Ride Report - '12 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium PZEV
Sep 9, 2012 | 4:10 pm
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Ride Report - '12/'13 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium PZEV
Wanting to see more of the surrounding area of my new residence, I decided to take advantage again of Freedom rates and again did not succeed. I did however use a $10/day PC that AutoSlash told me about ^ and ended up spending less on a MCLE rate than I would have if I stuck with FRDM. I was expecting a Corolla, and almost decided not to make the trip to the airport until I got a text message saying a Subaru was waiting for me with NeverLost.
http://www.subaru.com/legacy
Car Description: 12 N/L LEGACY 4W S (2012 Legacy 2.5i Premium PZEV, with 4WD/AWD, equipped with NeverLost)
Class: Q4 (IFAR)
The 2.5i Premium is a step up from the base trim, and has the features and equipment to prove it. Hertz spoiled me with this $24,197 MSRP car. With its home in Denver and 14,976 miles on the odometer, I added 313 miles to the reading over the course of just under 24 hours.
Powertrain: The Legacy comes with a 2.5-liter horizontally oposed 4-cylinder "Boxer" engine, capable of producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. For a car this size, this isn't that bad, considering I've rented larger cars with less powerful engines. However, the Legacy is pretty heavy with a curb weight of 3,357 lbs. and took a full 9 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The Legacy is equipped with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a simulated 6-speed manual mode operated via paddle shifters. This takes much getting used to, and I didn't realize it until around 200 miles in. Like other CVT-equipped vehicles, if you really step on the gas it just revs high without the anticipated acceleration. On the highway when going from 75 to my cruise speed of 80, the engine would kick up to around 3,000 RPM to make that final strech, which I stopped by going into a simulated 6th gear. Although I didn't like having to do that all the time, I did like that even when you were in D, you could simulate an upshift or downshift without going into manual mode.
An important feature of the Legacy, and perhaps the reason Hertz classifies it as an SUV, is that it has symmetrical all-wheel drive. The Legacy has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway; I did mostly highway driving and was happily surpised to have averaged 31.6 miles per gallon.
Ride/Handling:The Legacy handled well overall. The brakes were responsive and the steering was heavy. The suspension however was softer than I would have expected. Regardless, it did a great job both on highways and on salt. Wait, what?! (See the first reply to learn what I'm talking about!)
Interior: The interior, upholstered in Off Black cloth, has many surprises in store. It has plenty of room for 4 adults, with a surprising amount of legroom in the back. Black leather adorns the steering wheel, center storage console, and portions of the door panels and gear shift handle. No complaints about the plastic dashboard and center controls either. At the top of the dashboard is a slightly-recessed screen which displays the outside temperature, time, and either instant MPG, average MPG, or distance to empty; the orange color gets the job done but it's not my favorite. The gauges are large and well-illuminated, and the instant MPG gauge (something I've never seen in action before) is great. A screen in the center of the gauge cluster displays the odometer, trip computer, and the gear you are in (D if in automatic, and the number if you're in manual mode or decided to shift up or down in D).
If you open up the center storage console you'll discover that it has a small upper compartment to store papers and a wallet perhaps, before lifting that up to reveal the larger section; also hidden in there is a second DC outlet (the first being located below the dashboard), an auxiliary jack, and USB port. Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity controls, cruise control, and additional radio controls are all located on the steering wheel. You'll notice nearby the electronic parking brake, which when operated emits a brief whiny hum but really doesn't let the car roll at all, thanks to the hill-holder functionality. This is located below and to the left of the steering wheel, next to the trunk release, hill-climb, and traction control buttons. The trunk was larger than I thought, although the opening wasn't very big. Luckily, the rear seats split 65/35 and fold down for even more storage and better access.
Noise was not a major issue in this car by any stretch of the imagination. The flat-4 engine whines less than a more-common straight-4, and comes off as somewhat growly. The six speakers do a decent job, although I'm sure the Harman/Kardon sound system option would have sounded nicer.
Exterior/Design: Considering it's a sedan, it fails miserably at being a SUV. Nor does it look as cool as some of the newer FCARs and IFARs in the fleet -- although it's not the worst, and the Ice Silver Metallic paint job certainly helps. It looks like a more aggressive and exciting cousin of an Altima. However, I'm pretty sure that looks weren't Subaru's top priority when designing the Legacy, since it performs better than many other FCARs and even some IFARs in nearly every other category. There wasn't much special on the outside of this Legacy, but it was equipped with the 166.5-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. One note about the remote keyless entry system: rather than honking the horn at you when you lock, it beeps (i.e. electronic beeps) instead -- I appreciate this as it's much quieter. Of course once you hit "lock" several times it will honk to let you know it got the message.
Features: Standard features on the 2.5i Premium trim include an automatic up/down driver's power window, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, 10-way power driver's seat with power-adjustable lumbar support, an electronic parking brake with hill-holder functionality, 8 cup holders, and two DC power outlets. The sound system has 6 speakers and includes an AM/FM radio, single-CD player with USB/iPod control, auxiliary jack, as well Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity. This particular vehicle also included the PZEV engine option ($300), All Weather Package (Dual heated power mirrors, heated front seats, and windshield wiper de-icer - $500), Puddle Lights ($223), and Mud Guards ($129). This vehicle was also equipped with an older-generation NeverLost GPS; although the navigation and key entry is a complete pain, it interestingly did not emit the interference beeps that newer modules do near cell phones and other electronics.
Value: As I mentioned earlier, I tried to take advantage of the Freedom Rates but ended up using a PC on a MCLE rate with the USAA CDP, which ended up costing $22.49 all-in for a 24-hour period. I had not requested NeverLost and subsequently did not pay for it. I was also able to return it to a nearby HLE instead of the airport for free ^
Summary
PROS:
CONS:
Final verdict: If you book a mid-size SUV and get this, you have every right to be upset as it's not an SUV. However, if you don't need the space or ground clearance, this is a great, sturdy, and fuel-efficient alternative. Lying somewhere between FCAR and IFAR, this is a real treat to have in the fleet.
I've never been a huge fan of imports (from either side of the world), 4-cylinder engines, or CVTs, and have always associated Subarus to be driven by certain stereotypes of drivers (which I won't elaborate on). After this rental though, as much as I hate to say it, I actually enjoyed the Legacy immensely and would gladly drive it again.
The 2013 model isn't too different; see Reply #13 for more information.
-J.
http://www.subaru.com/legacy
Car Description: 12 N/L LEGACY 4W S (2012 Legacy 2.5i Premium PZEV, with 4WD/AWD, equipped with NeverLost)
Class: Q4 (IFAR)
The 2.5i Premium is a step up from the base trim, and has the features and equipment to prove it. Hertz spoiled me with this $24,197 MSRP car. With its home in Denver and 14,976 miles on the odometer, I added 313 miles to the reading over the course of just under 24 hours.
Powertrain: The Legacy comes with a 2.5-liter horizontally oposed 4-cylinder "Boxer" engine, capable of producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. For a car this size, this isn't that bad, considering I've rented larger cars with less powerful engines. However, the Legacy is pretty heavy with a curb weight of 3,357 lbs. and took a full 9 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The Legacy is equipped with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a simulated 6-speed manual mode operated via paddle shifters. This takes much getting used to, and I didn't realize it until around 200 miles in. Like other CVT-equipped vehicles, if you really step on the gas it just revs high without the anticipated acceleration. On the highway when going from 75 to my cruise speed of 80, the engine would kick up to around 3,000 RPM to make that final strech, which I stopped by going into a simulated 6th gear. Although I didn't like having to do that all the time, I did like that even when you were in D, you could simulate an upshift or downshift without going into manual mode.
An important feature of the Legacy, and perhaps the reason Hertz classifies it as an SUV, is that it has symmetrical all-wheel drive. The Legacy has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway; I did mostly highway driving and was happily surpised to have averaged 31.6 miles per gallon.
Ride/Handling:The Legacy handled well overall. The brakes were responsive and the steering was heavy. The suspension however was softer than I would have expected. Regardless, it did a great job both on highways and on salt. Wait, what?! (See the first reply to learn what I'm talking about!)
Interior: The interior, upholstered in Off Black cloth, has many surprises in store. It has plenty of room for 4 adults, with a surprising amount of legroom in the back. Black leather adorns the steering wheel, center storage console, and portions of the door panels and gear shift handle. No complaints about the plastic dashboard and center controls either. At the top of the dashboard is a slightly-recessed screen which displays the outside temperature, time, and either instant MPG, average MPG, or distance to empty; the orange color gets the job done but it's not my favorite. The gauges are large and well-illuminated, and the instant MPG gauge (something I've never seen in action before) is great. A screen in the center of the gauge cluster displays the odometer, trip computer, and the gear you are in (D if in automatic, and the number if you're in manual mode or decided to shift up or down in D).
If you open up the center storage console you'll discover that it has a small upper compartment to store papers and a wallet perhaps, before lifting that up to reveal the larger section; also hidden in there is a second DC outlet (the first being located below the dashboard), an auxiliary jack, and USB port. Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity controls, cruise control, and additional radio controls are all located on the steering wheel. You'll notice nearby the electronic parking brake, which when operated emits a brief whiny hum but really doesn't let the car roll at all, thanks to the hill-holder functionality. This is located below and to the left of the steering wheel, next to the trunk release, hill-climb, and traction control buttons. The trunk was larger than I thought, although the opening wasn't very big. Luckily, the rear seats split 65/35 and fold down for even more storage and better access.
Noise was not a major issue in this car by any stretch of the imagination. The flat-4 engine whines less than a more-common straight-4, and comes off as somewhat growly. The six speakers do a decent job, although I'm sure the Harman/Kardon sound system option would have sounded nicer.
Exterior/Design: Considering it's a sedan, it fails miserably at being a SUV. Nor does it look as cool as some of the newer FCARs and IFARs in the fleet -- although it's not the worst, and the Ice Silver Metallic paint job certainly helps. It looks like a more aggressive and exciting cousin of an Altima. However, I'm pretty sure that looks weren't Subaru's top priority when designing the Legacy, since it performs better than many other FCARs and even some IFARs in nearly every other category. There wasn't much special on the outside of this Legacy, but it was equipped with the 166.5-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. One note about the remote keyless entry system: rather than honking the horn at you when you lock, it beeps (i.e. electronic beeps) instead -- I appreciate this as it's much quieter. Of course once you hit "lock" several times it will honk to let you know it got the message.
Features: Standard features on the 2.5i Premium trim include an automatic up/down driver's power window, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, 10-way power driver's seat with power-adjustable lumbar support, an electronic parking brake with hill-holder functionality, 8 cup holders, and two DC power outlets. The sound system has 6 speakers and includes an AM/FM radio, single-CD player with USB/iPod control, auxiliary jack, as well Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity. This particular vehicle also included the PZEV engine option ($300), All Weather Package (Dual heated power mirrors, heated front seats, and windshield wiper de-icer - $500), Puddle Lights ($223), and Mud Guards ($129). This vehicle was also equipped with an older-generation NeverLost GPS; although the navigation and key entry is a complete pain, it interestingly did not emit the interference beeps that newer modules do near cell phones and other electronics.
Value: As I mentioned earlier, I tried to take advantage of the Freedom Rates but ended up using a PC on a MCLE rate with the USAA CDP, which ended up costing $22.49 all-in for a 24-hour period. I had not requested NeverLost and subsequently did not pay for it. I was also able to return it to a nearby HLE instead of the airport for free ^
Summary
- 2.5L flat 4-cylinder (170 hp, 170 ft-lbs. of torque)
- CVT with 6-speed manual mode w/ overdrive (?)
- AWD
- 23/31 mpg, averaged 31.6 mpg
- Second trim level, cloth seats, 10-way power driver's seat
PROS:
- Manual shifting mode
- Very comfortable, 10-way power-adjustable seat
- All wheel drive
- Engine growl sounds cool
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Awesome fuel economy, especially for an AWD vehicle
CONS:
- Softer suspension than I would have preferred
- Heavy car and needs a more powerful engine
- Manual mode only works via paddle shifters
- CVT (still not a fan
) - Small trunk opening
Final verdict: If you book a mid-size SUV and get this, you have every right to be upset as it's not an SUV. However, if you don't need the space or ground clearance, this is a great, sturdy, and fuel-efficient alternative. Lying somewhere between FCAR and IFAR, this is a real treat to have in the fleet.
I've never been a huge fan of imports (from either side of the world), 4-cylinder engines, or CVTs, and have always associated Subarus to be driven by certain stereotypes of drivers (which I won't elaborate on). After this rental though, as much as I hate to say it, I actually enjoyed the Legacy immensely and would gladly drive it again.
The 2013 model isn't too different; see Reply #13 for more information.
-J.
Last edited by GW McLintock; Jun 1, 2013 at 1:03 am
Sep 9, 2012 | 4:11 pm
#2
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If you haven't figured it out yet, one of my destinations of this trip was the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats. The area is a densely packed salt pan four miles east of Wendover, Utah; it's certainly large enough for racing, with an area of 40 square miles. To get there, take exit 4 off of I-80 in Utah, head north past the Sinclair and Salt Flats Cafe (but be sure to go there on your way out for some fantastic and cheap Mexican food), and bear right at the fork; you're now on the straight-as-an-arrow Bonneville Speedway Road, which ends in a little under four miles.
I happened to visit Bonneville while they were preparing for the annual "World of Speed" racing event. There was a small area under several inches of water before getting back on dry salt, but if Freightliner trucks, RVs, and an old Buick LeSabre in front of me was able to make it through, I figured I could too. It's several miles from the end of Bonneville Speedway Road to reach the pits and spectator area. There were many different machines, including a number of production vehicles (such as my own, other personal vehicles, even a Toyota Prius and Chevy Aveo), smaller trucks, large tractor-trailers, RVs, and even motorcycles and mopeds.
And then there were the racing vehicles -- old roadsters, production cars from the 60s and 70s, cars with modified engines and other parts, streamliners, and even a rocket car
Why can't Hertz rent those out?? I wasn't going to break Gary Gabelich's Bonneville record of 622.407 mph, which he set in 1970 in the rocket-powered "Blue Flame", but I did reach 105 mph on the salt and had some fun doing donuts at lower speed. I also met a couple of guys from the "200 Club", meaning they've broken records and/or driven past 200 miles per hour, and I bought a "Save the Salt" hat, with the money going towards preserving the salt flats.
In my opinion, if you are ever given the opportunity to drive out on the Bonneville Salt Flats -- the place where land speed records are set -- don't take your own car. Especially since we all know that the fastest cars with the best brakes are rental cars
However, it was recommended that after driving out on the salt I should wash the bottom of the car by putting a hose under it and moving it back a little every 30 minutes or so; since I don't have a hose, I went to a local do-it-yourself car wash here in SLC and spent an extra 10 minutes below the car with a power hose.
My final note on this tangent is that the Subaru performed extraordinarily. It maintained great traction even at the higher speeds, and with the traction control off I had a blast. I think an Impala would have been a hoot out there, and I don't think I would have dared take anything from the Adrenaline Collection onto the salt
-J.
I happened to visit Bonneville while they were preparing for the annual "World of Speed" racing event. There was a small area under several inches of water before getting back on dry salt, but if Freightliner trucks, RVs, and an old Buick LeSabre in front of me was able to make it through, I figured I could too. It's several miles from the end of Bonneville Speedway Road to reach the pits and spectator area. There were many different machines, including a number of production vehicles (such as my own, other personal vehicles, even a Toyota Prius and Chevy Aveo), smaller trucks, large tractor-trailers, RVs, and even motorcycles and mopeds.
And then there were the racing vehicles -- old roadsters, production cars from the 60s and 70s, cars with modified engines and other parts, streamliners, and even a rocket car
Why can't Hertz rent those out?? I wasn't going to break Gary Gabelich's Bonneville record of 622.407 mph, which he set in 1970 in the rocket-powered "Blue Flame", but I did reach 105 mph on the salt and had some fun doing donuts at lower speed. I also met a couple of guys from the "200 Club", meaning they've broken records and/or driven past 200 miles per hour, and I bought a "Save the Salt" hat, with the money going towards preserving the salt flats.
In my opinion, if you are ever given the opportunity to drive out on the Bonneville Salt Flats -- the place where land speed records are set -- don't take your own car. Especially since we all know that the fastest cars with the best brakes are rental cars
However, it was recommended that after driving out on the salt I should wash the bottom of the car by putting a hose under it and moving it back a little every 30 minutes or so; since I don't have a hose, I went to a local do-it-yourself car wash here in SLC and spent an extra 10 minutes below the car with a power hose.
My final note on this tangent is that the Subaru performed extraordinarily. It maintained great traction even at the higher speeds, and with the traction control off I had a blast. I think an Impala would have been a hoot out there, and I don't think I would have dared take anything from the Adrenaline Collection onto the salt
-J.
Last edited by GW McLintock; Sep 9, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Sep 9, 2012 | 9:36 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: FB Gold Privilege
Posts: 419
Was given the keys to one, got happy, just before they handed them to me: "Oh wait, this car is supposed to go for sale, here is your rental car!"
I received a Galant. Eeeeeew. Not many cars at my local Hertz.
I received a Galant. Eeeeeew. Not many cars at my local Hertz.
Sep 27, 2012 | 10:18 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: Hertz Gold
Posts: 108
Nice write up. There are very few Subarus in the fleet locally, and they're mostly Imprezas and Foresters. The Impreza is too low and I like the Forester a lot but the base trim is very stripped.
I fell in love with the new Legacy when it first came out. The 2.5i Premium is exactly the one I'd get, or rather, can afford. Subaru's Boxer engines aren't the most refined due to their design, but I think it gives them character. I did NOT like that there was no coolant temp gauge in the Forester I had from Hertz though.
^ for taking the time to spray the car down after getting it all salted over! And I speak as the owner of an ex-Hertz car. The last last time I was in LIH, I took my brand new Escape rental off roading for a bit and stopped off on the way back at a fundraiser car wash to clean it off a bit before returning it.
I fell in love with the new Legacy when it first came out. The 2.5i Premium is exactly the one I'd get, or rather, can afford. Subaru's Boxer engines aren't the most refined due to their design, but I think it gives them character. I did NOT like that there was no coolant temp gauge in the Forester I had from Hertz though.
^ for taking the time to spray the car down after getting it all salted over! And I speak as the owner of an ex-Hertz car
. The last last time I was in LIH, I took my brand new Escape rental off roading for a bit and stopped off on the way back at a fundraiser car wash to clean it off a bit before returning it.
Sep 28, 2012 | 1:48 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YVR
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Posts: 2,018
Would going onto the Salt Flats be considered taking the car 'off road'? If it were, you would be violating your rental agreement.
Ron.
Ron.
Dec 23, 2012 | 6:50 pm
#9
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Mar 23, 2013 | 5:04 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: EK Silver, EY Silver, QR Gold, Marriot Plat, Hertz 5*, M&M Silver, BA Silver
Posts: 40
Excellent review. I just got a 2013 Subaru Legacy from Hertz with just 1000 miles on board. This model has slight difference in styling. Technically it seems the same as 2012 model. I really liked it so far. May be I will write a short review soon.
Mar 23, 2013 | 9:58 pm
#11
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-J.
Mar 23, 2013 | 10:51 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Bristol, UK
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Posts: 658
I had a Legacy like this last September while in Phoenix. Unlike you guys, though, I was rather underwhelmed. Nothing wrong with the car, but nothing terribly memorable about it, either. Such a contrast from the previous generation Legacy which was an excellent car (especially in 3 litre format). You can read my review here .
Jun 1, 2013 | 1:02 am
#13
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2013 Update
13 LEGACY 4W N (Q4)
Not much has changed with the 2013 Legacy 2.5i Premium PZEV. Mine is black this time and only has 3,500 miles on it. I'm not sure if it has the puddle lights or mud guards (since it's still night lol) but I'll check tomorrow. This one has automatic headlamps (don't remember if last year's did, but at that point I hadn't rented anything that didn't have them so it wasn't a thought for me
). The 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine now produces 173 hp and 174 lb-ft, a slight increase from last year; fuel economy is also up to 24/32 mpg (city/hwy), a 1 mpg increase for each type. This Legacy handles very well and absorbs bumps quite nicely. The steering wheel also seems to feel heavier than I recall, to the point that it takes considerable effort to turn in parking lots and similar situations. I still don't like CVTs, but this isn't nearly as miserable as some of the Nissan transmissions. The manual mode works adequately, though I do love the paddle shifters and the fact that you can shift even when in drive (auto).
Compared to FCARs and even some ICARs, I thought that the Legacy's cabin feels somewhat cramped; I couldn't find a very comfortable driving position. The cloth seat trim has a nice look to it although it definitely feels of lower quality than cloth seats from other manufacturers (e.g., I liked the new Malibu's seats a lot more); the off-black cloth seats from last year were nicer. The leather/pleather(?) trim on door panels, the steering wheel, center storage console, and gear shift handle also looks and feels less like leather, hence my hesitation to call it the real thing (I was better convinced with last year's model).
I also booked an ICAR this time except I'm paying $17.08 all-in. The Legacy remains one of my favorite Japanese cars (even if it's made in Indiana) thanks to its great handling, all-wheel drive, and fuel efficiency.
-J.
Not much has changed with the 2013 Legacy 2.5i Premium PZEV. Mine is black this time and only has 3,500 miles on it. I'm not sure if it has the puddle lights or mud guards (since it's still night lol) but I'll check tomorrow. This one has automatic headlamps (don't remember if last year's did, but at that point I hadn't rented anything that didn't have them so it wasn't a thought for me
). The 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine now produces 173 hp and 174 lb-ft, a slight increase from last year; fuel economy is also up to 24/32 mpg (city/hwy), a 1 mpg increase for each type. This Legacy handles very well and absorbs bumps quite nicely. The steering wheel also seems to feel heavier than I recall, to the point that it takes considerable effort to turn in parking lots and similar situations. I still don't like CVTs, but this isn't nearly as miserable as some of the Nissan transmissions. The manual mode works adequately, though I do love the paddle shifters and the fact that you can shift even when in drive (auto).Compared to FCARs and even some ICARs, I thought that the Legacy's cabin feels somewhat cramped; I couldn't find a very comfortable driving position. The cloth seat trim has a nice look to it although it definitely feels of lower quality than cloth seats from other manufacturers (e.g., I liked the new Malibu's seats a lot more); the off-black cloth seats from last year were nicer. The leather/pleather(?) trim on door panels, the steering wheel, center storage console, and gear shift handle also looks and feels less like leather, hence my hesitation to call it the real thing (I was better convinced with last year's model).
I also booked an ICAR this time except I'm paying $17.08 all-in. The Legacy remains one of my favorite Japanese cars (even if it's made in Indiana) thanks to its great handling, all-wheel drive, and fuel efficiency.
-J.
Last edited by GW McLintock; Jun 2, 2013 at 3:36 am