L models are more than adequately equipped, with air conditioning, ABS brakes, tilt steering, power windows and door locks, 15-inch steel wheels. Like all Subaru models, it comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Special Edition model adds luxury features, including 16-inch alloy wheels, 205/55R16 all-season radial tires, fog lights, a moonroof, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle and wood grain-patterned trim.

GT adds sportier suspension tuning, a limited-slip rear differential, power seats with leather, side-impact airbags, and other up-market equipment. Automatic GTs have Variable Torque Distribution, which sends more torque to the rear wheels than the front wheels for a sportier feel when driving.

All Legacy models are powered by Subaru's 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, which produces 165 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed electronically controlled automatic is optional ($800).

Outback shares its mechanical platform and much of its styling with the Legacy. But the Outback has more standard equipment, a higher stance, and a more rugged look than the Legacy. Outback prices start at $23,045 for the basic wagon, which shares the Legacy's 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Move up to Limited trim, and you can choose a wagon or a sedan.

Six-cylinder Outbacks start with the H6-3.0 sedan for $28,495. The corresponding wagon is the L.L. Bean Edition, for $29,995. Top of the line is the H6-3.0 VDC, in sedan ($30,895) and wagon ($32,395) variants. L.L. Bean Edition offers exclusive comfort and appearance features, including two-tone leather and a three-year, no-cost, extended maintenance package.

H6-3.0 VDC is the technology standard-bearer of the lineup. VDC stands for Vehicle Dynamic Control, which combines Variable Torque Distribution with all-speed traction control and dynamic stability control (DSC). H6-3.0 designates the 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The six-cylinder is rated 212 horsepower and comes only with an automatic transmission. Six-cylinder Outbacks come standard with OnStar telecommunications.