2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited

What: A sporty, all-wheel-drive alternative to the typical Camry and Accord

How Much: Base price, $31,295; as tested, $32,460

What's Hot: Decent flat-six power, well-trimmed interior, sporty all-wheel-drive handling

What's Not: Automatic transmission slow to respond, poor rear-seat headroom, audio controls

On the Road: Looking at the specs for our 2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited, I was impressed. At roughly the same price as our moderately equipped WRX long-termer, the Legacy seemed to offer more of just about everything for around the same $32,000. It was up two cylinders, a half-liter of displacement, and 21 horsepower and featured a leather interior in a league different from the cheap-feeling, cloth-appointed WRX, a sunroof, Bilstein sport suspension, and SI-Drive -- Subaru's three-position power delivery system. Why, I wondered, would anyone choose a WRX over this flagship Legacy? After all, the chassis of the two cars is essentially the same, the WRX's shortened somewhat, and both featuring Subie's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive.

I found out exactly why after spending a weekend behind the wheel. The Legacy, while sporty, is simply no WRX. The power delivery from its 245-hp, 215-lb-ft flat-six is linear and adequate, but lacks the sheer grunt that launches the WRX up inclined freeway on-ramps. Turns out, the WRX is up 11 lb-ft of torque on the Legacy, while down 403 pounds of curb weight. Match up those inconveniences with a lackluster automatic "Sportshift" transmission that's slow to respond -- even in manual paddle-shift mode -- and the difference is night and day. And about those paddle shifters: They're mounted on the steering column, not the wheel. While this setup ensures the driver always knows which paddle is up and which is down, it makes upshifts difficult while powering out of a turn with the wheel still cocked. A blue-blooded sport sedan the Legacy is not.

Still, the Legacy has enough power to entertain, if not enthrall, and makes a sure-footed and eager companion when the road gets twisty. Fuel-consumption figures are roughly on par with those of the WRX, at 17/24 city/highway. The SI-Drive system is novel, with three setting positions: "Intelligent," "Sport," and "Sport #," (that's "sharp" as in musical notation). In Intelligent mode, the ECU detunes the engine slightly, limiting horsepower and softening throttle response, making smoother work of around-town commuting. Twist the silver SI-Drive knob on the center console to the left, and you're in Sport mode, giving full horsepower and slightly more aggressive throttle tip-in. One more twist to the right engages Sport # mode (it can also be selected via a button on the steering wheel), giving a fairly aggressive throttle response and the sensation that a few more ponies have been set free. It's a useful system, with Intelligent mode feeling best in normal driving (while giving up to 10-percent-better fuel economy, according to Subaru) and Sport # feeling much more satisfying when carving up a winding hillside road.

Ride quality is a Legacy strong point. All 3.0 R Limited models feature a Bilstein sport suspension that seems a perfect compromise between comfort and performance -- firm, but not nearly to the level of discomfort on even the roughest roads. I was impressed and wondered how much fun the softer standard suspension must sap out of the base-model Legacy. The brakes, too, felt strong enough for spirited street use, and the traction-control system allowed a hint of rotation mid-turn before stepping in to rein the Legacy back from the void.

One of the areas where the Legacy excels is in the cabin. The seats are made of perforated leather that is neither too firm nor too soft, and the door panels and dashboard are all of soft-touch plastics that have a quality look and feel. This flagship Legacy's interior is a mile beyond that of the WRX, creating an environment that emphasizes its sporting intentions with a dash of class -- not unlike offerings from Volkswagen or even Audi. The wood trim that wraps around the lower dashboard and center console is the only letdown -- I would have much preferred brushed aluminum to the fake, plasticky-looking rosewood. But the gorgeous black-faced gauges with white numbering and red needles make it easy to forgive the other minor shortcomings.

My biggest wish lies with the stereo controls. I strongly favor audio controls blended into the navigation touchscreen, a la WRX, than the separate, center-console mounted buttons that are awkward to use and not as pleasant to look at. Note to Subaru: Ditch the traditional stereo controls for a device cubby in the center stack to stash cell-phones, sunglasses, and the like. Oh, and increase rear headroom, too. At an even six feet tall, my head pressed against the roof if I didn't hunch over slightly.

All in all, the Legacy 3.0 R Limited is a nice ride if you need a midsize sedan and want something less mundane than the typical Camry. Just don't expect the additional comfort and luxury the Legacy offers over the WRX without a performance sacrifice.

Like This? Try These: Toyota Camry V-6, Honda Accord V-6, Mazda6

Bottom Line: Want a more exclusive, nicely appointed, all-wheel-drive sedan? Pick one of these up -- just remember, it's no WRX.