The Subaru Legacy II Station Wagon, specifically the 2.2-liter (131 hp) All-Wheel Drive variant, was produced between 1996 and 1998 as part of the BD/BG generation of Subaru’s popular mid-size offering. This model represented Subaru’s continued commitment to providing practical, reliable, and all-weather capable vehicles, particularly appealing to families and those living in regions with inclement weather. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Legacy II wagon lineup, it bridged the gap between the more economical base models and the higher-performance turbocharged options. The BD/BG generation marked a significant step forward in refinement and interior space compared to its predecessor, solidifying the Legacy’s reputation as a sensible and capable family vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy |
| Generation | Legacy II Station Wagon (BD,BG) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 (131 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production | 1996 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.2 l/100 km (19.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 131 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 193 Nm @ 4000 rpm (142.35 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ22E |
| Engine displacement | 2212 cm3 (134.98 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 96.9 mm (3.81 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1225 kg (2700.66 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1795 kg (3957.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 488 l (17.23 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 700 l (24.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4670 mm (183.86 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm (103.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1996-1998 Subaru Legacy II 2.2 AWD Station Wagon is the EJ22E engine, a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder. This engine design, a Subaru hallmark, contributes to a lower center of gravity, improving handling and stability. The EJ22E utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports, optimizing combustion efficiency. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, providing a good balance of performance and simplicity. The engine’s 9.5:1 compression ratio was a standard figure for the time, contributing to reasonable fuel economy without sacrificing too much power. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing drivers with full control over the engine’s power delivery. The transmission was designed to handle the engine’s torque output and the demands of the all-wheel-drive system.
Driving Characteristics
The 131 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque produced by the EJ22E engine, coupled with the five-speed manual transmission, provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 9.5 seconds, making it competitive with other mid-size wagons of the era. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in various conditions, making it a particularly appealing choice for drivers in snowy or wet climates. The gear ratios were tuned for everyday usability, prioritizing smooth cruising and reasonable fuel economy over outright speed. Compared to the turbocharged Legacy models, the 2.2L naturally aspirated version offered a more linear power delivery, making it easier to drive in everyday situations. However, it lacked the punch and responsiveness of its turbocharged siblings. The manual transmission allowed for precise control, but the shift quality wasn’t particularly sporty.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.2L AWD Station Wagon typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. Interior features included cloth upholstery, a basic stereo system, and manual windows and locks. Air conditioning was often standard, but could be optional depending on the specific package. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as power windows and locks, a better stereo system, and upgraded interior trim. Optional extras included a sunroof, alloy wheels, and cruise control. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over aesthetics. The interior space was generous, particularly in the rear cargo area, making it a practical choice for families.
Chassis & Braking
The Legacy II Station Wagon utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling. The suspension was tuned for everyday driving, prioritizing comfort over sporty handling. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering was rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power assistance, providing a light and responsive feel. The 195/60 R15 tires offered a good balance of grip and ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Subaru Legacy II Station Wagon 2.2 AWD was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its practicality, reliability, and all-weather capability. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the power and refinement of some of its competitors. Compared to other trims in the Legacy lineup, the 2.2L model offered a more affordable entry point into the Legacy family. It provided a good balance of features and performance for the price. Fuel economy was respectable for the time, averaging around 23 mpg combined. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the head gaskets, a common problem with Subaru engines of this era.
Legacy
The EJ22E engine, while not known for being particularly high-performance, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant when properly maintained. The Legacy II Station Wagon 2.2 AWD remains a popular choice among Subaru enthusiasts and those seeking a practical and affordable used vehicle. The all-wheel-drive system continues to be a major selling point, making it a capable vehicle in all weather conditions. While finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, these wagons offer a unique blend of practicality, reliability, and all-weather capability that continues to appeal to a dedicated following. The head gasket issue remains a potential concern, but preventative maintenance can mitigate this risk. Today, these vehicles are often sought after for their simplicity, affordability, and the iconic Subaru boxer engine.
