The Subaru Legacy II Station Wagon, internally designated as the BD and BG series, represented Subaru’s second-generation offering in the mid-size wagon segment. Produced from 1993 through 1998, this generation built upon the success of the original Legacy, offering increased refinement, safety features, and a broader range of engine options. The 2.2-liter, 128 horsepower, all-wheel-drive variant occupied a significant position within the lineup, appealing to buyers seeking a practical, reliable, and capable family vehicle. It served as a step up from the base 1.8L models, offering more power for highway cruising and towing, while remaining more affordable than the more powerful 2.5L options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy |
| Generation | Legacy II Station Wagon (BD,BG) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 (128 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production | 1993 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 24.5 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 29.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 10.4 km/l |
| 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 | 189 km/h (117.44 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 128 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 4400 rpm (140.14 lb.-ft. @ 4400 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 |
| 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 | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 510 kg (1124.36 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 | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm (103.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) 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 Steering |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Legacy variant was the EJ22E, a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine. Subaru’s boxer engine design, with its pistons moving horizontally, offered inherent balance and a low center of gravity, contributing to the car’s stable handling. The EJ22E featured multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports, and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design operating four valves per cylinder. This configuration provided a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency for its time. The engine produced 128 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, delivering power to all four wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system utilized a viscous coupling center differential, automatically distributing torque between the front and rear axles as needed.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.2L AWD Legacy II Station Wagon offered a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 9.5 seconds, and top speed was around 117 mph. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a particularly appealing choice for drivers in regions with snow or rain. The five-speed manual transmission allowed for precise control over gear selection, while the relatively long gear ratios prioritized fuel economy over outright acceleration. Compared to the 1.8L models, the 2.2L offered noticeably more power, especially when fully loaded or climbing hills. However, it lacked the punch of the 2.5L variants, which were favored by those seeking more spirited performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.2L AWD Legacy II Station Wagon typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included power steering, air conditioning, a basic audio system, and cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, often denoted by “L” or “LX” designations, added features such as power windows and locks, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. Optional extras included a sunroof, cruise control, and upgraded interior trim. The interior design was functional and straightforward, prioritizing practicality over luxury. The station wagon body style offered generous cargo space, making it well-suited for families and those needing to transport large items.
Chassis & Braking
The Legacy II Station Wagon utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. The suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and stability, rather than outright sportiness. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard equipment, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering was rack-and-pinion, providing precise and responsive steering feel. The car’s relatively low center of gravity, thanks to the boxer engine, contributed to its stable handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Subaru Legacy II Station Wagon, particularly the 2.2L AWD variant, was well-received by automotive critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its practicality, reliability, and all-weather capability. Fuel economy was considered average for its class, at around 24.5 mpg combined. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry Wagon or Honda Accord Wagon, the Legacy offered the distinct advantage of standard all-wheel drive. The 2.2L engine provided a good compromise between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for buyers who didn’t need the extra power of the 2.5L models. However, some critics noted that the interior was somewhat basic compared to some of its rivals.
Legacy
The EJ22E engine, while generally reliable, is known to be susceptible to head gasket failures, a common issue with early Subaru boxer engines. Regular maintenance, including timely coolant changes, is crucial to prevent this issue. Today, the Legacy II Station Wagon, especially well-maintained examples, has gained a following among enthusiasts and collectors. Its combination of practicality, reliability, and all-wheel-drive capability makes it a desirable used car. Parts availability is generally good, although some specific trim pieces may be difficult to find. The 2.2L AWD variant remains a popular choice for those seeking a classic Subaru wagon that is capable of handling a variety of driving conditions.
