more about this model
Pros Powerful engine, sporty handling, smooth ride, classy interior.
Cons Priced higher than others in the segment, out-moded navigation graphics, less fuel-efficient than competitors.
The "GT" acronym is one of the most misused modern automotive monikers. Short for "grand touring," it originally signified a vehicle with more performance than everyday cars, while having more comfort and convenience than a sports car. As grand tourers go, the 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited lives up to the designation.
Over the years the GT badge has graced everything from supercars to econoboxes, muddying previous expectations, but in a sea of fairly bland four-door family haulers, the Legacy 2.5 GT sets itself apart with added performance while still coddling passengers with a quiet and comfortable cabin. Rest assured, these advantages also come with a high level of safety, as the Legacy garners top marks in government crash tests.
Subaru offers the Legacy in varying degrees of performance, from the mild 2.5i to the more refined six-cylinder 3.0 R models. Our 2.5 GT is one of the spicier of the bunch, while an even sharper 2.5 GT spec B is available with even more performance upgrades that further sharpen handling. Only minor options are offered for the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited, since most modern conveniences are included as standard equipment.
With a wealth of standard features, the 2.5 GT Limited is anything but "limited," and by ably fulfilling the promise of its GT designation, you could consider our appetite for performance in a functional family sedan pleasantly satisfied.
Performance Our all-wheel-drive 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited test car was powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that churns out 243 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, but our test vehicle was supplied with an optional five-speed automatic. In testing, our Legacy GT sprinted to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds on its way to crossing the quarter-mile mark in 15.0 seconds at 93.4 mph.
Thanks to Subaru's SI-Drive control system (similar to the system in the super-sporty WRX STI hatchback), drivers can choose among three distinct performance modes. A dial adjacent to the gear selector allows the selection of Intelligent mode for increased fuel-efficiency, Sport mode for quicker throttle response and Sport Sharp (denoted as S#) for maximum acceleration. Unlike some other sport selectors (a.k.a. "fun buttons"), this system actually delivers a noticeable difference in throttle response.
The Legacy accelerates smoothly off the line, with the turbo kicking in an extra burst of power about halfway up the rev range. The five-speed automatic transmission supplies smooth shifts to its well-spaced gears that keep the tach needle in the boost. Manual shifts can be executed via column-mounted paddle shifters, but upshifts are a bit slow, requiring a second or two of anticipation. On the plus side, downshifts are delightfully quick, with rev-matched throttle blips.
Among midsize sedans, this Subaru's zippy engine and capable transmission stand out, but these features really shine when paired with the Legacy's sporty suspension and symmetrical all-wheel drive. At the test track, we noticed that the Legacy's stability control is well-tuned, intervening only when absolutely needed. On canyon roads, we found the suspension to be particularly nimble, bounding from turn to turn with little drama. Also noteworthy is the absence of the midcorner transfer of power to the front wheels that is distinct (and awkward) in the sportier WRX STI.
Fuel economy is slightly lower than for some of the Legacy's competitors, but it's negligible for drivers who enjoy livelier performance. The EPA estimates of 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg in combined driving seem accurate, given that we averaged 19.5 mpg during our time with the car.
Comfort Proving worthy of its GT badging, the 2009 Subaru Legacy is composed over rough pavement while also remaining comfortable for long freeway stints behind the wheel. In fact, we were impressed enough to compare the ride quality to the venerable BMW 3 Series, though the Legacy's amount of road noise was a bit too noticeable for our tastes.
Seating surfaces are covered in quality perforated leather with enough grip to keep occupants in place. Front seats are well bolstered for spirited driving, and comfort was better than expected — considering the fairly stiff padding. As good as the front seats are, it's worth noting that the passenger footwell is quite a bit shorter than the one on the driver side, requiring full extension of the seat to accommodate longer legs.
The rear seats provided enough legroom and headroom for average-size adults, but we found the seat cushions on the short side and mounted just a bit too low, resulting in a lack of thigh support. Children or smaller adults would likely find the rear quarters more than adequate, though.
Function From the driver seat of the 2009 Subaru Legacy, all controls are within easy reach and intuitive in operation. Outward visibility is excellent and the cockpit readouts are clear and legible, especially the ultra-sharp secondary readout mounted in the tachometer. Our gripes were minor, as some staffers noted the overabundance and placement of displays. The center console of our test vehicle had three separate displays — one each for the climate control, audio and navigation.
Drivers may likewise feel over-informed with identical fuel economy measurements that can be displayed in three different locations at the same time. We also took issue with the low mounting of the automatic climate controls and display, forcing our eyes off the road in order to make adjustments. Fortunately, the climate control system functioned well enough to not require much attention once set. The navigation system, while easy to use, seemed out of date, lacking the legibility and information found in more contemporary units.
The standard Harman Kardon audio system performed well, with all nine speakers delivering clean, crisp tones and rich bass. We experienced a modest amount of distortion when connecting an iPod through the auxiliary audio input, though. Noticeably absent from our test vehicle was the availability of Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and iPod integration (the latter is expected later in the model year).
The Legacy's maximum trunk capacity of 11.4 cubic feet is smaller than other cars in this segment, but the shape does permit enough space for golf bags or large luggage. A child seat was easily accommodated in the rear cabin with readily accessible LATCH anchor points for the outboard seats, but a rear-facing seat was only mountable in the center position (using the seatbelt) if the front passenger seat was in use.
Design/Fit and Finish From any angle, the 2009 Subaru Legacy GT's exterior styling is just about what you'd expect from a family sedan. Styling is neither exciting nor bland — blending in anonymously with the rest of the herd in this segment, though the wide hood scoop subtly hints at its added performance. The interior is slightly more interesting, with sporty front seats wrapped in quality leather that we'd normally expect in a car from Germany. The layout of the cabin is straightforward and free of gimmickry.
The quality of the plastic materials is much better than most of the Legacy's stablemates, but we're not fans of the faux wood trim. Upon closer inspection, these shiny plastic accents resembled a dark red bowling ball rather than an attempt at simulated wood grain. Otherwise, the cabin is well built, with tight tolerances, and was devoid of any odd squeaks or rattles during our time with the car.
Who should consider this vehicle For midsize family sedan shoppers who don't want to compromise on having fun, the 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited may just fit the bill. Performance is sharp enough to satisfy more spirited drivers and the all-wheel-drive feature is a plus for those who drive in snowy climates.
Others To Consider Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Used 2009 Subaru Legacy listings and inventory:
Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2009 Subaru Legacys for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 359 used and CPO 2009 Legacys listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 4,450 and mileage as low as 72,000. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2009 Subaru Legacy. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 165 on a used or CPO 2009 Legacy available from one of 2,634 dealerships in your area.
What's a good price on a used 2009 Subaru Legacy ?
Save up to $165 on one of 11 used 2009 Subaru Legacys for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $4450 as of Apr 20, 2018, based on data from 9 dealers and 17 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 4.9 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2009 Subaru Legacy trim styles:
The used 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition is priced around $7050 with average odometer reading of 117163 miles.
The used 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited is priced around $14998 with average odometer reading of 72000 miles.
The used 2009 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited is priced around $9700 with average odometer reading of 118524 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Available Subaru Legacy 2009 Submodel Types: Wagon, Sedan
Available Subaru Legacy 2009 Trims: 2.5i Premium, 3.6R Limited, 2.5i Premium PZEV, 2.5i Limited PZEV, 2.5i Sport, 2.5i, 2.5i PZEV, Outback, 2.5 I, 2.5i Special Edition, L Special Edition, 2.5i Sport PZEV, 2.5 I Limited, GT, L, L 35th Anniversary Edition, 2.5 GT, 2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 GT spec.B, 2.5 I Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 3.0 R Limited, Brighton, 2.5GT Limited
Exterior Colors: Twilight Blue Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Tungsten Metallic, Crimson Red Pearl, Venetian Red Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Carbide Gray Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, Satin White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Lapis Blue Pearl, Steel Silver Metallic, Silver Stone Metallic, Atlantic Blue Pearl, Azurite Blue Pearl, Harvest Gold Metallic, Deep Indigo Pearl, Diamond Gray Metallic, Glacier White/Slate, Regatta Red Pearl, Ruby Red Pearl, Seamist Green Pearl, Sky Blue Metallic, Timberline Green Pearl, Glacier White, Newport Blue Pearl, Obsidian Black Pearl, Quartz Silver Metallic, Regal Blue Pearl, Seacrest Green Metallic, Spruce Pearl, Timberline Green Pearlcoat, Titanium Silver Metallic
Interior Colors: Slate Black Cloth cloth, Warm Ivory Cloth cloth, Slate Black Leather leather, Two-Tone Gray Cloth cloth, Black, Titanium Gray Cloth cloth, Slate Black leather, Slate Black cloth, Ivory, Warm Ivory Leather leather, Warm Ivory cloth, Warm Ivory leather, Titanium Gray Leather leather, Gray, Off Black cloth, Taupe cloth, Gray Moquette, Off Black, Off-Black leather, Taupe/Ivory cloth, Black cloth, Ivory cloth
Popular Features: Bluetooth, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Post-collision safety system, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Blind Spot Monitoring, Keyless Entry/Start, Navigation, Upgraded Headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-collision safety system, Parking sensors, Remote Start, 2500lb Towing Capacity, AWD/4WD, Alarm, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Power Driver Seat, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Stereo, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: MANUAL, AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
Used 2009 Subaru Legacy Overview
The used 2009 Subaru Legacy is offered in the following submodels: Sedan. Available styles include 2.5i Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), and 2.5i Special Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Legacy models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2009 Legacy comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed shiftable automatic, 5-speed manual.
