Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.
It's easy to forget about the 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R. After all, with its non-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, it's the black sheep of the Subaru family. Add in the fact that it has less horsepower than the four-cylinder Legacy GT and many are left wondering why the 3.6R tops the lineup.
The answer is simple, really. Not everyone likes the feel of a turbocharged four-cylinder. Sounds odd, maybe, but more than a few Americans have grown accustomed to the smooth, effortless power delivery of a medium-sized six-cylinder engine. It is quite nice, you know.
Those same drivers also appreciate the simplicity of an automatic transmission, so the 3.6R comes standard with one of those, too. And don't forget its sophisticated Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) all-wheel-drive system and long list of optional luxury features. Put them all together and the Legacy makes for an interesting alternative to the Accords and Camrys of the world. See just how interesting in our latest results from the test track.
Vehicle: 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Odometer: 5453
Date: 10/20/09
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price:
Specifications:
Drive Type: All-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Five-speed automatic
Engine Type: Flat-6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 3,630cc (222 cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 6,500
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 256 @ 6,000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 247 @ 4,400
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Ventilated disc
Steering System: Speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): MacPherson strut
Suspension Type (rear): Double-wishbone
Tire Size (front): 225/50R17 93V M+S
Tire Size (rear): 225/50R17 93V M+S
Tire Brand: Bridgestone
Tire Model: Turanza EL400
Tire Type: All-season
Wheel Size: 17-by-7 inches
Wheel Material (front/rear): Alloy
As Tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,554
Test Results:
0-30 (sec): 2.7
0-45 (sec): 4.6
0-60 (sec): 7.1
0-75 (sec): 10.5
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 15.2 @ 91.7
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 6.8
30-0 (ft): 31
60-0 (ft): 123
Braking Rating: Average
Slalom (mph): 65.3
Skid Pad Lateral Acceleration (g): 0.81
Handling Rating: Good
Db @ Idle: 35.5
Db @ Full Throttle: 66.9
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 59.1
Acceleration Comments: With the standard automatic, there's not much to do when it comes to launching this car. Does respond to brake torque launches, though, as it shaved a couple tenths right there. Used Manual mode for shifting but it didn't seem to help much. Shifts are fairly quick and smooth, nothing special. Did notice that it blips the throttle nicely when you're slowing down, though; didn't expect that.
Braking Comments: Adequate performance, but not confidence-inspiring. Showed no significant fade after five runs. Soft, all-season tires certainly didn't help here.
Handling Comments: (Skid pad) Easy to control without much intervention from the VDC system. Well balanced initially before it transitions to understeer. (Slalom) Used Manual mode to hold a gear and it works well without upshifting. Steering response noticeably slower than Impreza. VTD didn't come into play much here, not enough power to make a difference. Body roll is significant, so transitions take some planning. Easy to control, just not very quick on its feet.
kingkhalas says:
11:36 PM, 11/17/09
that's a nice picture
ba27 says:
05:20 AM, 11/18/09
I dunno - I don't understand the "R" designation for this car.
Historically, "R" has suggested performance, not smooth consistent power and safe handling. Since this "R" version is only about as quick and nimble as the V6 versions of the CamCord, seems like it would make sense to leave the "R" off, lest the badge make claims that the car can't back up.
rsholland says:
05:38 AM, 11/18/09
In Subaru's world, the "R" designates the type of engine it uses, not the type of vehicle it is supposed to be. Subaru also offers a 2.0R Impreza in other markets, besides the 2.5i that we get. All Subarus labeled with an "R" are DOHC engines without a turbo. All "i" models are SOHC non-turbos. It's as simple as that.
As to what logic they used here for the letter choices, that's anyone's guess.
ba27 says:
06:02 AM, 11/18/09
rsholland:
Thanks for that clarification.
Sounds like Subaru could use someone with knowledge and understanding of the US car market in their marketing department, but that's nothing new....
vvk says:
06:35 AM, 11/18/09
Excellent result considering extremely poor tires.
Compare this to every other mid-size sedan IL has tested.
stephen987 says:
07:07 AM, 11/18/09
When you do that, vvk, it doesn't exactly dominate the field. V6 iterations of the Altima, the Accord, and the Camry are quicker in a straight line. None of them--including the Legacy--are particularly fleet-footed in corners. I'd rather have something a few hundred pounds lighter, with a strong four-cylinder--the acceleration would be pretty close to this pace, and the improved transient response would make the drive more rewarding.
Then again, I don't live in Snow Country. Folks who do tend to think Subaru rules the world. (Wonder how this compares to a Fusion Sport AWD?)
crowb says:
07:10 AM, 11/18/09
Those Db numbers at a cruise are pretty nice. I would have expected this thing to have a little more cabin noise.
06scooby says:
07:39 AM, 11/18/09
At least the packaging and structure are extremely effecient. It has pretty mediocre power compared to the other V6's in this segment, yet still turns in a respectable 7.1 sec 0-60 time. I think the biggest factor is it's wieght. With a fairly large v6, 5 speed auto and a sophisticated AWD system it only weighs 3550 lbs!!! that's pretty darn good comparing across the midsize line-up. The Buick Lacrosse 3.0 weighs in at 4,000 lbs with FWD! Here are some other weights:
2010 Ford Fusion Sport w/ AWD = 3803 lbs.
2010 Honda Accord EX V6 = 3583 lbs.
2010 Toyota Camry XLE V6 = 3516 lbs.
I'd say the Legacy definitely is helped by it's relatively low weight.
bankerdanny says:
08:36 AM, 11/18/09
Based on my personal experience with my Forester, Subaru's tire choices are awful. The stupid M&S rated tires on my car were absolutely horrible in the snow. I bought my car in Feb and we got hit with a couple inches 2 days later. The car slid all over the road. A week later I took my brand new car and replaced the tires. I was not happy to spend $500 to replace tires with only a few hundred miles on them.
I noticed the base Legacy (not an Outback, just the plain 2.5i sedan) you tested not long ago came with M&S tires standard. Why would they do that? Who takes the base sedan off road?
cr_driver says:
08:59 AM, 11/18/09
Mazda 6 V6 FTW!
06scooby says:
09:46 AM, 11/18/09
@bankerdanny: Yeah I was appalled how sucky the tires from the factory were on my 2006 legacy. they weren't great in the snow and wore out soo fast. I swapped them for a nice new set of Dunlops pretty quick. The M&S is usually rated for any all season tire. Not just for off road vehicles.
rsholland says:
11:26 AM, 11/18/09
A few other points should be made regarding the H-6 over the H-4 models:
• The H-6 comes with a timing chain, whereas the H-4s all come with timing belts. That means the H-4 will need to replace the belt at 105K. Maybe not a big deal to some, but still an expense H-6 owners need not worry about.
• Also, the H-6 is available in all trim levels, including base models. So, if you want the power, but sans all the bell and whistles, you can have your cake and eat it too.
• The AWD on all H-6 models is the most sophisticated AWD Subaru offers, if you exclude the unit found on the STI. It has a 45/55 front/rear default power bias, giving it a slight RWD feel to it. Not so for the H-4 models, again excepting the STI, in which the (STI) driver can control the front/rear power split via a knob on the center console. H-4 automatics are heavily biased towards the front wheels, whereas manuals have a 50/50 front/rear power split. When push-comes-to-shove in terms of poor traction conditions, the H-6 will have a better chance of getting/keeping you unstuck because of the VTD.
rsholland says:
01:32 PM, 11/18/09
one more...
• Unlike last year's 3.0 H-6, the new 3.6 H-6 runs on regular gas.
bankerdanny says:
01:36 PM, 11/18/09
06,
True, but M&S is generally a more open tread than a standard all-season to facilitate shedding mud. It may not be an "off road" tire in the sense of a BF Goodrich All-Terrain, but it's still an off-road bias and does no favors for the vast majority of Subaru buyers who want AWD for benefits in rain and snow, not because they want a car that can take them down a fire road or two-track for some camping.
Also, the idea that the open blockier tread works better in snow is old tech. The best winter tires today work because the the many slits in the tread, which bite into the snow.
tkawai says:
08:59 PM, 11/19/09
H-6 is a perfect balance engine form. That's why Porsche 911 still has H-6. V-6 is compromised engine design for crash test or front wheel drive. It is kinda sad people still dare to compare H-6 with V-6. There is engineer's souls in H-6
autobuynsell says:
12:41 AM, 11/23/09
This is nice picture with good information
marvinlee1 says:
12:40 PM, 12/ 6/09
I drove a 3.6 Legacy yesterday and generally liked it. It would benefit from a six speed transmission to reduce engine speed on the highway and possibly improve highway fuel economy. Notable is that one need not accept a sunroof even on the Limited model. Unlike the Camry, one can have the premium limited version and still retain the folding back seat pass-through from the trunk. The engine was about as smooth as the Camry, with perhaps a hint of idle vibration, felt at the steering wheel. Ride was unexpectedly compliant, but not without highway road noise.