2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium: Review & Specs

by Alex Braham 48 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium. This car has been around for a while, but it still holds a special place in many hearts. Whether you're considering buying one used or just curious about its features, this review will give you a comprehensive look at what this model offers. We'll cover everything from its performance and handling to its interior comfort and reliability. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium

The 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium is a mid-size sedan that combines practicality with the renowned Subaru reliability. It's part of the fifth generation of the Legacy, known for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The "2.5i" designation indicates that it's powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and the "Premium" trim adds a few extra features over the base model, making it a more appealing option for many drivers. This model year is particularly interesting because it refines some of the earlier issues in the fifth generation, offering a more polished driving experience.

Key features of the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium include:

  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine: Provides adequate power for daily driving.
  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: A Subaru hallmark, offering superior traction and stability in various conditions.
  • Premium trim: Adds features like alloy wheels, upgraded audio system, and more comfortable seating.
  • Spacious interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
  • Reliable reputation: Subaru is known for building durable and long-lasting vehicles.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about how the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium performs on the road. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces around 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a lot, it's generally sufficient for everyday driving. Acceleration is decent, and the car can handle highway speeds without feeling strained. However, if you're looking for a particularly sporty driving experience, you might find it a bit lacking. The engine is more about providing reliable and consistent power rather than thrilling performance.

One of the standout features of the Legacy is its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system provides excellent traction in all kinds of weather conditions, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with snow, rain, or other challenging conditions. The AWD system also enhances the car's handling, giving it a confident and stable feel on the road. Steering is precise and responsive, and the car feels well-planted in corners. The suspension is tuned for comfort, so it absorbs bumps and road imperfections effectively, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers.

For those interested in fuel economy, the 2011 Legacy 2.5i Premium achieves around 22 mpg in the city and 29-30 mpg on the highway. These numbers are respectable for an AWD sedan of this size. Keep in mind that real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

Interior and Comfort

Moving inside, the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium offers a comfortable and spacious interior. The Premium trim adds some nice touches, such as upgraded cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. There's plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, so even taller passengers should be comfortable. The overall design is functional and straightforward, with controls that are easy to reach and use.

The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered, with all the essential information clearly displayed. The Premium trim includes an upgraded audio system with a single-CD player, satellite radio, and an auxiliary audio input. Some models may also come with a sunroof, which adds a nice touch of natural light to the cabin. The 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium also has ample storage space, including a large glove compartment, door pockets, and a center console with a storage bin.

In terms of cargo space, the Legacy offers a generous 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which is enough for most people's needs. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more room for larger items. Overall, the interior of the 2011 Legacy 2.5i Premium is a comfortable and practical space that's well-suited for both daily commutes and longer road trips.

Technology and Features

The 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium comes with a decent array of technology and features for its time. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The Premium trim adds alloy wheels, fog lights, and an upgraded audio system. While it may not have all the latest gadgets and gizmos found in newer cars, it has the essentials to keep you comfortable and entertained.

Some of the notable technology features include:

  • Upgraded audio system: Provides better sound quality compared to the base model.
  • Satellite radio: Offers a wide range of music, news, and sports channels.
  • Auxiliary audio input: Allows you to connect your smartphone or other audio devices.
  • Bluetooth connectivity: For hands-free calling and audio streaming (depending on the specific model and options).

While the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium doesn't have advanced safety features like lane departure warning or blind-spot monitoring (which were less common in cars of this era), it does have standard safety equipment such as antilock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags.

Reliability and Maintenance

Subaru has a strong reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium is no exception. However, like any car, it's essential to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure it stays in good condition. Some common maintenance tasks include oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.

One thing to be aware of with Subaru engines is the potential for head gasket issues, particularly in older models. While the 2011 Legacy is less prone to this problem than some earlier Subarus, it's still a good idea to have the cooling system inspected regularly to catch any potential issues early. Other than that, the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium is generally a reliable car that can provide many years of dependable service with proper care.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium is equipped with several features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety equipment includes:

  • Antilock brakes (ABS): Helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking.
  • Stability control: Helps maintain control of the car in slippery conditions.
  • Traction control: Prevents wheelspin during acceleration.
  • Front-seat side airbags: Provides additional protection in a side impact.
  • Side curtain airbags: Protects the heads of occupants in both the front and rear seats.

The 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium has also performed well in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These tests evaluate the car's ability to protect occupants in various types of collisions, providing valuable information for consumers.

Pros and Cons

To sum things up, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium:

Pros:

  • Standard all-wheel drive: Provides excellent traction and stability.
  • Spacious interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
  • Comfortable ride: Absorbs bumps and road imperfections effectively.
  • Reliable reputation: Subaru is known for building durable vehicles.
  • Decent fuel economy: Respectable for an AWD sedan.

Cons:

  • Engine power: May feel a bit lacking for some drivers.
  • Basic technology: Lacks some of the advanced features found in newer cars.
  • Potential for head gasket issues: Although less common in this model year.

Is the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium Right for You?

So, is the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium the right car for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a reliable, practical, and comfortable sedan with standard all-wheel drive, it's definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for those who live in areas with challenging weather conditions or who simply want the added confidence of AWD. However, if you're looking for a sporty car with lots of power and the latest technology, you might want to explore other options.

Overall, the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium is a solid and dependable car that offers a lot of value for the money, especially if you're buying one used. Just be sure to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy to ensure it's in good condition and has been properly maintained.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium remains a compelling option in the used car market. Its combination of all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and a reputation for reliability make it a practical choice for many drivers. While it may not be the flashiest or most technologically advanced car on the road, it offers a solid and dependable driving experience that's hard to beat. Happy driving, folks!