Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Upper trim levels feature upgraded audio system

Exterior Features
The 2012 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan, more spacious and powerful than Legacy models in previous years. The Legacy features standard all-wheel drive on all trims, and is offered with three types of engines and in seven trim levels: the base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited, and 2.5GT Limited. The base model is fitted with 16-inch wheels. The highest trim level, the Limited, features 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires.

Interior Features
The Subaru Legacy base 2.5i trim includes air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, some power accessories, and a 4-speaker sound system. Features are gradually added to succeeding trim levels. Features on the base, Premium, and Limited trims are about the same on the 2.5 and 3.6 models, aside from the engine. The 2.5GT Limited offers leather upholstery, bigger brakes, summer tires, and special interior trim.

Optional Features
Most options for the Subaru Legacy are available in packages. On the base model, the All Weather package provides heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icers, and heated outside mirrors. The Limited trims offer a Navigation System package.

Under the Hood
The Legacy's base power plant is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower and mated with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is standard on upper trims. The 3.6R models are fitted with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine rated at 256 horsepower that works with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5GT features a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, but delivers 265 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.5GT features a 6-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Subaru Legacy are:
- Legacy with 2.5-liter engine and manual transmission: 19/27/22 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Legacy with 2.5-liter engine and CVT: 23/31/26 mpg
- Legacy with 3.6-liter engine: 18/25/20 mpg
- Legacy with turbocharged 2.5-liter engine: 18/25/21 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the Subaru Legacy include anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side air bags, and side curtain air bags.

To date, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have tested the 2012 Subaru Legacy.