The Legacy's wheelbase and overall length, increased by two inches for 2005, allow more of a wedge shape, led by a lower, more sloping hood. The horizontally opposed, or boxer, engine is mounted low, allowing for a low hood and low center of gravity. Body-colored door handles hinge upward and are tightly styled into the door panels.

The hood scoop on Legacy GT models is understated, but obviously functional, feeding air to the turbocharger. Chrome dual exhaust tips on the GT models poke out beneath arched cutouts at each corner, emphasizing the Legacy's sporty aspirations.