Subaru Legacy III Station Wagon (BE,BH) 2.5 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Subaru Legacy:

The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru from 1989 to 2025. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine.
In 1996, a variant of the Legacy with heightened suspension called the Legacy Outback was introduced to compete in the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class, and proved to be a sales success for Subaru. The Outback line was split into its own model in 2008, known as the Subaru Outback....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Station Wagon (BE,BH) Overview:

Subaru Legacy (III Station Wagon (BE,BH)). With 223 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1452 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.4 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.5 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers decent power for daily driving and highway cruising, though the automatic transmission slightly dulls acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is moderate, typical for an older AWD automatic wagon with a 2.5L engine.

Best Use Case: Commuting and family trips, especially where automatic convenience is preferred.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for superior traction
  • • Spacious and versatile station wagon body with large cargo capacity
  • • Reliable Boxer engines (EJ25, EJ20) known for durability
  • • Comfortable ride with independent suspension
  • • Good visibility and practical interior

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be high, especially with automatic transmissions and larger engines
  • • Performance of 2.0L engines can feel underpowered, particularly with automatic
  • • Interior design and materials might feel dated compared to some rivals
  • • Potential for head gasket issues on some EJ25 engines (common for the era)
  • • Limited availability of parts for older models in some regions

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (BD,BG): 1997 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Subaru
Model:Legacy
Generation:III Station Wagon (BE,BH)
Modification (Engine):2.5 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic
Start of production:1998
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:156 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:63.5 Hp/l [85mm more]
Torque:223 Nm @ 3600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EJ25 More details about the engine EJ25
Engine displacement:2457
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Boxer
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:99.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:79 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.4 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.3 kg/Hp, 108 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.5 kg/Nm, 154.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1445-1460
Max. weight:1945
Max load:485-500
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1646 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:528 l
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4680 mm mm [85mm more]
Width:1695 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1515 mm mm [110mm more]
Wheelbase:2650 mm mm [20mm more]
Front track:1460 mm
Rear (Back) track:1455 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):165-155 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/50 R16
Wheel rims size6.5J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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