The Subaru Legacy sedan. Photo courtesy Subaru.
CHERRY HILL, NJ – Subaru’s restyled 2013-MY Legacy mid-size sedan, which the automaker is debuting at the 2012 New York Auto Show, features a new more fuel-efficient engine and new safety technologies.
The 2013-MY Subaru Legacy 2.5i is available in three trim levels: base, Premium, and Limited. The Legacy 3.6R is available in base and Limited levels.
According to Subaru, the sedan features a new BOXER engine, which comes in 3.6L H6 or 2.5L four-cylinder versions. The new double-overhead cam FB series 2.5L engine can produce 173 hp and 174 lb. ft. of torque (compared to 170 hp and 170 lb.-ft. from the previous 2.5-liter SOHC engine). Transmission choices for the 2.5L include a second-generation Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual transmission. The Legacy 6R comes with a 256 hp 3.6L engine and five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Subaru said that although it doesn’t have EPA fuel-economy numbers just yet, the automaker is projecting that the 2.5i with the Lineartronic CVT will achieve 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined (compared to 23/31/26 for the 2012 model-year).
Another new feature on the 2013-MY Legacy is Subaru’s new EyeSight driver-assist system, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.
For the interior, the sedan features new seat fabric in the other models, and wood grain trim in the Limited models. Limited trim level models for MY-2013 feature a new rear-seat A/C outlet, and a new electro-luminescent instrument cluster in this trim level features a 3.5-inch color screen for the multi-information display. That display also shows EyeSight safety system functions. The vehicle also features a Keyless Access & Start system.
When it comes to convenience features, the Legacy 2.5i offers steering wheel cruise control and audio switches; a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder System; and an automatic headlight function. Subaru upgraded the 2.5i model’s infotainment system for MY-2013 to include Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming, iPod control capability, and a USB charging port. The system still has an AM/FM stereo, single disc CD player, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), 3.5mm aux. input jack, and four speakers.
Legacy Premium models come with a 10-way power driver's seat, a pair of dash-mounted tweeters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, body-colored side mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels (all 3.6R trim levels have 17-inch alloy wheels as standard), and other amenities.
For the Legacy Limited models, new for 2013 are a rear A/C duct and electro-luminescent gauges. Other features include the All-Weather Package, a Harman/Kardon premium audio package, standard XM Satellite Radio service (Subaru includes a four-month free trial subscription), an available voice-activated GPS navigation system with a rear vision camera, and XM NavTraffic (four-month free trial subscription included).
