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2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i: offers all-wheel drive, fuel efficiency

Published 12:30 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2015

My mom always said: “Be a leader, not a follower.”

That’s Subaru. The Japanese automaker has always done an excellent job in separating itself from the rest of the pack.

And its 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium AWD midsize sedan that seats five adults is no exception.

Legacy is still the only car in its class with all-wheel drive offered as standard equipment.

It also offers the largest interior passenger volume in its segment.

It delivers the top-rated fuel-efficiency in its class (with all-wheel-drive), with an EPA rating of 36 miles per gallon down the highway.

And the brand continues to be a safety innovator, introducing improved EyeSight and rear radar systems.

My tester was powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC, four-cylinder Boxer engine mated to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The combination generates 175 horsepower and a peak torque of 174 lb.-ft., but spread over a broader engine speed range to improve responsiveness.

If you’re looking for more – there is more. Subaru offers a top-of-line six-cylinder 3.6R Limited that produces 256 horsepower and – I would presume – enough thrills and chills to keep lead-foots happy.

Frankly, one of the things that impressed me most about this Subaru, would go unnoticed by most – its quietness. Thanks to a new acoustic windshield, liquid-filled engine mounts, thicker panels in key locations, and expanded use of foam insulation and floor damping material, conversations can be held without shouting in the Legacy.

Other “ordinary” pleasantries included a spacious back seat that provided generous head and leg room, and oversized trunk that accommodates multiple golf bags.

The EyeSight driver-assist system integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and vehicle lane-departure warning. EyeSight, which uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology, is the highest-rated front crash prevention system by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

This Legacy is the best equipped ever, with all trim lines adding new standard amenities. The Limited trim line models offer the highest level of luxury in a Subaru, including standard perforated leather upholstery; two-position memory for the 10-way power driver’s seat; a 4-way power front passenger seat; three-mode heated front seats (also standard for Premium) and dual-mode heated rear seats; rear-seat air conditioning vents and a high-end surround sound audio system with 12 Harman/Kardon speakers.

The car’s infotainment capability is also updated and ready to impress. The new 7.0 inch touch-screen “Infotainment System” that can we “swipe like a tablet or Smartphone, provides AM/FM and HD radio, single-disc in-dash CD player, Subaru’s STARLINK connectivity with Aha and Pandora smartphone integration, SMS text messaging, rearvision camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capability, dual USB ports and auxiliary input jack.

A longtime favorite of discerning car buyers from the Northwest, and with an ever-growing legion of ultra-loyal owners, the Subaru brand – and its Legacy – are assured for years to come.

2015 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5i

Base Price: $23,795

As Tested: $25,984

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.