Inside, the Legacy SUS Limited version is visually distinguished by the mock wood trim for the push button windows and the automatic transmission shifter. While the shift is located in the standard center console, the window buttons are located well forward and just beneath the door sills. At first glance, the location seems odd. But the window buttons are very easy to find and use with a natural arm movement. The wood grain trim looks nice, but is available only with the Limited version. A unique standard dimension to the interior is the use of extra padding that reaches in slender arches from the floor up around the armrests, adding comfort and texture to the interior's appearance.Not surprisingly, the overall interior design is dedicated to utility, although the spare treatment has a sense of elegance. The greenhouse that looks pleasing from the outside provides excellent sight lines from the driver's seat. Subaru paid express attention to this aspect of the ergonomics and succeeded, right down to the rear spoiler that does not interfere with sight lines in the rear-view mirror. Also, the low mounting position of the engine at the front gives an excellent view of the path ahead, increasingly important once off road. A clear view of the large analog tachometer and speedometer, which dominate the driver's side of the dash, results from the well-placed, wrapped steering wheel whose top half is unencumbered by spokes. The fog lamp, defroster and cruise control are located below the driver's side dash, with all other controls on the stalk. The overhead map lights are easy to reach, bright and focused. The side view mirrors have their own defroster units as well as electronic adjustment. The heating/ventilation/air conditioning system and stereo are solidly ensconced in the center console to absorb the jarring of rough roads, but are a bit of a stretch for the front passenger. The radio comes standard with a weather band. Seats provide firm support in a variety of driving situations, particularly on bumpy rides. Back seat roominess is adequate. Neither driver nor passenger are bothered by stepping into the higher than usual platform. The $23,890 Legacy Sport Utility Sedan comes with a high level of standard equipment. The $26,090 Limited model comes fully loaded; the only options available are a CD player or CD changer.
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