2010 Subaru Legacy Review
The Subaru Legacy is a Japanese automobile that features a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system as standard across all grades. It's the same as the Subaru Outback in all aspects except the suspension which in the Outback has been raised for off-road performance. The Subaru Legacy is offered both as a station wagon and saloon. The station wagon is known as the Touring Wagon while the saloon is known as the B4. The Legacy competes with the Audi A4, VW Passat, Toyota Mark X, Nissan Teana, Mercedes C Class, BMW 3 Series and the Mazda 6.
Detailed Review
The fourth generation Legacy known as the BM for the saloon and BR for the wagon was in production from 2009 to 2014. This generation introduced many radical changes such as full-frame doors, single panel sunroof, automatic parking brake, a longer body and SI Drive standard for all grades.
The 2010 Subaru Legacy is offered with 2 engine options: a 2.5L EJ25 Engine and a 3.6L EZ36 Engine. There is a 2.0L DOHC turbodiesel engine available in the European markets but it’s not prevalent in Kenya. There are 2 transmission options available; a 5 speed automatic and a 6 speed manual – common with the 3.6L Legacy.
2010 Subaru Legacy Grades
- 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i – This is the base package that comes with the 2.5L EJ25 engine, 16-Inch alloy rims, SI Drive, key-start, non-xenon headlights, cloth trim and manual seats
- 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i L Package – This is luxury package that comes with all the features of the 2.5i plus 17-inch alloy rims, navigation, power seats, reverse camera, steering control buttons, optional cruise control, xenon headlights, Bluetooth, optional sunroof and optional leather seats
- 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i S Package – This is the sports grade that comes with all the features of the L Package plus 18-Inch alloy rims, chrome trim, paddle shift and an optional Subaru Eyesight
- 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT – This comes with all the features of the S Package plus a turbocharged 2.5L EJ25 engine
- 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R – This comes with all the features of the S Package plus the 3.6L EZ36 Engine, Sunroof, leather seats and Subaru Eyesight
Interior
Legroom & Space
The 2010 Subaru Legacy is by far spacious and roomier than the previous generations. Thanks to an increase in length, the Legacy now boasts of the best legroom and headspace in it’s category. The boot space has been slightly reduced to free up space for seating and this has made a big difference. At the first row, both the driver and passenger are afforded with excellent legroom. The seats recline far back enough to accommodate even the tallest of persons. We recommend the automatic seats as they are more functional and comfortable than the manual seats. At the second row, the seats have executive-class legroom with the exception of the middle seat that is restricted by the transmission tunnel.
Cabin Storage
Cabin storage is essential for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. For the 1st row there are 2 cup holders, door panel storage , a storage shelf below the dashboard, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, there are 2 cup holders, seat pockets and door pockets.
2010 Subaru Legacy Boot Space
The 2010 Subaru Legacy has a large boot that can carry sizable luggage. It can comfortably accommodate travel luggage for a family of five. The rear seats can also be folded down to create extra boot space that can carry bulky items such as a large fridge, cooker, etc.
Other Extras: Infotainment , Navigation(Optional), Smart Start, 7 Airbags, SI Drive
Safety Features: Symmetrical AWD, Eyesight, ABS, Traction Control, SI Cruise, SRS Airbags
Exterior
The 2010 Subaru Legacy features alloy rims and fog lights standard across all grades. The sports grades and the 3.6R come with dual exhaust and 18-Inch Alloy rims.
2010 Subaru Legacy Fuel Consumption
The 2.5i consumes 13.6 km/L On Average
The 2.5GT consumes 9.4 km/L On Average
The 3.6R consumes 10.7 km/L On Average
2010 Subaru Legacy Acceleration
The 2.5i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.8 sec.
The 2.5GT accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 sec.
The 3.6R accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 sec.
2010 Subaru Legacy Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 Litres
2010 Subaru Legacy Ground Clearance
The 2010 Subaru Legacy has a ground clearance of 5.9 Inches(150mm). This is very low by Kenyan standards and will not clear speed bumps. A height adjustment is necessary for the vehicle to be comfortably driven on Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines on how to safely do this.
2010 Subaru Legacy Stability and Handling
With its low center of gravity, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is stable and takes corners at high speeds. The double-wishbone suspension is much more robust than the previous multi-link suspension and it gives the Legacy dynamic handling characteristics. On slippery ground, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive maintains excellent traction. The brakes are precise and do a good job at controlling the car under hard braking. The higher rated 3.6R feels much more nimble thanks to it’s tonnes of BHP and better brakes. The 2.5GT is also exciting to drive with a powerful acceleration that makes overtaking so effortless.
Service Intervals
Minor Service- Done at 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service- Done at 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
A few years ago, Subaru spares were expensive and hard to find in Kenya, but things have changed. Subaru parts especially service parts are now affordable and easy to find both in Nairobi and other major towns. However, special parts such as gearboxes, engine components and sensors can get very expensive and hard to find. For a list of Subaru Spare Part dealers in Kenya, follow this link
2010 Subaru Legacy Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.
The Subaru Legacy is acclaimed the world over as one of the most reliable cars. The 2010 Legacy is no exception, it inherits engines from the previous generation that are bullet proof. The introduction of new technologies such as the SI Drive, SI Cruise, and Eyesight, has added a layer of complexity but overall, this has not affected it’s reliability. When used correctly, these systems rarely fail but if they do, they can be expensive to repair. We recommend that you insure your car comprehensively as even minor faults can be costly.
Always follow the recommended guidelines as per the Owner’s manual. To download the 2010 Subaru Legacy Owner’s Manual click here
Resale Value: Good
Subaru Legacy Competitors: Audi A4, VW Passat, Toyota Mark X, Nissan Teana, Mercedes C Class, BMW 3 Series and the Mazda Atenza
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: See latest Subaru Legacy Prices here
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 40,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 50,000/- for 4 Tyres
What we like about the 2010 Subaru Legacy
1. Spacious and Comfortable
2. Excellent performance
3. Top notch reliability
What we don’t
Low ground clearance
Conclusion
The 2010 Subaru Legacy is one of the most outstanding station wagons we’ve seen in the market. There are few competitors that can match it’s capabilities both on-road and off-road. Of course, the low ground clearance is an issue that has to be addressed but overall, it’s a solid car.
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