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What size is a Subaru Legacy 2008?

The 2008 Subaru Legacy was offered as a sedan and a wagon, sharing a midsize footprint and standard all‑wheel drive. This article breaks down typical exterior dimensions and cargo space for that model year to help you gauge size, parking, and interior room.


The Legacy from 2008 is a midsize car. In general, the sedan runs around 187 inches long, about 69.5 inches wide, and roughly 58–59 inches tall, with a wheelbase near 107 inches. The wagon version shares the same footprint but provides greater cargo space behind the rear seats.


Exterior dimensions


Note: figures below cover US-market Legacy sedans and wagons for 2008. Exact numbers can vary slightly by trim, roof configuration, or market.


Variants in the lineup


Although the Legacy and Legacy Wagon share a common platform, the Outback is a related model with higher ground clearance. The footprint remains similar, while cargo access and roof height differ.



  1. Overall length: about 187 inches (approximately 4.75 meters).

  2. Wheelbase: about 107 inches (roughly 2.72 meters).

  3. Overall width: about 69.5 inches (around 1.77 meters).

  4. Overall height: around 58–59 inches (roughly 1.48–1.50 meters).


These dimensions shape handling, interior space, and how easily the car fits in garages and parking spots.


Interior space and cargo


Inside, the Legacy is designed to seat five with a balance of front and rear legroom. The sedan provides a traditional trunk, while the wagon variant offers a more versatile rear cargo area with easier loading access.



  • Trunk/cargo volume (sedan): roughly in the mid-teens of cubic feet, enough for groceries and small luggage sets.

  • Cargo volume (wagon): substantially greater than the sedan, thanks to the rear hatch and expanded cargo floor.


For buyers prioritizing cargo flexibility, the wagon variant generally delivers a noticeably larger area behind the rear seats compared with the sedan.


Weight and performance notes


2008 Legacy models offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and, in some markets, a larger engine option, all with available all-wheel drive. Curb weights typically fall in the low-to-mid 3,000-pound range depending on trim and transmission, influencing fuel economy and acceleration.


Because numbers can vary by equipment and market, consult the original window sticker or Subaru’s official brochure for the exact weight of a specific vehicle.


Summary


In short, the 2008 Subaru Legacy sits in the midsize category, with sedan and wagon bodies sharing a common footprint but differing in cargo practicality. If you need more cargo space, the wagon variant stands out; for traditional trunk access, the sedan remains a solid choice. Always check the precise figures for a given car, especially if you’re comparing trims, roof rails, or accessories that can affect overall dimensions.

What are the specs of a 2008 Subaru Legacy?


The 2008 Subaru Legacy came with two primary engine options: a 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower boxer engine or a 2.5-liter turbocharged, 243-horsepower engine for the 2.5GT model. All models featured Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system, with both automatic and five-speed manual transmissions available. Key specs include a wheelbase of 105.1 inches, a curb weight around 3,365-3,530 pounds, and an average city/highway MPG ranging from about 17/24 to 20/27, depending on the engine and transmission.
 
Engine and performance

  • Standard Engine: 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower flat-4 engine. 
  • Turbocharged Engine: 2.5-liter, 243-horsepower turbocharged flat-4 in the 2.5GT model. 
  • Torque: 169 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (standard), 241 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (turbo). 
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive on all models. 
  • Transmission: Available with both 5-speed manual or automatic transmissions. 

Fuel economy (EPA estimated)
  • Manual (Standard): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
  • Automatic (Standard): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
  • Turbocharged: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. 

Dimensions and weight
  • Wheelbase: 105.1 inches.
  • Overall Length: 185 inches (sedan).
  • Curb Weight: Approximately 3,365 lbs (manual) to 3,530 lbs (automatic). 

Chassis and suspension
  • Front Suspension: MacPherson strut.
  • Rear Suspension: Multi-link.
  • Suspension (spec.B): Bilstein sport suspension.
  • Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD. 



How many miles will a 2008 Subaru Legacy last?


200,000 miles
According to iSeeCars and Kelley Blue Book studies, the Subaru Legacy ranks among the top midsize sedans most likely to reach 200,000 miles.



Is the Subaru Legacy midsize or compact?


midsize sedan
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan available in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, Sport and Touring XT.



Is a Subaru Legacy bigger than a Toyota Camry?


The Subaru Legacy is about the same width as the Toyota Camry. When looking at overall length, the Subaru Legacy takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Toyota Camry. The Subaru Legacy has about the same turning radius as the Toyota Camry, allowing equal maneuverability in and out of tight spots.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.