2009 Subaru Legacy: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Subaru Legacy is the new 3.0 R sedan, which brings the six-cylinder engine to a non-Limited trim. This is otherwise a modest final-year update before the 2010 redesign.
About the 2009 Subaru Legacy
4th generation Legacy (2005-2009), final model year before the 2010 redesign.
Subaru positions the Legacy as a midsize sedan that blends everyday comfort with standard all-wheel drive and a wider spread of personalities than most rivals. In one model range, it offers a practical four-cylinder base car, a smoother six-cylinder upgrade, and genuinely sporty turbo models. That combination makes it stand out against front-wheel-drive family sedans by pairing four-season confidence with a more driver-focused feel.
The 2009 Legacy ranges from the practical 2.5i to turbocharged GT models and smoother six-cylinder 3.0 R sedans, all with standard all-wheel drive. The 2.5 GT spec.B is the performance-focused version, with a six-speed manual transmission and Bilstein sport suspension. The 3.0 R Limited emphasizes comfort with leather seating, a moonroof, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
What changed, by category
2009 Subaru Legacy specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 24 mpg | 26 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 245 hp | 175 hp | 243 hp | 245 hp | 243 hp |
| Torque | 169 lb-ft | 215 lb-ft | 169 lb-ft | 241 lb-ft | 215 lb-ft | 241 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 3000 lb | 2700 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.4 cu-ft | 11.4 cu-ft | 11.4 cu-ft | 11.4 cu-ft | 11.4 cu-ft | 11.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.9 in | 33.9 in | 33.9 in | 33.9 in | 33.9 in | 33.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
The biggest change is the new 3.0 R sedan. It pairs the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive without requiring the more heavily equipped 3.0 R Limited trim.
Did the 2009 Legacy 2.5 GT Limited gain SI-DRIVE?
Yes. For 2009, the 2.5 GT Limited gains SI-DRIVE, which lets the driver select different engine and automatic-transmission response settings.
Is the 2009 Subaru Legacy a full redesign?
No. The 2009 Legacy is a modest update and the final model year of the fourth generation; the full redesign arrives for 2010.
Did the 2009 Legacy keep standard all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2009 Legacy trim has standard all-wheel drive, including the four-cylinder, turbocharged, and six-cylinder versions.