Subaru Liberty GT Review & Road Test
November 10, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Conservative looks, confident performance.
Model Tested:
- 2010 Subaru Liberty GT Premium; 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo petrol; six-speed manual; sedan – $52,990*
Smooth power delivery; all-wheel drive grip; spacious cabin
Tyre noise; tight & notchy gearshift; pricing against rivals
CarAdvice Rating: 
Subaru’s fifth-generation Liberty may have lost the sex appeal so widely revered of its predecessor, but when it comes to building on the brand’s hallmark performance pedigree, this latest model typifies all that’s good about Australia’s favourite mid-size all-wheel drive.
It’s been 20 years since the Liberty (Legacy in some markets) nameplate made its debut, and whilst its current form maybe the catalyst for many a heated backyard discussion, this car truly personifies that age old adage about judging a book by its cover.
Jumping in to the hot seat of the upper-spec Liberty GT Premium this week we find Subaru’s newest medium sedan welcomes the driver to a well-finished decor comprising faux soft-metal accents over black plastic mouldings, complimented by dark leather upholstery and a carbon fibre strip that runs horizontally across the dash and door trims.
Seating is a touch firm, but nonetheless supportive, and upfront offers electric adjustment with two memory settings (heated seats are not offered). Extra leg room has also found its way in to this new model as a result of more room between the front and rear seats.
Switchgear function and placement are both sensible and user-friendly, while the electronic park brake has freed up valuable space in the centre console which now houses a large console box, drink holder compartment and three-mode (Sport, Sport Sharp and Intelligent) “Subaru Intelligent Drive” selector.
Instrumentation layout is simple and effective with white illumination for crisp night vision. The temperature gauge has been replaced by a + / – econo-gauge that lets you know when you’re gulping fuel. A gear shift indicator is also featured top-and-centre (with the numerical gear position indicator) to help make the most of your 65L tank of premium fuel.
Joining the standard feature list is satellite navigation, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry with start-button, dual-zone climate control plus a premium six-disc McIntosh audio system with (Bluetooth) wireless and RCA audio/DVD interface.
Safety features, in addition to Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system, include front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags; ESC with Traction Control; and ABS braking with EBA and EBD.
ANCAP testing saw Liberty score 34.8 from a possible 37 points during its evaluation for a five-star overall rating.
The only downside to Liberty’s cabin is poor sound insulation allowing the egress of tyre noise from the 18-inch alloy’s low-profile rubber. On well sealed road’s the Liberty GT Premium rates a comfortable 73dB but this soon increases on coarse chip surfaces.
Under the bonnet the Liberty GT Premium is motivated by the same 2.5-litre horizontally opposed (Boxer), turbocharged four-cylinder engine as found in the previous model, but thanks to a larger intercooler and turbocharger combination, this new model sees healthy gains in power, torque and fuel economy – despite the car putting on 19 kilograms of extra weight!
Developing 195kW of power at 5600rpm (up from 184kW), the Liberty GT Premium is a capable performer whose acceleration is well complimented by the 350Nm of torque (up from 339Nm) that begins its push from just 2400rpm.
There’s a slight lag when making a hasty start from rest, but it’s of little consequence to the all important 0-100km/h sprint. Liberty GT Premium scored a rather impressive timed run of just 6.6 seconds.
Mated in this instance to a somewhat notchy and tightly-patterned six-speed manual transmission (also available with a five-speed automatic transmission), the Liberty GT Premium boasts a well spread set of cogs – an upshot of which is an improved combined fuel consumption figure of just 9.8L/100km (down from 10.9L/100km).
Real world driving this week over a 50:50 mix of city and highway use saw that figure sit steadily at 11.0L/100km.
Braking too is equally impressive with excellent pedal feel allowing precise modulation when so required, while Liberty GT Premium’s suspension offers a fantastic blend of ride comfort and grippy handling that really allows the car to realise its “Grand Touring” potential.
In a cruel twist to the Liberty GT Premium’s near-glowing review its price point is the car’s only real let down, for despite being a well kitted car for the coin, competitors such as Ford’s Mondeo XR5 Turbo ($44,990*) and Skoda’s Octavia RS ($37,990*) really do put the pinch on Subaru when it comes to bang for your buck.
A capable all-rounder, the Subaru Liberty GT Premium is available in sedan and wagon from $52,990*and $54,990* respectively.
*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look: 
How does it Go:
Road Test the Rivals:
- Ford Mondeo (from $31,990*)
- Holden Epica (from $28,490*)
- Honda Accord Euro (from $34,990*)
- Hyundai Sonata (from $27,990*)
- Mazda 6 (from $29,100*)
- Skoda Octavia (from $26,990*)
- Toyota Camry (from $29,990*)
*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.
Specifications:
- Engine: 2457cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
- Power: 195kW @ 5600rpm
- Torque: 350Nm @ 2400rpm
- Induction: Multi-point & Turbocharged
- Transmission: Six-speed manual
- Driven Wheels: All
- Brakes: Discs with ABS & EBD
- Top Speed: Not Tested
- 0-100km/h: 6.6 seconds (As Tested)
- CO2 Emissions: 230g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 9.8L/100km (ADR)
- Fuel Consumption: 11.0L/100km (As Tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 65L
- Fuel Type: 95-98RON Unleaded
- ANCAP Rating: Five-Star
- Airbags: Front, Side, Curtain & Driver’s Knee
- Safety: ESC with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space Saver
- Suspension: Strut (F) / Wishbone (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 476L
- Tow Capacity: 1800kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 11.0m
- Warranty: Three Year / Unlimited Kilometre
- Weight: 1487kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18 x 7.5-inch
Print it: 
Matt, which would you choose the 2.5T or the 3.6 NA?
I’ll let you know when I drive the 3.6 in a couple of weeks Mitch.
If this were as attractive as an A4 2.0TFSI I’d consider it, but the Audi uses much less petrol, is just as fast, and concedes 500cc while having the same torque and a flatter torque curve, not to mention the DSG. Combined with the interior and exterior, I think it’s worth the extra $10k.
You are absolutely spot on.
Considering how much more Ford dealers will discount compared to Subaru ones the G6E Turbo could end up pretty similar coin.
I like the interior, like the front, like the sound of it’s driving capabilities, but damn that rump is awful.
It looks a little too slab-sided and upright. Not as free-flowing in its design as it’s predecessor.
It looks like it shares the same designer as the Ettamogah Pub.
Wait till you see it in the metal, its even worse!!
Totally wrong!
This thing has quite some showroom presence and looks good in the metal.
I saw it in the metal and it looks good….given the number of new liberty’s and outbacks I’ve spotted on the road buyers would agree.
Hideous!! Too expensive!!! I’ll keep walking when I see this on the showroom.
Ive seen this in the metal and I have to say its a good looking car.
I see thse in the metal everyday. Directly across the road from me. I personally think they are an Epic fail as far as looks go after the previous shape. One thing that does strike me with them is the resemblance an Epica has to them front on… Now I’m not saying they are the same, but they could be from the same family such is the style of their face……
Now before you try going off at me stop and have a look……
Why would I go off at you? Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.
And mine is, (as before mentioned) that it is an attractive car.
And i disagree that it looks like an Epica.
With October being Liberty/Outback the best monthly sales for 5 years, obviously there are plenty of people who are liking these things.
In the US they are selling up a storm (relatively speaking)
Its a great car. The only negative is that bloody rear, the front is so edgy and aggressive, yet the rear is fat and ugly.
I’ve seen this car in the flesh and words cannot describe how horrible it looks.
The Aurion is better looking which just about says it all.
People were asking if it was Korean!
Subaru Australia obviously don’t like the back end either, has anyone seen the Liberty ad? All the shots are from the front of the car, they don’t show the back once.
I noticed that too.
It looks like something by the design team that bought us the Holden Epica.
I dont actually understand how a design team can manage to screw up quite so badly…
I think the new model will do wonders for retaining the resale value of my prized MY05 Liberty 3.0R!
And whats with the move to the space saver spare? – doesnt Subaru realise its customers like to take their lifestyle cars off the beaten track and need a solid spare in the boot?
Does anyone else find the move to space saver spare irritating?
No, 95% of drivers never leave the city and for those who do, buy a full sized spare for about 200 bucks more.
Unfortunately most spare tyre wells these days dont accomodate a full size spare even if you want one so its not really a matter of money.
Having said that the space saver spare is basically a cynical cost saving exercise by the manufacturer and Australia design rules shouldnt allow it. Also having a full size alloy spare (like in the outgoing Liberty) allows you to include it in the rotation, saving around $300 for a new Potenza RE050A!
Not my cup of tea, thats for sure. I loved the old design, but this is too much!
Just for clarification, I thought the optional gear box was a CVT, Not a five speed auto?
no the cvt is only on the naturally aspirated 2.5 models, the more powerful turbo and 3.6l models get an updated/upgraded 5 speed sports auto…
The optional gearbox is a 5 speed. The CVT box I believe can’t handle that torque just yet!
i think its quite a good looking car apart from the straight on rear view!!
but that can be fixed with the optional under spoiler/exhaust outlets and the boot lip rear spoiler, then it actualy looks quite sporty from the back, or alternatively just buy the more practical wagon, which looks great standard (doesnt have the big frumpy bum of sedan, and the lines seem to flow better!!!!
what is with the nanna like fuddy duddy colours subaru, doesn’t look very flattering, only need to look locally for some inspiration i.e. ford and holden, a g6et can be had for similiar or less dollars..
I purchased a new GEN5 Subaru Libery 2.5i Sports Premium Sedan just over a month ago and after the inital excitement can be far more objective about it and provide you with a real world experience of 800 kms ownership. NB. Mine come with naturally-aspirated 2.5 litre engine and CVT transmisson. Both GT and 3.6R are available with 5 speed auto only as the CVT cannot handle the extra torque
LIKES: Handling, road grip, excellent brakes, smooth power delivery, interior space
DISLIKES: Build quality issues eg. rear passenger windows rattle intermittently, leather on driver’s seat scraping against plastic base, glovebox lid hitting dash when driving over bumps.
AMBIGUOUS ABOUT: Manual Hill Hold – because of CVT this is an unconventional auto gear box, the Liberty will roll, rather than creep, on slopes or hills.
BUY AGAIN: No and I’m actually trading it in already for a Mazda6 because I know from previous experience that the Mazda6 is a fine handling, nimble and athletic mid-sizer. Most importantly, the build quality is significantly better than Subaru. Performance and fuel economy are on par with the naturally aspriated / CVT combo Liberty anyway.
What sort of a fool spends that sort of money to trade a car after a month?
Maybe the same sort of fool who thinks people reading internet blogs are stupid enough to believe him in the first place.
Skodaman, I am not lying nor am I a fool. I am very fortunate that my financial circumstances allow me to accept the very reasonable changeover price being offered by a Mazda dealer. As I mentioned in my post the build quality issues are a disappointment to me – if these problems are occuring at 800kms, what will it be like after an extended period of ownership? In hindsight, I should have traded in my old Mazda6 for a new one, but I didn’t. With these issues in mind, I took a new Mazda6 for a test drive and realised it better suited my driving sensibilities than the Liberty. I still think the Liberty has many good points, but there seem to be teething problems (at least in my one). I basically decided to cut my losses now. Lying? No. Foolish? Yes, in terms of buyer’s remorse.
In addition, if you take a look at blog entries from early October pertaining to the initial launch of the new Liberty:
http://www.caradvice.com.au/40.....ty-review/
You will find on 3rd October I typed about buying a new one, its strenghts (in relation to my old VT Commodore and Mazda6), as well as making a point of liking the Subaru’s new styling direction.
The build quality issues I’m now experiencing began to appear after 400kms of sedate, suburban driving and have actually gotten worse in the past week. A real shame, but there you go.
Hate to tell you but if you think buying a Mazda 6 is going to solve your problems think again. My parents have a 2007 Forester and 2008 6 Wagon. The only warrenty claim we had on the Forester was a faulty ABS sensor. The 6 has had faulty cruise control, rattly passenger window and has developed a strange bumping noise from the front suspension that has yet to be fixed…
Thanks for the info Alex. Good to see your folks have good experiences with Subaru. I\’m certainly not slagging them off, by any means. Had this Liberty been put together better I would have kept it, for sure. Interesting the problems regarding the Mazda6. My first one was faultless and built tight as a drum. I do recall the Subaru Liberty demo I drove having no build quality issues whatsoever and I really enjoyed the driving experience. Shame about my one. I guess every manufacturer will produce cars of different build quality.
I have a 2007 2.5 manual liberty wagon, that I bought new, it has been the best car i have owned as far as build quality/reliability go, now has over 50,000km on it and not a single squeek, rattle or noise to speak off, had a very slight rattle when new (wife couldnt even hear it, was just a tiny loose screw in steering column) was fixed first service, and that is all!!!!! drives better now than ever..
Hopefully you have better luck with your 6 than we do haha… my dad also had the previous generation 6 sedan and that basically faultless (apart from a rattle or two) which was one of the reasons he purchased another 6. i guess by the time we purchased the forester that all the quality niggles had probably been ironed out… hopefully that will happen with the liberty too!
You’re spot on with niggles being ironed out, Alex. I now really think it’s prudent to wait at least one year after the release of any new model before purchasing it. Given the second generation Mazda6 has been out since Feb 2008, I’m keeping my fingers crossed it shapes up as well as my previous one.
Just for those who is interested, An Accord Euro also doesn’t solve the problems.
My 2008(MY09) Accord Euro (current shape) when in to workshop 5 times for 2 warranty claims!! (+1 road side on the first day due to battery not being properly charged when delivered)…
First was the rear right passenger door puddle lamp… which wont come on. Left it till the 1000km inspection and ask them to fixed… In the 3 hours of sitting around in the service lounge(meant to be 45min max), all that can be seen via the window is the mechanic reading a services manual the size of a whitepage with my door panel fully disassemble. I left with it not repaired as it was taking too long I have to go.
Came to the time to book the next service, and I told them in advance over the phone the problem which wasn’t fixed last time. They suggest that I should drop it off early in the day, and pick up late afternoon as it takes time. After just 2 hours, i received a call saying my car is ready. Turns out they realized it can’t be fixed in a day, so did’nt bother fixing it at all!!!
Third time they provided me with a Free loan car and said it should be in two days(pick up on fri). On Fri, they call me and said” well we need more time… and it should be done on monday. ” On monday they called and said it should be done on tuesday…” and finally Tuesday they called and said its ready @5pm. My car stayed @ the workshop for 6 days just to get a puddle lamp fixed…
Turns out the control unit is slightly faulty and they have to rip all of the RH door panels, b pillar coverings, under-dash coverings on driver side, steerings column coverings, and the RH floor coverings just to replace it!!
Jon, I’m sorry to hear about this happening with your Euro. I must say, this is really bad indeed. A mate of mine has a first generation Honda Accord Euro – 5 years and no problems whatsoever. I did take the new one for a test drive and wasn’t happy with the limited rear leg room. I also noticed a distinct lack of low end torque compared to both the Liberty and Mazda6. Nevertheless, I did like the classy interior – really good material and panel fit and finish looked excellent.
tell me about it…
I agree with you on the torque… its really bad…
but when your in sport mode with no passenger @ above 4000rpm… and the VTEC kicks in… It really goes… Thats what made me picked the Euro over the Mazda 6 a year ago. (also the price as I got it just before the 2500 price rise in December, so around 2000 less that the equivalent mazda 6.)
I owned a 2006 Liberty 3.0R Spec B and this is a huge step backwards in terms of exterior and interior.
Perhaps it’s just me because I also own a 2007 merc CLK 500 and I much prefer the 2007 designs of most of their models and find the lines of the new incarnations much too harsh.
Brent
The convertible? I imagine that is the new 5.5L, did you ever drive the 5.0L model?
Hi Devil666 – yes it is the 5.5L V8 which logically should be called the CLK550 as it was in some overseas countries. Mine’s the coupe as I wasn’t that rapt in the rag top.
I didn’t ever get to drive the 5.0L Devil. I often like to wait for the 2nd or 3rd car in a series and in late 2006 they ditched the 5L and threw in the 5.5L (basically the same as the 55 AMGs) as a teaser to clear the way for the new styling.
In the end I’m very glad I got the old styling.
Cheers,
Brent
Im a current MY 05 Liberty GT owner and will definately wont be upgrading to the new GT. Put simply its ugly from every angle you look at it from. I also thought Subaru would have cracked the 200kw mark in this new guise.
Just disappointed that Subaru havent learn anything from releasing an “ugly” WRX not that long ago,
Seems rather overpriced for a Japanese car with ‘that’ styling.
I know Subaru build quality is up there, but you would not catch me buying this, its nearly FPV f6 prices.
Yea, I agree this car isn’t good looking enough nor has the presence to command a $53k price tag. IMHO the whole car is gimmicky.
Steve L
How does the electronic hand brake work? Where is the button/lever?
Gary, it’s positioned to the lower right hand side of the driver’s steeing wheel. You press the lever to engage it and pull the lever to release it. Having said that, if the doors are closed and seat belts on, you can press the accelerator pedal to automatically disengage it.
Please note that the manual hill hold function activates the parking brake on inclines to ensure the car doesn’t roll forwards or backwards too much. Again, as soon as the accelerator pedal is depressed, the parking brake is disengaged.
on the right hand side of the steering wheel on the dash, its a pull on push of design, with a red light to tell you its on, if you take of in first with it on it will automatically turn off…
Another car to cross off my list for my Mazda MPS6 replacement. I originally always wanted a Lib GT STi but although it looks hot and handles great it had significantly less torque than my MPS6 and was quite expensive to the discounted MPS. I was hoping Subaru would keep the looks together and up the power but it would appear I am mistaken…
I am not surprised at all with the general reaction… From the day I saw the very first glimpse, I knew subaru have blown it big time.
Anyways I am really happy with my MY07 GT SpecB :)
Hopefully.. we will get to see Tuned by STI version next year and by then this ugly duckling would have got a mini makeover!
Subaru know that they have got their hands full.. their commercials spell it out clear cut.. “Bold lines” yeah for sure!
If you call best ever sales figures both here and US as \”blown it\” then maybe your perceptions are wrong. Someones laughing all the way to the bank on these.
yeah best sales figures for Impreza and Forester not liberty!
Even white goods on wheels also break all sales records… BTW.
Subaru was always about drive, feel and soul… not anymore.
NO, specifically Liberty and Outback, record sales, both here and in the US.
Before my Skoda, I had an MY00 Liberty wagon. God that was a good car! THIS THING though isn’t. It looks like THAT, only offes a manual at base and top of the range, the wagon doesn’t get roof-rails and they all have multispoke wheels – meaning they all look boring and slab-sided. Worst part is the interior though. Sure, it’s roomy but the plastics are friggin’ awful! Hard and scratchy, especially on the centre console.
I thought Subaru went cheap on the Impreza/Forester so they could spend more on the Liberty. Boy was I wrong!
I currently own a MY06 Liberty sedan 2.0R. It looks good inside and out, drives superbly and has soft touch plastics on the dash and door. The negatives are too thin sheet metal, flimsy bumpers and terrible urban fuel consumption. Still a good car overall.
Now, the new one looks ugly, I hate the seat design and the cabin now is home to hard plastics. From an engineering point of view, a big improvement but it’s no longer a “I got to have it” type car. A shame really as I will now consider other brands. Just to underline the damage Subaru’s poor styling direction is making, the Impreza has dropped around 60% in volume recently… in my view directly attributable to poor styling, cheap interiors and terrible fuel consumption for a 4 cylinder car. The same drop in sales will occur to the new Lib once the shine of a new model is over.
Diesel combined with the CVT auto cannot come soon enough to save Subaru’s longer term volumes.
I really appreciate Subaru as a car maker, and this model is great. Classic sedan lines, modern sporty look and nice handling.
The interior looks pretty good too. I really would like this model to become a hit in terms of sales. it is worthy of it.
Good job Subaru!
I used to own an my05 liberty gt. It was the best handling car i had driven until i traded it in for a bmw 135i coupe. How does the current liberty gt compare to the 135i?
That is one UGLY car……pricey too…..does not bode well for Subaru’s market share
After driving the fourth generation Liberty overseas earlier this year, I was heavily disappointed at the way it handled. It feels like driving a boat. Wooly steering feel, HUGE amounts of body roll and a very dead body to the morgue way of driving through twisty turns in the Alps.
In comparison, the Ford Focus, which I spent a few days in (Independent rear suspension) handled comparatively like a gem. Ironically, the Focus weighed MORE than the Liberty. How can Subaru get it so wrong? It was a much tighter car, more direct, stiffer and much easier to drive. I would much rather drive through twisty bends in a $19,990 Focus than a much more expensive Liberty.
The real question for me then would be, have they done anything to improve the driving dynamics in the new generation Liberty?
you must have driven some imposter subaru because i think you will find that general concensis is that it drives quite well
make a 2 door variant. racing up against this car is just a warm up for the golf r
No matter how good it is, I just can’t stand how this thing looks! It is absolutely horrid and I wonder how Subaru have passed this design.
Spot on..!
I am 100% sure that this car is brilliant to drive and the engine upgrade alone are too tempting.. but I can’t get over the looks of it.
Even the interior looks very cheap compared to last gen. If you look at the fitting around stereo and Satnav, it almost looks like they had few left over parts from Forester and they decided to shoe horn them in the new dash.
Interior just looks wrong, I am hoping that subaru will get their act together and give the new model a mini face lift like they did with last year’s impreza.
Otherwise BMW 3 series I am ready to jump ship!
Nice review Matt with objectivety and informative insights…I agree with your pricing disadvantage over the Ford Mondeo but why mention the Skoda as it only has 147kw, no AWD and it’s looks like it was designed in the mid 90″s.
$53k and still using a 5 speed auto.
why add more gears just for a marketing reason, when the car and engine gearbox work perfectly with 5 gears, besides some cars with 6 speed auto tend to just hunt around for the right gear constantly, i would much prefer a well sorted better set up 5 speed than a bad/annoying 6 speed..
Yeah maybe…but it seems to have the torque to not be troubled by hunting for gears. I get your point though, why have a crap 6 speed when you can have a proven 5 speed. I don’t know if I agree that the extra cog is for marketing though – the ZF has been a revelation for the Falcon and Territory and I can attest to the latter.
jojo: he must be talking about the base model comparisons. The base liberty has 123kw and is already pushing 40k. Now for 40k you could drive away with a Skoda RS sedan 147kw and solid build quality. A very good looking car and has a much nicer interior, 6spd DSG. Resale aside, I would take it any day over this Sub and its 13 grand cheaper.
As far as the 5th gen Liberty, I have seen a couple of these on the road and I have to say blue is the most unflattering colour to be fair. Throw a picture of a metallic colour in there and it already looks 50% better. But I disagree they look better in the flesh compare to pics. It’s actually a nice looking car from the front. But the back ruins it and its bulbous wheel arches and high stance.
What is with all the love for skoda’s? I mean these guys say the liberty is ugly, but the skoda looks like a KIA.. It is unbelievably bland..
For 40k id probably go the Maxima with all the bells and whistles.. This car is great value for money considering all the equipment you get as standard together with a fantastic engine.
I think the liberty looks alright (better than a skoda thats for sure)
Andrew, most of the “Skoda love” on this and other blogs is actually Skoda sales and support staff trying deperately to give the brand some positive exposure. Yes it gets a bit monotonous and sickingly boring at times. Don’t know why they need to openly bag other brands to push their own though – I find it immoral.
Only problem is the maxima is quite ugly. But it is certainly great value , and either one depending on styling preferences would be worth it. My point was that for 13k less, the RS represents much better value. And thats the first skoda post ive ever made since posting here in early 08. The RS is the only skoda i like the look of.