kinds of weather, snow included, and with winter tires its like a tank, and sticks to the road like glue. This car has been more then I expected, and I have got my moneys worth out of it. I will drive it to the ground. Crash safety one of the best cars I have seen, I am a volunteer fireman have been for 20yrs, and Subaru holds up; one of the best in a crash.
January 8, 2015Ride, fuel economy for AWD car. CVT transmission nice. Very roomy. Very reliable. Great in the snow, Doors shut like a Mercedes, very solid. 60/40 back seat very useful for packing, especially skis or longer items. Would buy another.
April 29, 2013Subaru finally made the highly underrated legacy into something very notable, from the awd to the padle shifters on the steering wheel, and the harmon kardon stereo kicks, handles like a dream and is quick down the ramp, if you like to drive and still want to be able to go anywhere or do anything this car is for you
June 29, 2009Great car, awd is awsome to have . Long lasting vehicle.
December 6, 20224 cylinder was good. 3.6 is FUN. Awd, fun in snow, rain, and dry conditions, but the best part is that they last. We've owned several and besides our Ford diesel, these are the only cars we buy. They are worth the investment.
November 22, 2014the car handles great i havent had any problems yet. it easily can handle off road espeacially in the winter its great. i love the interior including my heated seats it looks great both inside and out and its very fun to drive.
April 27, 2010Overall- A great car, I am very glad i bought this, great in snow, awesome on gas and it's backed with the Subaru name Highly rec to anyone looking for a sedan in the 20-25k range 6 speed, 30mpg, awd, looks damn good
June 20, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $24,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $20,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $19,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $24,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $27,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 256 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 256 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $19,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $25,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 256 hp H6 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $29,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 265 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 265 hp H4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$19,995 - $29,995
Current avg. market price
$7,154
Trending up by 0.1% this month
May 2026 - July 2026
