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New car reviews » 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited

What, a Subaru without a turbo? Yep, such things are still available. The Legacy 2.5i Limited provides full-time all-wheel drive for those who are more interested in quiet comfort than lap times. Believe it or not, such a market segment exists, too.

In addition to the unblown 170-horsepower boxer engine, the Legacy 2.5i Limited is available with only one transmission choice: the Lineartronic continuously variable box. (It’s also optional on the other 2.5i models.)

The Legacy 2.5i also comes standard with 17x7.0-inch wheels, a six-disc CD changer and all the usual power accessories. Our Caramel Bronze Pearl test car also had Option Package 08: $2995 for the power moonroof plus USB/iPod input, XM radio, rear-vision camera and built-in navigation system.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

A bit less exciting than some other cars in the Subaru lineup but, then again, not everyone wants to drive an STI. (I know, we’re shocked, too.) Maybe it’s best to think of this as an all-wheel-drive alternative to a Camry or similar family-mover.

I was not enamored with the CVT transmission, though. It was a bit slow to react when a quick reaction was required—like when trying to make a left against traffic.

Reader comments:

  1. pinchvalve: — Dec 21, 2010 10:31 a.m.

    Legacy Vanilla Edition, with the Milquetoast package.

  2. Turbonutter: — Dec 22, 2010 6:52 p.m.

    Hey guys, is it just me or is there no info in the brakes section? Just says (front)(rear). I’m assuming it has discs at all four corners, yes?

  3. gunner: — Dec 26, 2010 9:34 p.m.

    looks like they’ve managed to eek 5 more bhp out of this engine since 1998? not bad for N/A subaru.

  4. David S. Wallens: — Dec 28, 2010 3:07 p.m.

    Four-wheel discs are standard across the Legacy line. Some have solid rear rotors and some have vented rear rotors.

    http://www.subaru.com/content/static/vehicles/legacy/compare.html

  5. Mowry: — Dec 30, 2010 9:12 a.m.

    No commentary on the styling? None? Park it next to an ‘05 Legacy…

2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited Specs:

Drivetrain Layout:
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine:
2.5 liter flat-4
Horsepower:
170 bhp at 5600 rpm
Torque:
170 lb.-ft at 4000 rpm
Transmission:
CVT
Brakes:
disc (front)
disc (rear)
Weight:
3451 pounds
Price:
Base: $25295
As tested: $29315

Staff Ratings:

Stock Performance:
**1/2
Performance Potential:
**1/2
Daily Driver Manners:
****
Fit and Finish:
****
Overall:
***

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