Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon, a vehicle that blends practicality, reliability, and a touch of adventure. If you're considering a versatile wagon that can handle daily commutes and weekend getaways, the 2012 Legacy Wagon deserves a closer look. We’ll explore its features, performance, reliability, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon

The 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon is part of the fifth generation of the Legacy, known for its spacious interior, standard all-wheel drive, and reputation for durability. This model year offers a compelling combination of comfort, utility, and Subaru's signature ruggedness. Whether you're hauling groceries, sports equipment, or heading out on a road trip, the Legacy Wagon provides ample space and a smooth, confident ride.

Key Features and Highlights

• Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for drivers in snowy or rainy climates.
• Spacious Cargo Area: The wagon configuration offers significantly more cargo space compared to the sedan version, making it ideal for families and those with active lifestyles.
• Comfortable Interior: The 2012 Legacy Wagon boasts a comfortable and well-designed interior with quality materials and supportive seats, ensuring a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
• Available Features: Depending on the trim level, you can find features like a sunroof, premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and heated seats, adding to the overall convenience and enjoyment.

Performance and Handling

The 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon offers two engine options, each providing a different balance of power and fuel efficiency. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect in terms of performance and handling.

Engine Options

1. 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine: The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces around 170 horsepower. This engine provides adequate power for daily driving and offers decent fuel economy.
2. 3.6-Liter Six-Cylinder Engine: For those seeking more power, the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine delivers approximately 256 horsepower. This engine provides quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience, especially when carrying heavy loads or driving uphill.

Transmission and Drivetrain

• Transmission Options: The 2012 Legacy Wagon is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), depending on the engine and trim level. The CVT provides smooth and efficient performance, while the manual transmission offers more driver control.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: As mentioned earlier, all 2012 Legacy Wagons come standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system distributes power to all four wheels, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions.

Driving Experience

The 2012 Subaru Legacy Wagon offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the wagon in tight spaces. Whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the Legacy Wagon offers a confident and enjoyable driving experience.

Interior and Comfort

The interior of the 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Let's explore the key aspects of the interior and comfort features.

Cabin Design and Materials

• Layout and Ergonomics: The cabin layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample cushioning for long drives.
• Material Quality: The interior materials are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable fabrics. Higher trim levels may feature leather upholstery and other premium materials, adding a touch of luxury to the cabin.

Space and Practicality

• Passenger Space: The 2012 Legacy Wagon offers ample passenger space in both the front and rear seats. Even taller adults will find plenty of headroom and legroom, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups.
• Cargo Space: The wagon configuration provides significantly more cargo space compared to the sedan version. With the rear seats up, you'll have plenty of room for groceries, luggage, and other items. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area even further, allowing you to transport larger items with ease. The cargo area is easily accessible and well-shaped, making it practical for everyday use.

Technology and Features

• Infotainment System: The base models come with a standard audio system, while higher trim levels may feature a premium sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, and satellite radio. The infotainment system is easy to use and provides access to a variety of entertainment options.
• Convenience Features: Depending on the trim level, the 2012 Legacy Wagon may come with features like a sunroof, heated seats, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. These features enhance the overall comfort and convenience of the vehicle.

Reliability and Maintenance

Subaru has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the 2012 Legacy Station Wagon is no exception. However, like any car, it's essential to consider potential issues and maintenance requirements.

Common Issues and Problems

• Oil Consumption: Some Subaru models, including the 2012 Legacy, have been known to experience excessive oil consumption. It's essential to monitor the oil level regularly and address any issues promptly.
• CVT Transmission: The CVT transmission in some models may experience issues, such as slipping or hesitation. Regular maintenance, including fluid changes, can help prevent these problems.
• Head Gasket Leaks: Older Subaru models were prone to head gasket leaks, but this issue has been largely resolved in newer models like the 2012 Legacy. However, it's still worth inspecting the engine for any signs of leaks.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Oil Changes: Changing the oil regularly is crucial for maintaining the engine's health and preventing excessive wear. Follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals.
• CVT Fluid Changes: If your Legacy Wagon has a CVT transmission, be sure to change the fluid at the recommended intervals. This will help ensure smooth and reliable performance.
• Brake Maintenance: Inspect the brakes regularly and replace worn brake pads or rotors as needed. This will help maintain safe stopping power.

Safety Features

The 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon comes equipped with a range of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision.

Standard Safety Features

• Antilock Brakes (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels.
• Traction Control System (TCS): TCS limits wheelspin during acceleration, improving traction and stability.
• Airbags: The 2012 Legacy Wagon comes with front, side, and curtain airbags to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Crash Test Ratings

The 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has received good ratings in most crash tests, indicating a high level of crashworthiness.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. Here's a brief overview of the available trims:

• 2.5i: The base trim level comes with standard features like all-wheel drive, air conditioning, and a basic audio system.
• 2.5i Premium: This trim adds features like alloy wheels, a premium audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity.
• 2.5i Limited: The Limited trim includes leather upholstery, heated seats, and a sunroof.
• 3.6R: This trim features the more powerful 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine and comes standard with many of the features found on the 2.5i Premium trim.
• 3.6R Premium: Adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power driver's seat.
• 3.6R Limited: Combines the 3.6-liter engine with premium features like a sunroof, navigation system, and Harman Kardon audio system.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many car buyers. The 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon offers decent fuel economy, especially with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

EPA Estimates

• 2.5-Liter Engine: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at around 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the CVT transmission. The manual transmission has similar fuel economy ratings.
• 3.6-Liter Engine: The 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine is rated at around 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This engine offers more power but consumes more fuel.

Real-World Fuel Economy

Keep in mind that real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions, habits, and maintenance. Regular maintenance, such as keeping the tires properly inflated and using the correct grade of oil, can help optimize fuel economy.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon:

Pros

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
• Spacious Cargo Area: Offers ample space for hauling groceries, luggage, and other items.
• Comfortable Interior: Provides a comfortable and well-designed interior with quality materials.
• Available Features: Offers a range of available features, such as a sunroof, premium audio system, and heated seats.
• Good Safety Ratings: Has received good crash test ratings, indicating a high level of crashworthiness.

Cons

• Oil Consumption: Some models may experience excessive oil consumption.
• CVT Transmission: The CVT transmission in some models may experience issues.
• Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is decent but not exceptional, especially with the 3.6-liter engine.

Final Verdict

The 2012 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon is a practical and reliable choice for those seeking a versatile wagon with standard all-wheel drive. It offers a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a range of available features. While it has some potential drawbacks, such as oil consumption and CVT transmission issues, these can be mitigated with proper maintenance. If you're in the market for a wagon that can handle daily commutes and weekend adventures, the 2012 Legacy Wagon is definitely worth considering. I hope this review has helped you in your search!