The Subaru Legacy III Station Wagon, specifically the 2.5-liter variant with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, was produced between 1998 and 2001 as part of the BE/BH generation of the Legacy. This model represented Subaru’s continued commitment to offering practical, reliable, and capable vehicles, particularly appealing to families and those needing all-weather capability. Within the Legacy lineup, the 2.5 AWD Automatic occupied a mid-range position, offering a step up in performance and refinement compared to the base 2.2-liter models, while remaining more accessible than the turbocharged options. It was primarily sold in markets like North America, Europe, and Australia, where the combination of space, safety, and all-wheel drive was highly valued.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy |
| Generation | Legacy III Station Wagon (BE,BH) |
| Type (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 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.9 l/100 km (18.2 US mpg, 21.9 UK mpg, 7.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 226 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 108 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm, 154.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 223 Nm @ 3600 rpm (164.48 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ25 |
| Engine displacement | 2457 cm3 (149.94 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 99.5 mm (3.92 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| 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 (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1445-1460 kg (3185.68 – 3218.75 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1945 kg (4287.99 lbs.) |
| Max load | 485-500 kg (1069.24 – 1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 528 l (18.65 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1646 l (58.13 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4680 mm (184.25 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 165-155 mm (6.5 – 6.1 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| 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 | 205/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Legacy variant is the EJ25 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. Subaru’s horizontally opposed “boxer” configuration, where pistons move horizontally rather than vertically, provides inherent balance, reducing vibrations and contributing to a smoother driving experience. The EJ25 featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design, with four valves per cylinder, and utilized multi-port fuel injection. This engine produced 156 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 223 Nm (164.48 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting allowed for a more balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling. Paired with the EJ25 was a four-speed automatic transmission. While not as sophisticated as later transmissions, it provided smooth shifts and was well-suited to the engine’s torque curve. This transmission was chosen for its ease of use and accessibility, targeting buyers who preferred convenience over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.5-liter automatic Legacy offered a comfortable and capable driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 9.9 seconds, which was adequate for everyday driving but not particularly sporty. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in some power loss compared to the available five-speed manual. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a particularly appealing choice in regions with snow or rain. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps well, but the car wasn’t as agile as some of its rear-wheel-drive competitors. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5 AWD Automatic Legacy typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM stereo. Higher trim levels offered options such as a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, leather upholstery, and alloy wheels. Interior materials were generally durable and practical, reflecting the car’s focus on functionality. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use, with clearly labeled controls. Safety features included dual front airbags and ABS brakes.
Chassis & Braking
The Legacy III utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. ABS was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability, especially on slippery surfaces. The steering was rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power assistance, offering a reasonably responsive feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.5 AWD Automatic Legacy was generally well-received by critics as a practical and reliable family vehicle. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and all-weather capability. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission dulled the engine’s performance compared to the manual version. Compared to the turbocharged Legacy models, the 2.5 offered a more affordable price point and lower running costs, but lacked the same level of excitement. Fuel economy was average for its class, around 25 mpg combined. Reliability was generally good, with the EJ25 engine being known for its durability.
Legacy
The EJ25 engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a robust and long-lasting powerplant. While some early EJ25 engines were prone to head gasket issues, these were largely addressed in later revisions. Today, well-maintained examples of the 1998-2001 Legacy III Station Wagon 2.5 AWD Automatic can still be found on the used car market. They are often sought after by those looking for a reliable, affordable, and capable all-weather vehicle. Parts availability is generally good, and the car’s relatively simple mechanical design makes it relatively easy to maintain. The Legacy III continues to hold a respectable position among enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of practicality, durability, and Subaru’s unique engineering approach.
