By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Supposedly this is very close to the production model, which likely will debut at the NY show.
Bob
The more I study it, the more I like it. I see some (good) Acura, BMW and other influences. Wheelbase is 108.3 inches. Length is up over current Legacy by about 4 inches, width by roughly the same.
Bob
On a positive note, I mostly like the current Impreza and Forester.
Yes, I agree, it is quite hideous, both inside and out. The exterior proportions and angles are all wrong. Looks like a love child of a 2005 Kia Amanti and a 2007 Chrysler Sebring, on steroids.
Interior looks like a mish-mash of factory and aftermarket. No coherent theme. I wonder, with all those touch screens, if they ever figured out how to make the climate control actually work...
I seriously hope they tone this thing down for production. Subaru - if you're listening - please don't bring us another Tribeca!
On the plus side, the 3.6 liter engine would be nice if they keep the weight under control.
Wheelbase x 108.3
Length x 188.8
Width x 71.7
Height x 59
Old Legacy
Wheelbase 105.1
Length x 185
Width x 68.1
Height x 56.1
Camry
Wheelbase x 109.3
Length x 189.2
Width x 71.7
Height x 57.7
Accord
Wheelbase x 110.2
Length x 194.1
Width x 72.7
Height x 58.1
Mazda6
Wheelbase x 109.8
Length x 193.7
Width x 72.4
Height x 57.9
Altima
Wheelbase x 109.3
Length x 189.8
Width x 70.7
Height x 57.9
Passat
Wheelbase 106.7
Length x 188
Width x 71.7
Height x 59.7
A4
Wheelbase 110.6
Length x 185.2
Width x 71.9
Height x 56.2
3 Series
Wheelbase 108.7
Length x 178.2
Width x 71.5
Height x 56.1
Taurus
Wheelbase 112.9
Length x 201.8
Width x 74.5
Height x 61.5
Malibu
Wheelbase 112.3
Length x 191.8
Width x 70.3
Height x 57.1
Fusion
Wheelbase 107.4
Length x 190.2
Width x 72.2
Height x 57.2
S40
Wheelbase x 103.9
Length x 176.2
Width x 69.7
Height x 57.2
S60
Wheelbase x 106.9
Length x 181.2
Width x 71.0
Height x 56.2
9-3
Wheelbase x 105.3
Length x 182.9
Width x 69
Height x 57.1
TSX
Wheelbase x 106.5
Length x 185.6
Width x 72.4
Height x 56.7
TL
Wheelbase x 109.3
Length x 195.3
Width x 74
Height x 57.2
IS
Wheelbase x 107.5
Length x 180.1
Width x 70.9
Height x 56.1
GS
Wheelbase x 112.2
Length x 190
Width x 71.7
Height x 56.1
G35
Wheelbase x 112.2
Length x 187
Width x 69.8
Height x 57.8
I like the current model better, but I wouldn't call the concept "hideous looking". Certainly, it will be more the right size to compete in the midsize market in the U.S. with the WB stretch.
There will still be wagons too, I hope?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
There will be a wagon, but we won't see it. We'll get the Outback wagon, just like now.
Bob
Outside, though, I mostly see G35/37 influence. I like the stacked headlights.
There's too much chrome on there, IMO. The grille looks like Acura designed it, and I don't care for the wide chrome stripe on the back side, either.
It looks best in Profile. Big windows should give it good visibility.
This is a concept, so if they tone it down like I think they will, the end result should look good.
Also - it's good that we are all bringing up upscale/luxury brands when we compare it, note that noone has said Kia or Neon like a lot of previous Subarus.
Bob
On the Forester, only the LTD gets chrome door handles, I believe.
Re. the looks: I don't know. The reaction that I have been reading is a bit Tribecaesqe, i.e., very polarized. I personally don't care for the front, which is a not very original amalgam of Audi, Acura, and Infiniti. It also looks a bit front heavy, but I'd have to see it in person.
I'll be very interested in seeing what the 2010 Outback looks like. I have great difficulty envisioning how the Legacy concept translates. Also, there is a rumor at cars101 (Joe Spitz's website) that the Legacy and Outback will NOT have the 3.6l engine this year.
wilbur
I noticed all the size increases, too. Looks like it gained about 3 inches in every direciton (length, width, even height). So it should feel a lot bigger inside.
Bob
I will reserve my final judgement for the wagon, which is my preferred body style, but the exterior of the car is okay to my eye. Not fantastic, but I am not repulsed. It is "typical modern." The interior, though, is disappointing. I love the apparent room in the rear seats - the style of the front seats really serves to enhance rear leg (knee) room. But, Subaru should have stuck closer to the gorgeous interior of the Tribeca (which was done nicely on the Impreza and Forester). This concept's interior is blocky, disjointed.
I look forward to seeing more. I hope a wagon is revealed before too long. The look of that Legacy, in direct translation, would not work well on an Outback.
I agree. The last generation Outback was pretty much a slightly stylized, raised Legacy wagon, which ironically, was pretty close to what the original mid/late 1990s Outback was, i.e., a Legacy wagon with cladding and an outdoorsy image courtesy of Paul Hogan. The early 2000s Outback were a bit more unique. It will be interesting to see what the 2010 Outback looks like.
wilbur
(yes, there is a leetle cladding from 2004 I know, but it's just along the rocker panel, not the half-the-door treatment from before)
Bob
The back window has a slight gap, but I don't think it's big enough for a wiper to tuck away.
Maybe it's for the wagon and they just forgot to take that out? Or it's JDM?
I don't think the concept has a rear wiper.
wilbur
MNSteve (Brrrr!)
I once measured. The Outback's seats, even at the lowest position, were a full 4" higher off the ground than in our Legacy.
So the seats are raised up 1.5" taller as well.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25194956&postcount=1172
Bob
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Bob
Frankly, I leased the Legacy because it was a bit different stylistically than most of the other current midsizers and has an equisite interior for its price point. Likely that I'll stick with my current choice and buy it off lease. It's been flawless in the first four months of ownership.
Still, we'll have to see the actual production car and check its price and features to make a final judgement. I do like the idea of the extra width and height assuming that translates into real interior room.
Recently rented the horrific Chrysler Sebring which is longer and wider than the Legacy and found it far more cramped so size doesn't always translate into room.
Bottom line is I love my 09 Legacy and still think it's the best value out there.
My choice for best of production car NAIAS would be 2010 Taurus. A bit big for my taste but looks good inside and out at a mid 20's price.
_____________________________
Come Preview the Legacy Concept at the Philadelphia International Auto Show
Innovation is what drives the new Legacy Concept. We took 20 years of sedan heritage and performance and gave it a sleek and modern twist. Our goal was not to redefine the Legacy, but to make it more well defined than ever. Be sure to stop and check it out! To find out more about the Legacy Concept, click here.
The Subaru booth will also have the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester! Stop by and see why Motor Trend voted the 2009 Forester #1!
Philadelphia International Auto Show
The Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
January 31 - February 8
Sat., 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun., 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mon. - Fri., 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat., 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun., 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
_____________________________
Bob
Bob
They need to move the rear seat back 3" or so, then box off the rear so no cargo space is lost.
It worked for the Forester. January sales were DOUBLE vs. 2008 in the middle of the 2nd Great Depression.
I don't think the Exiga will be our Outback because it's too narrow. It's basically a stretched Forester, so it would be forced to compete with the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo in a lower price class.
The Outback should be Tribeca sized. Then make the Tribeca about the size of a Pilot or Outlook.
Prettier wagons from the 80s were the Audi 5000 and Taurus - both roundish.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
But the new Forester is slightly larger inside than the present Outback. If I needed a new car, the Forester would replace my Outback 3.0R. Many others might do the same.
While I don't need anything larger than the Forester, OTOH those with several children may require more room for car seats that fit in the middle of the back seat, toys and dogs.
The Legacy concept is bigger so I'm sure the Outback will grow too, if not more.
It doesn't need to be bigger (just a couple inches wider)... just have better interior layout. I also have a 2000 Volvo that is virtually the same size as my 2005 OB, but way ahead in terms of passenger space / comfort.
Hopefully Subaru has hired some experts in this area instead of using the same people who design the engines to design the passenger compartment.
First of all, I think it dispells the myth that the Legacy and Outack are going to be totally seperate cars/platforms. The specs here apply to both. Subaru is simply going to unveil them at different times to try to differentiate them more, but they are the same platform.
2010 LEGACY/OUTBACK
Rear double wishbone
CVT with paddle shifters
6 speed manual
More powerful turbo
Bluetooth
Electric parking brake
GT Premium and Limited trims
3.6 inches wider (Not a typo -- yup, 3.6"!)
4 inches increased rear legroom (no, there is no listing for overall length)
18" wheels on GT
Single exhaust in 4 cylinder
8 colors, 2 blues, 6 colors are new
30 MPG!! (Presume this is the 4 cyl manual)
3.6L H6 (from the Tribeca -- it's confirmed!!)
IPOD USB port
Streaming Bluetooth audio support
Dealer says 2010's are already built from SIA but will not be allocated until July or August at the soonest.
Subaru is planning heavy advertising for the launch with 15% more ad spend and increased prime time and mainstream TV advertising.
That's all I've got, so please don't ask me for more!!
Elliot
* 17" wheels on Outback
* Lower rocker panel moldings
* Increased cargo capacity
Elliot
4 inches increased rear legroom (no, there is no listing for overall length)
Sounds like the Tribeca is outclassed with more comfortable seating and the same engine available.
The 30mpg could be a CVT 4 cylinder. If the CVT provides the same performance as in Nissans Rogue and Murano, 0-60 will be ok. The CVT is most likely the same one as Nissans...from JATCO I have driven Muranos and like it.
Bob