It’s not that Legacy has been labeled an outcast from the other midsize models out there – it’s just got a few quirks. That’s what gives the 2012 Legacy its personality. Being stuck in the middle seat between the broad shoulders of Toyota Camry and Honda Accord must be tough. Legacy needs a little aggressive elbow action to get a piece of the armrest, that’s all.
Plus a little variety never hurts.
Here now, all that begets the 2012 Subaru Legacy.
2012 Subaru Legacy: All-Wheel Drive, All The Time
You got it. And you don’t have a choice. No matter which of Legacy’s 7 trims you fall in love with, all-wheel drive comes standard. And remember, you can pick your perfect trim at Carwoo anytime. Residents of all-weather cities should take note, but remember that AWD keeps you in control on any surface at any time of year. Less slippage means a safer commute, and though fuel economy suffers just slightly compared to front-wheel drive counterparts, you’re still not going to be paying an ‘extra’ fee for what Subaru has deemed its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
2012 Subaru Legacy Performance
Each Legacy comes equipped with one of Subaru’s well-known ‘Boxer’ engines, meaning they have a flat, or horizontal, piston arrangement which promotes a low center of gravity. Partnered with all-wheel drive, Subaru’s Boxers help to balance out Legacy during unstable real world conditions.
And drivers can focus on balancing peace of mind.
2012 Legacy Trims
Go with the 2.5i Legacy models (2.5i, 2.5i Premium, or 2.5i Limited) and receive a 4 cylinder, 2.5L Boxer that’s capable of 170 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard with the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium; a CVT is optional with those, and standard on the Limited trim.
The base engines are universally regarded as tame, but thankfully there is a 6-cylinder option. That’s where the 3.6Rs come in. With these trims (3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited), Subaru offers a 3.6 liter Boxer, capable of 256 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque. Subaru partners these trims with a 5-speed auto.
If that weren’t enough, the 2.5GT Limited Legacy has a turbocharged version of the base 4-cylinder engine that offers 265 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Be aware, a 6-speed manual is the only option here.
2012 Legacy Fuel Economy
MPG averages for the base 2.5 liter engines are 23/31/26 (city/highway/combined) MPG with a CVT transmission, and 19/27/22 for manuals. 6-cylinder 3.6R Legacy trims will achieve 18/25/20 MPG, and the turbocharged GT Limited sees 1 MPG higher overall at 18/25/21.
2012 Legacy Interior Highlights
Space is a Legacy highlight on the inside. Look for 103 cubic feet to fit 5 passengers comfortably front and back, alongside 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Some have been turned off by the hard to touch, if nice looking, plastic trim, but just look at it as part of the sacrifice for having extra stretching room. Upgrades include all the standards- leather and navigation for Limited trims, and a 9 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system available on all trims save the base 2.5i.
2012 Legacy Safety
Legacy standards include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, stability/traction control, and a standard airbag setup, featuring front-side and side curtain bags. Aiding Legacy’s solidity on the road is its high tensile steel frame design, keeping precious cargo better intact if the unfortunate collision occurs. Attention to safety has garnered Legacy a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick, and government crash testing so far gives Legacy 4/5 stars for frontal collisions, and 5/5 for damage.
Does being different matter?
Legacy is unlikely to steal sales number championships from the big guns, and increased outside competition from capable cars like Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, and Hyundai Sonata adds to an already crowded dance floor. That being said, the appeal of standard all-wheel drive and the array of engine options will likely ring a few bells, especially for all-weather drivers. And long as Subaru keeps its tradition of producing safe, capable nameplates its own legacy is safe and secure. Put yourself in Legacy’s safe frame right now at Carwoo.
