As noteworthy as the Legacy 2.5i's interior is, it's what's under the hood of this green machine that we find most impressive.

For starters, the Legacy 2.5i's powertrain is the picture of simplicity, especially compared to the complex systems motivating its hybrid competition. With just a handful of internal modifications, the familiar 2.5-liter, horizontally-opposed, Subaru four-cylinder engine has managed to earn a coveted PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating, which makes it cleaner than the high-tech powertrains of several gasoline-electric-powered vehicles including Honda's new Accord Hybrid.

Better still is the fact that this rather ordinary gasoline engine achieves its squeaky-clean emissions certification without a noticeable sacrifice in performance. The four-cylinder motor puts out 163-horsepower - just five horsepower short of the non-PZEV version available in the other 45 states - with the exact same amount of torque at 166 lb.-ft. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with a four-speed automatic available as an option.

As is the case in the entire Subaru lineup, that power is routed to all four wheels via the Legacy's standard all-wheel-drive system. While the system delivers added peace-of-mind when road surfaces turn slick, buyers need to be aware that a standard Legacy isn't meant for serious off-roading due to its low ground clearance.

Of course, the one area where this conventional powertrain can't match the hybrids is in miles-per-gallon. Nevertheless, the Legacy 2.5i's EPA fuel economy estimates of 23 city/30 highway (22 city/30 highway with the automatic transmission) will sound pretty good to those looking to downsize from gas-gulping SUVs in these days of painfully high pump prices.