Is the Subaru Legacy 3.6 R fast?
The Legacy 3.6R isn’t a modern performance car, but it offers respectable acceleration for a mid-size AWD wagon. With a 3.6-liter flat-six producing about 256 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, it gets up to speed competently for daily driving.
In more detail, the 3.6R relies on a 3.6L horizontally opposed engine delivering roughly 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, paired with a set of transmission options that varied by year (including a 5-speed manual in some models and a 5-speed automatic in others). Expect 0-60 mph times in the mid-6 to low-7 seconds range and a top speed near 140 mph in typical configurations. Weight sits in the neighborhood of 3,600–3,700 pounds, and AWD helps with traction in various weather conditions, contributing to a confident if not sporty driving experience.
Engine and drivetrain basics
Below is a concise snapshot of the core performance hardware and how it translates to on-road behavior.
- Engine: 3.6-liter flat-six (horizontally opposed) with approximately 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain: standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across the 3.6R line
- Transmission options: various years offered a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic (4EAT/5EAT, depending on model year)
- Weight: roughly 3,600–3,700 pounds
- 0-60 mph: typically in the mid-6s to low-7 seconds range
- Top speed: around 140 mph in many configurations
These figures illustrate a balanced setup: sufficient power for highway merging and confident highway cruising, with AWD providing traction across a range of conditions.
Real-world performance and driving feel
Owners and reviewers emphasize a smooth, linear power delivery and steady grip thanks to the AWD layout. The engine’s torque comes on early enough to help with overtaking and merging, while the ride prioritizes comfort over aggressive handling. The Legacy 3.6R feels more like a capable long-distance cruiser than a corner-carver, and weight distribution plus the suspension tuning contribute to predictable, if unexciting, cornering behavior.
- 0-60 times in everyday driving typically fall in the mid-6 to low-7 seconds range, depending on year and transmission
- Throttle response is generally smooth and linear, not abrupt or abrupt
- Handling is stable and confident, with AWD providing grip in rain or light snow
- Braking performance is solid for a wagon of this era and weight
In daily use, these traits translate to a dependable, reassuring drive rather than a high-performance feel.
Fuel economy and practicality
Before looking at numbers, note that efficiency and practicality are important for a wagon like the 3.6R, which blends performance with utility.
- EPA estimates generally fall in the high teens to low-to-mid 20s mpg range, depending on year and drivetrain
- All-wheel drive and the 3.6L engine contribute to modestly lower fuel economy versus four-cylinder siblings
- Cargo capacity is strong for a midsize wagon, with a roomy interior and fold-down rear seats for versatility
- Maintenance costs tend toward the higher side for a used Subaru, given the larger engine and AWD components
Practically speaking, the 3.6R offers usable efficiency for long trips and daily driving, balanced against the duties of a heavier, V6-powered AWD wagon.
Bottom line: Is it fast?
For its class and era, the Legacy 3.6R delivers credible speed and solid highway performance, aided by a broad torque band and all-wheel traction. It won’t match modern turbocharged sedans or dedicated sports wagons, but it provides a confident, comfortable, all-around driving experience with practical cargo space and year-round capability.
Summary
The Subaru Legacy 3.6R sits in the middle of the speed spectrum for mid-size wagons. It accelerates competently with a 256-hp flat-six, offers stable AWD handling, and prioritizes comfort and practicality over outright speed. If you want a capable, roomy wagon with a touch of shove when you need it, the 3.6R is a strong, well-rounded option—just don’t expect car-like sprint times from a modern turbocharged sedan.
What is the 0 60 on the 2010 Legacy 3.6 R?
The 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R has a 0-60 mph time of approximately 6.99 to 7.1 seconds, depending on the source. One test recorded a slightly faster time of 5.9 seconds, but this may have been a unique result or specific test condition.
This video compares the acceleration of several Subaru models, including the 3.6R: 42sRealistickYouTube · Apr 2, 2022
- Test results: MotorTrend recorded a 0-60 mph time of 6.99 seconds, while another MotorTrend article for the similar Outback 3.6R listed a 7.1-second time.
- Other sources: MotorWeek achieved a 5.9-second time, though this may not be a standard result. Another review reported a 7.8-second time for the sedan, noting that it felt less sporty than expected.
What is the 0 60 on the Legacy 3.6 R?
The query "legacy 3.6 r 0 60" refers to the acceleration performance of a Subaru Legacy model equipped with a 3.6L "R" engine, and the 0-60 mph times vary by model year. For a 2010 model, the 0-60 mph time is around 5.9 seconds, while for a 2015 model with a CVT, it is closer to 7.2 seconds.
You can watch this video to see a 0-60 mph comparison test: 58sRealistickYouTube · Apr 2, 2022
- 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R: A 2010 model achieved 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
- 2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R: A 2015 model equipped with a CVT reached 0-60 mph in a best time of 7.2 seconds with traction control off and the transmission in manual mode.
- Other model years: Some sources report a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds for a 2010 model and a 6.3 second time for an earlier generation, indicating variations across different years.
Is the Subaru 3.6 RA a good motor?
The 3.6 has adequate power that it's a non-issue but you'll never confuse it with a fast vehicle either... It's just the bare minimum to drive around and not want to bang your head into the steering wheel. The EZ36 is generally regarded as one of the best engines Subaru have produced.
How much horsepower does a 3.6 R Legacy have?
The Subaru Legacy 3.6R has 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. This power comes from a 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2018 Subaru Legacy 3.6R: 1mBen HardyYouTube · Feb 2, 2018
- Horsepower: 256 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
- Engine: 3.6-liter flat-six (H6) boxer engine
- Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT
