2010 Subaru Legacy: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 Subaru Legacy is fully redesigned, marking the start of its fifth generation in the U.S. The headline change is a larger midsize-sedan platform that brings substantially more rear-seat and trunk room.
About the 2010 Subaru Legacy
5th generation (U.S. 2010-2014), first year of the redesign.
Subaru positions the Legacy as a midsize sedan for drivers who want family-car space without giving up all-weather confidence and a more connected feel from behind the wheel. Its defining difference is standard Symmetrical AWD paired with boxer engines, which Subaru ties to balance, traction, and control. Against front-wheel-drive rivals, the Legacy’s appeal is its mix of year-round grip, roomy cabin, and a choice of efficient, strong, or genuinely quick powertrains.
The 2010 lineup ranges from the value-focused 2.5i with standard AWD to the comfort-oriented Limited trims with leather, heated front seats, and Harman Kardon audio. The 2.5GT models are the performance choices, using a 265-hp turbo engine and 6-speed manual, while the 3.6R models pair a smoother 256-hp six-cylinder engine with a 5-speed automatic.
What changed, by category
2010 Subaru Legacy specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 256 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 256 hp | 256 hp | 265 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 3000 lb | 2700 lb | ||||
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft | 14.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Subaru Legacy a full redesign?
Yes. The 2010 Legacy is the first model year of the fifth-generation U.S. sedan, with a larger platform, new body and cabin styling, more interior room, and a redesigned rear suspension.
Is the 2010 Subaru Legacy roomier than the 2009 model?
Yes. On the 2.5i and 2.5i Limited, rear legroom increases from 33.9 to 37.8 inches and trunk space grows from 11.4 to 14.7 cubic feet. The larger platform gives the redesigned car more useful passenger and cargo room.
What engines and transmissions changed for the 2010 Subaru Legacy?
The redesigned 2010 lineup uses three main engines: a 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 265-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and a 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder. Non-turbo 2.5-liter models introduce a CVT, a 6-speed manual remains on several four-cylinder trims, and the 3.6R uses a 5-speed automatic.
Which trims changed for the 2010 Subaru Legacy?
The 2010 lineup adds the 2.5GT Premium, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, and 3.6R Premium. The 2.5 GT Limited name is tightened to 2.5GT Limited, the 3.0 R Limited continues as the 3.6R Limited with the larger six-cylinder engine, and the 2.5 GT spec.B and base 3.0 R are dropped.
What is the main practical improvement in the 2010 Legacy over the 2009 model?
The main practical improvement is space. The redesigned 2010 Legacy has a larger rear seat and trunk, while its new platform, quicker steering, and double-wishbone rear suspension give it a more modern foundation.