The 2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5i is a 4-wheel drive Sedan. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It has 4 Doors and is powered by a 2.5L H4 SOHC 16-valve engine which outputs 170 hp @ 5600 rpm and is paired with 6-speed manual transmission gearbox. The 2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5i has cargo capacity of 415 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1486 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5i has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers and. Safety features also include Driver-side front airbag and Passenger-side front airbag. The front suspension is Front independent suspension while the rear suspension is Rear independent suspension. The car also features a It has 16'' steel wheels with covers as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 186 N.m of torque and a top speed of 203 km/h. The 2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5i accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds and hits quarter mile at 14.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is 9.1 L/100km in the city and 6.4 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 23,995
| Name | 2.5i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ 23,995 | |
| Body | Sedan | |
| Doors | 4 Doors | |
| Engine | 2.5L H4 SOHC 16-valve | |
| Power | 170 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
| Number of Seats | 5 Seats | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission | |
| Cargo Space | 415.0 L | |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 415.0 L | |
| Wheel Type | 16'' steel wheels with covers | |
| Series | Legacy V (facelift 2012) | |
| Drivetrain | 4-wheel drive | |
| Horsepower | 170 HP | |
| Torque | 186 N.m | |
| Top Speed | 203 km/h | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | 8.8 s | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Fuel Consumption (City) | 9.1 L/100km | |
| Fuel Consumption (Highway) | 6.4 L/100km | |
| Gear Type | auto | |
| Weight | 1,527 KG | |
| Brand | Subaru | |
| Model | Legacy | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) | 14.9 s | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) - Speed | 136.6 km/h | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) | 27.9 s | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) - Speed | 153.9 km/h | |
| Modifications (MODS) | ||
| Modifications Cost | $ 0 |
| Used Condition | Trade In Price | Private Party Price | Dealer Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding | $ 7,174 | $ 9,747 | $ 11,761 |
| Clean | $ 6,707 | $ 9,122 | $ 10,992 |
| Average | $ 5,774 | $ 7,871 | $ 9,454 |
| Rough | $ 4,840 | $ 6,620 | $ 7,916 |
With standard all-wheel drive, big-car comfort and lively performance, the 2012 Subaru Legacy is a solid choice among midsize sedans.

Sometimes, being different is a good thing. Among midsize sedans, the 2012 Subaru Legacy certainly carves out a niche for itself. But some of what makes it unique also serves to limit its appeal.

Much of what's different with the 2012 Legacy relates to what's under the hood. While nearly every other midsize four-door goes with the sure-fire formula of front-wheel drive and a choice of either inline-4 or V6 power plants, the Legacy keeps on rocking its standard all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed four- and six-cylinder engines, including one that's turbocharged. Then there's the Legacy's styling, which has always stood out from the crowd for better or worse.

On the downside, the Subaru Legacy's weight and reduced efficiency from routing power to all four wheels results in less favorable fuel economy numbers. Its road-holding prowess in inclement weather is a plus, for sure, but if you live in milder climates, it may be harder to justify. Furthermore, the sporty 2.5 GT Limited is not available with an automatic transmission, and a rather fussy navigation system is an option only for the range-topping trim levels.

Given the competitiveness of the family sedan segment, we think there are better choices for most buyers. Top models like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat (http://www.edmunds.com) offer select advantages regarding fuel economy, features, handling and design. And if you want all-wheel drive, the Ford Fusion is worth checking out. Yet if you're the sort of person who doesn't automatically follow the crowd, the 2012 Subaru Legacy is a solid, non-conformist choice.

The 2012 Subaru Legacy is a five-passenger sedan available in seven trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited and 2.5GT Limited.

Every 2.5i comes with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, air-conditioning, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat; the standard features list also includes a four-speaker stereo with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel controls. An optional Alloy Wheel package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and an All Weather package adds a windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors and heated front seats. Bluetooth is available as a port-installed system that relies upon its own small speakers rather than the stereo system.

The 2.5i Premium trims include 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power driver seat, an auto up/down driver window, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB/iPod interface.

The 2.5i Limited adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the All Weather package, a four-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio. This stereo is optional on the Premium CVT trims. The 2.5GT Limited adds a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, bigger brakes, a hood scoop, a sunroof (optional on all other trims but 2.5i), leather upholstery and unique interior trim.

The 3.6R models are essentially the same as the 2.5i models, but gain a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, bigger brakes and 17-inch alloys for all models. The Premium also gets the All Weather package. Optional on the Limited trims is a Navigation System package, which adds a touchscreen interface, voice controls, a rearview camera and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

All 2012 Subaru Legacy models come with all-wheel drive as standard, and buyers have a choice of engines and transmissions. The base 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (a.k.a. "boxer") four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission (which includes a hill-holder feature) is standard on the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, while a CVT is optional on those models and standard on the 2.5i Limited. With the CVT, the 2.5i can be had with Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certification in states with California emissions standards.

A CVT-equipped 2.5i that we tested went from zero to 60 mph in a mediocre 9.4 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with the CVT. The manual is notably worse at 19/27/22.

The 3.6R features a 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder good for 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed traditional automatic transmission is standard. It takes 7.1 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, which is slightly below average for the class. Fuel economy is an estimated 18/25/20.

The 2.5GT gets a turbocharged version of the base model's boxer-4 and produces 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission choice. It goes from zero to 60 mph in a rapid 5.7 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 18/25/21.

Every 2012 Subaru Legacy comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In brake testing, the 2.5i turned in a good performance, coming to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet; the 3.6R was in the same ballpark. The 2.5GT stopped in an excellent 111 feet.

In government crash tests, the Legacy earned an overall rating of four stars (out of a possible five), with four stars for overall front crash protection and four stars for overall side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Legacy its perfect score of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.

The 2012 Subaru Legacy provides a smooth ride and respectable handling. Drivers expecting the 2.5GT model to be a sleeper sport sedan will be disappointed, though, as its suspension tuning is the same as all other Legacys. The base 2.5-liter engine is adequate, but outright acceleration trails that seen in some of the speedier family sedans. The 2.5GT's turbocharged engine is much more of a thrill, though the mandatory manual transmission will limit its appeal. That leaves the new 3.6-liter flat-6 as the main draw for those wanting some punch.

The Subaru Legacy's interior design is sleek and sophisticated, but some might find the overabundance of silver paint unattractive. Though the interior plastics look upscale, most of them are hard to the touch and lack a premium feel found in some competing models.

The seats are comfortable, with plenty of headroom and rear seat legroom. In terms of technology, iPod control and streaming Bluetooth audio are available, but not on the base models. We've found that the nav system's functionality is hampered by fussy controls and small touchscreen icons; also noteworthy is the poor sound quality from the base audio system. We highly recommend the Premium trim or available Harman Kardon upgrade if audio quality is a priority. Trunk space is an average 14.7 cubic feet.

While the three engine choices offer differing acceleration, the Legacy 2.5i, 2.5GT and 3.6R all share the same suspension, so ride and handling are consistent across the lineup. Ride quality is among the best in class, aided by the quiet cabin. Along with responsive steering and brakes, the low center of gravity of its boxer engine and all-wheel drive make handling stable and sporty. The 2.5-liter engine's 170 horsepower provides adequate though unspectacular acceleration and passing. The optional CVT works better than most and features a set of paddle shifters that allow manual-style gear changes. Fuel economy with the CVT is actually quite better than with manual, estimated at 23/31 city/highway. The 3.6R is, as expected, better at moving the Legacy, though there's a hint of vibration at idle. The 265-horsepower turbocharged Legacy 2.5GT is the real performer, with minimal turbo lag and a nice flat torque curve. But buyers who want an automatic transmission will have to choose the 3.6R or shop elsewhere.

Voice-Activated Navigation SystemAvailable only on Limited trims, Subaru's voice-activated navigation system offers a big 8-inch high-resolution screen, a rearview camera and Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming music capability. The system also includes a 440-watt harman/kardon sound system, single-disc CD/DVD player, USB auxiliary audio input, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and iPod integration.Electronic Parking Brake with Hill-Holder FunctionThe traditional parking brake handle is replaced by a soft-touch push/pull switch on the dash. The electronic brake system includes a feature that holds the brakes for a moment on inclines greater than 5 degrees, for easier takeoffs without unwanted rollback.

The spacious interior is elegant in both its design and function. Front seats are superbly comfortable, with most models including one of the best driver-seat lumbar supports we've tested. Legroom and headroom are excellent front and rear, and split-folding rear seats expand the cargo space from large to huge. The thick tilt/telescoping steering wheel includes controls for audio and cruise, as well as Bluetooth on all but the base models. Gauges are stylish, legible and include a trip computer and fuel-economy gauge. An electronic parking brake frees up the console for added storage and generous cup holders. Large windows with low sills offer excellent views out.

The Legacy's styling became more modern with the 2010 redesign but not necessarily more exciting, though few sedans in this category raise one's pulse. Still, the clean design remains fresh in its third year. Other than wheels, foglights and, on all but the base model, color-keyed mirrors, there is little to distinguish the seven trim levels. Even the hot-rod GT model is set apart only by its wheels and functional hood scoop, a disappointing degree of subtlety from the makers of the aggressively sporty WRX STI. The previous generation's frameless door windows have been banished in favor of a quieter cabin.
The base Legacy 2.5i Sedan features all-wheel drive, a 6-speed manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary jack, manual air conditioning, power windows/locks, height-adjustable driver's seat, front side and side-curtain airbags, keyless entry and stability control. A 6-cylinder 3.6R version is similar, though with a 5-speed automatic and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2.5i Premium adds an automatic transmission and 17-inch wheels, while both 2.5i and 3.6R Premium models include a 10-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 6-speaker audio with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity. The 2.5i and 3.6R Limited trims add a power passenger seat, dual-zone climate control and All-Weather Package (heated front seats, mirrors and windshield wiper de-icers). Limited models add leather and 440-watt harman/kardon premium sound. The turbocharged 2.5GT Limited adds 18-inch wheels, power moonroof, leather and sportier trim.
2012 Subaru Legacy options are clustered according to trim. The base 2.5i offers only the CVT automatic, plus the All-Weather Package (heated seats, mirrors and windshield wiper de-icers) and an alloy wheels/foglight package. The 3.6R base trim offers no options, not even heated seats (all 3.6R trims come with a 5-speed conventional automatic). Premium trims with either engine offer the Harman/Kardon audio, moonroof and All-Weather Package. Limited trims offer voice-activated navigation with rearview camera and auto-dimming mirrors. Subaru dealers also offer a relatively wide array of accessories, from auto-dimming mirrors to SiriusXM satellite radio, to a Media hub for connecting MP3 devices.
Subaru offers three boxer engines in the 2012 Legacy, a low-profile and naturally balanced design in which the pistons lay flat in a horizontally opposed configuration. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder delivers 170 horsepower, which is not best in class but does provide satisfactory performance. Equipping this engine with the literally seamless CVT automatic will produce the best fuel economy (23/31 mpg city/highway), but the 6-speed manual is a better choice if performance and fun are priorities. The turbocharged version of the same engine bumps output to 265 horsepower and is recommended for enthusiast drivers. The most refined choice for the Legacy is the 6-cylinder, which offers strong acceleration and passing power, but fuel efficiency drops to an estimated 18/25 mpg city/highway, the same as the turbo.2.5-liter boxer-4170 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 (manual), 23/31 (CVT automatic)2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-4265 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,200 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/253.6-liter boxer-6256 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25
The 2012 Subaru Legacy has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $ 20,000 for the 2.5i with the manual transmission, with the Premium model adding $ 1,300 to that. The 2.5 Limited starts around $ 26,000. The base 6-cylinder 3.6R has an MSRP of just over $ 25,000, rising to nearly $ 29,000 in Limited trim. The 2.5GT Limited starts close to $ 32,000. Pricing starts lower than in 2011 but evens up above the base 2.5i. A similarly priced Honda Accord or Toyota Camry can't match the Legacy's standard content list nor do they even offer the option of all-wheel drive. To get the best deal on your new Legacy, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, which shows what others in your area are paying for their cars. Over a 5-year period, the Legacy is expected to retain excellent resale values, with the 3.6R models besting the 2.5i, and the GT falling somewhere in between the two.
| Engine | Standard in Trim | Power | Torque | Fuel Consumption - City | Fuel Consumption - Highway | 0-100 km/h | Quarter Mile | Half Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L H6 DOHC 24-valve | Limited | 256 hp @ 6000 rpm | 186 N.m | 11.8 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km | 6.5 s | 13.0 s | 24.4 s |
| 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve | Limited Package | 256 hp @ 6000 rpm | 186 N.m | 11.9 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km | 6.5 s | 13.1 s | 24.4 s |
| 3.6L H6 DOHC 24-valve | 3.6R Limited | 256 hp @ 6000 rpm | 186 N.m | 11.8 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km | 6.5 s | 13.1 s | 24.4 s |
| 2.5L H4 SOHC 16-valve | 2.5i Limited Package | 173 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 N.m | 8.4 L/100km | 6.0 L/100km | 8.7 s | 14.9 s | 27.8 s |
| 2.5L H4 SOHC 16-valve | 2.5i Limited Package | 170 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 N.m | 9.1 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km | 8.8 s | 14.9 s | 27.9 s |
| 2.5L H4 DOHC 16-valve | 2.5GT | 265 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 N.m | 11.5 L/100km | 8.0 L/100km | 6.3 s | 12.9 s | 24.1 s |
| 2.5L H4 SOHC 16-valve | 2.5i Limited Package | 170 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 N.m | 9.1 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km | 8.8 s | 15.0 s | 28.0 s |
| 2.5L H4 DOHC 16-valve | 2.5GT | 265 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 N.m | 11.5 L/100km | 8.0 L/100km | 6.3 s | 12.9 s | 24.1 s |
| 2.5L H4 SOHC 16-valve | 2.5i Limited | 170 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 N.m | 9.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km | 8.8 s | 15.0 s | 28.0 s |
| 2.5L H4 turbo DOHC 16-valve | 2.5GT | 265 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 N.m | 11.5 L/100km | 8.0 L/100km | 6.3 s | 12.9 s | 24.1 s |
| AM/FM stereo radio | AM/FM stereo radio with auxiliary audio jack |
|---|---|
| Air Conditionning | Air conditioning |
| Antenna | Glass-imprinted antenna |
| Cargo Organizer | Sub-floor compartment storage |
| Courtesy Dome Light | Courtesy lights |
| Cruise Control | Steering wheel-mounted cruise control |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | Illuminated driver vanity mirror with extensions |
| Front Wipers | Variable intermittent windshield wipers |
| Illuminated Entry | Illuminated entry with fade-out |
| Interior Air Filter | Cabin air filter |
| Number of Speakers | 4 speakers |
| Passenger Vanity Mirror | Illuminated passenger vanity mirror with extensions |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Outlet | 2 12-volt power outlets |
| Power Windows | Power windows with driver-side auto down feature |
| Reading Light | Front reading lights |
| Rear Air Conditionning | Air conditioning ducts |
| Rear Heating | Rear-seat ventilation, heater and air conditioning ducts |
| Remote Audio Controls | Audio controls on steering wheel |
| Single CD | CD/MP3/WMA player |
| Special Feature | Satellite radio pre-wired |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt and telescopic steering wheel |
| Trunk Light | Cargo light |
| Trunk/Hatch Operation | Remote trunk release |
| Cargo Capacity | 415 L |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 1486 kg |
| Front Headroom | 1024 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1091 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 2010 kg |
| Height | 1506 mm |
| Length | 4735 mm |
| Rear Headroom | 951 mm |
| Rear Legroom | 960 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
| Width | 2050 mm |
| Door Handles | Body-color door handles |
|---|---|
| Driving Lights | Daytime Running lights |
| Exterior Mirror Colour | Body-color exterior mirrors |
| Grille | Black and chrome grille |
| Headlight Type | Halogen headlights |
| Headlights Sensor With Auto On | Automatic headlights |
| Heated Exterior Mirrors | Yes |
| Power Exterior Mirrors | Power-adjustable outside mirrors |
| Rear Window Defroster | Rear window defroster with timer |
| Tinted Glass | Tinted windows |
| Clock | Analog clock |
|---|---|
| Floor Mats | Front and rear floor mats |
| Folding Rear Seats | 60/40 split folding bench |
| Front Center Armrest | Front armrest with storage |
| Front Seats Front Seat Back Storage | Passenger seatback storage |
| Front Seats Front Seat Type | Bucket front seats |
| Front Seats Heated | Heated front seats |
| Instrumentation Type | Analog instrumentation |
| Low Fuel Warning | Low fuel warning light |
| Low Washer Fluid Warning | Yes |
| Luxury Dashboard Trim | Aluminum interior accent |
| Number of Cup Holders | 4 cup holders |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | Low oil level warning |
| Outside Temperature Gauge | Outside temperature display |
| Overhead Console | Overhead compartment |
| Rear Center Armrest | Rear-seat fold-down center armrest |
| Seat Trim | Cloth seats |
| Tachometer | Yes |
| Water Temperature Gauge | Coolant temperature gauge |
| Drive Train | 4-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | 2.5L H4 SOHC 16-valve |
| Stability Control | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission |
| Transmission (Option) | Continuously variable transmission |
| Body | Sedan |
|---|---|
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine | 2.5L H4 SOHC 16-valve |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 (Automatic City)6.4 (Automatic Highway)10.6 (Manual City)7.4 (Manual Highway) |
| Power | 170 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission |
| Warranties | Bumper-to-Bumper60000/km, 36/Months Emissions130000/km, 96/Months Powertrain100000/km, 60/Months Roadside AssistanceUnlimited/km, 36/Months Rust-throughUnlimited/km, 60/Months |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | 4 wheel ABS brakes |
|---|---|
| Anti-Theft Alarm | Anti-theft alarm system |
| Brake Assist | Brake assist |
| Brake Type | 4-wheel disc |
| Child Seat Anchor | LATCH/ISOFIX child seat anchors |
| Child-proof Locks | Rear-door child safety locks |
| Driver Airbag | Driver-side front airbag |
| Electronic brake force distribution | Electronic brake force distribution |
| Front Seat Belts | pre-tensioner |
| Hill Start Assist | Hill holder system |
| Ignition Disable | Theft-deterrent engine immobilizer |
| Panic Alarm | Panic alarm |
| Passenger Airbag | Passenger-side front airbag |
| Roof Side Curtain | Side-curtain airbags |
| Side Airbag | Front side-impact airbags |
| Front Anti-Roll Bar | Front stabilizer bar |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Front independent suspension |
| Front Tires | 205/60R16 tires |
| Power Steering | Speed-sensitive power assisted rack-and-pinion steering |
| Rear Anti-Roll Bar | Rear stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Rear independent suspension |
| Spare Tire | Compact spare tire (P135/80R16 tire) |
| Turning Circle | 11.2-meter turning circle diameter |
| Wheel Type | 16'' steel wheels with covers |
The 2012 Subaru Legacy carries over to the new model year with minor trim changes aimed to make it a larger player in the popular midsize family sedan segment. The current-generation Subaru Legacy ...
The 2012 Subaru Legacy remains the only mainstream, mid-size sedan to offer all-wheel drive; it's also among the better-handling models in this class, and a strong value in 2.5i form. Find out why ...
The 2012 Subaru Legacy ranking is based on its score within the 2012 Affordable Midsize Cars category. Currently the Subaru Legacy has a score of 8.0 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources. Critics' Rating: 8.3 Performance: 7.7 ...
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