The 2013 Subaru Legacy is powered by either a 3.6-liter H6 or a new, more efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain and debuts revised styling as well as the new EyeSight driver-assist system. Chassis enhancements improve both ride quality and agility in the new Legacy, which also offers new amenities and audio capabilities.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy features a new, sportier front styling with new headlights, grille and front bumper. The changes will further enhance the appeal of the Subaru Legacy, which has sold in record numbers since its 2010 redesign. With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the 2013 Subaru Legacy remains the most fuel-efficient midsize all-wheel drive sedan in America. At the same time, the Legacy rewards drivers with engaging performance and a high level of driving comfort and offers outstanding safety performance. For added safety, the new car adds a new Brake Override system.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i models debut a new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series 2.5-liter BOXER engine for increased performance and fuel efficiency. The new engine produces 173 hp and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 170 hp and 170 lb.-ft. from the previous 2.5-liter SOHC engine. More significant is that the new engine produces greater low-end torque across a broad speed range, making the 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i models more responsive in everyday driving.
The new Legacy 2.5i offers a choice between a standard six-speed manual transmission and the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission); the latter is standard on the 2.5i Premium and Limited. The second-generation Lineartronic® CVT offers more responsive and quieter operation compared to the transmission it replaces. Models with the CVT also feature a six-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy 3.6R continues with a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder BOXER engine and five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. A downshift “blipping” feature adds a sporty feel when using the Legacy 3.6R steering wheel paddle shifters.

Although official EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available, Subaru projects that the 2013 Legacy 2.5i with the Lineartronic CVT will achieve 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined, compared to 23/31/26 for the 2012 model. That makes the 2013 Legacy 2.5i competitive with many midsize sedans that come only with front-wheel drive.
The 2013 Subaru Legacy (and Outback®) models debut Subaru’s new EyeSight driver-assist system, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. Projected to be one of the most affordable such technologies available in the U.S. market, EyeSight uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems.

Numerous enhancements to the body structure, suspension, and steering give the Legacy a smoother and quieter ride for 2013, while also delivering improved handling agility. Body roll has been reduced by up to 40 percent.

New seat fabric enhances comfort in the 2013 Subaru Legacy, while dark, glossy wood grain trim provides a luxurious appearance on Limited models. Limited trim level models for 2013 feature a new rear-seat A/C outlet. A new electro-luminescent instrument cluster in the Limited models integrates a 3.5-inch color screen for the multi-information display, which also shows EyeSight functions when the car is so equipped. With the Keyless Access & Start system, the driver can unlock the car by touching the door handle while carrying the remote control in a pocket or purse. (The trunk also has an unlock touch sensor.)

The 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i is offered in three trim levels – base, Premium, and Limited. The Legacy 3.6R is available in base and Limited. Standard features in the Legacy 2.5i include steering wheel cruise control and audio switches; a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder System and an automatic headlight function. The standard audio system in the 2.5i model is upgraded for 2013 to now include Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, and a USB charging port. The system continues with an AM/FM stereo, single disc CD player, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), 3.5mm aux. input jack, and four speakers.

Legacy Premium models add the Lineartronic CVT plus additional amenities, including a 10-way power driver’s seat, a pair of dash-mounted tweeters, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, body-colored side mirrors, 17-in. alloy wheels (all 3.6R trim lines have 17-in. alloy wheels as standard), and other amenities.

The Limited models feature perforated leather upholstery, the All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer (package optional for Premium), dual zone automatic climate control, a four-way power front passenger seat, the display-type harman/kardon premium audio package (optional for Premium) with a 4.3-in. color display, 440-watt amplifier, nine harman/kardon premium speakers, and standard XM Satellite Radio® service (four-month free trial subscription included), and, new for 2013, a rear A/C duct, and electro-luminescent gauges. The Subaru Legacy Limited models also exclusively offer an available voice-activated GPS navigation system with a rear vision camera, and XM NavTraffic® (four-month free trial subscription included), among other features. A power moonroof is available for the Premium and Limited models.