Is the Subaru Legacy 2.5 i fast?
The Subaru Legacy 2.5i is not a fast car by sports-sedan standards. It’s a practical, all‑wheel‑drive family sedan with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, delivering adequate acceleration for daily driving but not the punch of turbocharged rivals.
How the 2.5i aims to balance speed and practicality
The 2.5i badge signals a normally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four engine paired with Subaru’s all‑wheel‑drive system. The focus is on steady everyday performance, stability in adverse weather, predictable handling, and reliability rather than outright speed. The exact numbers vary by generation and transmission, but the core traits remain consistent: modest acceleration, good low‑end torque for merging and hill climbs, and solid highway cruising capabilities.
Performance by era
Early Legacy 2.5i models (roughly 2000–2004)
What most buyers encountered in this era were simple, durable powerplants paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive standard.
- Engine: 2.5L flat-four (EJ25 family)
- Horsepower and torque: about 165 hp and roughly 166 lb-ft
- Transmission options: 4‑speed automatic or 5‑speed manual on select trims
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive standard
In real-world terms, 0–60 mph times were typically in the upper 9‑second range, with top speeds around 120–125 mph depending on condition and equipment. The emphasis was on reliability and all-weather capability rather than sprint power.
Mid‑2000s to early‑2010s Legacy 2.5i (roughly 2005–2010)
Over these years, Subaru refined the chassis and electronics, nudging the engine output slightly upward and improving NVH and interior quality, while keeping the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine in the lineup.
- Engine: 2.5L flat-four, with modest power gains to around 170–173 hp in certain trims
- Torque: in the vicinity of 166–170 lb‑ft
- Transmission options: continued manual and automatic offerings, with improvements to drivetrain feel
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive remains standard
0–60 mph times typically hovered in the 9.0–9.5 second range for most configurations, with automatic transmissions generally edging toward the slower end and manual versions providing a touch quicker feel.
Recent 2.5i-era Legacy models (roughly 2010–2014/2015)
In the early 2010s, Subaru’s 2.5L engines were supported by more efficient transmissions and improved electronics. The model line began to emphasize fuel economy and ride comfort while preserving the AWD advantage.
- Engine: evolved 2.5L boxer-four with output typically around 170–179 hp depending on year
- Torque: roughly 166–174 lb‑ft
- Transmission options: CVT widely adopted, with some trims offering a traditional automatic or manual
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive standard
With a CVT, measured 0–60 times generally sit around 9–10 seconds, while manual or traditional automatics could shave a bit off that in favorable conditions. Top speeds remained in the typical family-sedan range, often around 125–130 mph.
Real‑world performance and driving impressions
Most drivers will notice the 2.5i’s strengths are steady acceleration for everyday traffic, confident highway merging, and solid traction in rain or light snow thanks to AWD. The engine’s power curve is modest; at highway speeds you’re unlikely to run out of passing power, but you won’t feel sport‑scarce excitement when you press the accelerator. The weight of the Legacy, plus longer gearing in CVT models, means acceleration feels dutiful rather than exhilarating. For sportier driving experiences, buyers typically look to turbocharged or performance-oriented trims, which the 2.5i does not offer.
What to expect in everyday use
If your priority is commute comfort, safety, and dependable all‑season performance, the Legacy 2.5i delivers. It provides adequate acceleration for city and highway driving, especially when loaded with a full crew or cargo, and its AWD system gives it an edge in poor weather. For enthusiasts seeking brisk, sporty performance, a different model or a higher-performance variant would be more satisfying.
Bottom line
Overall, the Subaru Legacy 2.5i is not a fast car, but it excels as a dependable, well-rounded family sedan with standard all‑wheel drive. Its speed is enough for everyday driving and confident highway cruising, while the focus remains on safety, stability, and reliability rather than sprint performance.
Summary
The Legacy 2.5i offers practical speed: sufficient power for typical driving, solid AWD capability, and a focus on comfort and safety over quick acceleration. Across generations, you’ll see modest gains in horsepower and refinements in transmission choices, but the core character remains that of a steadier, weather-ready family car rather than a high-performance machine.
Does the Subaru Legacy 2.5 I have a turbo?
Legacy Sport and Touring XT
Under the hood of these two trims is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER turbocharged engine with an output of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm.
How much horsepower does a Subaru Legacy 2.5 have?
Engines
| Model | Years | Power, torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|
| North American engines | ||
| 2.5GT (Japan) | 2009-2012 | 285 PS (210 kW; 281 hp) @6000, 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) @2000-5600 |
| 3.6R (Japan) | 2009- | 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) @6000, 335 N⋅m (247 lb⋅ft) @4400 |
| United Kingdom engines |
How fast is the Subaru Legacy?
In all of my testing. But this regular. One when I'm just cruising at highway speed going 60 mph. It's smooth the CVT is holding RPM at about 1,500.
What is the difference between 2.5 I and 2.5 I premium?
The 2.5i comes with black folding side mirrors while the 2.5i Premium comes with body-color folding side mirrors. Get a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat with the 2.5i and a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with the 2.5i Premium.
