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2023 Subaru Legacy review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Subaru Legacy highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Optional turbo engine
  • Comfortable cabin

Cons

  • Weak base engine
  • Distracting infotainment
  • Rough-functioning engine stop-start

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 31 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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The 2023 Subaru Legacy is a midsize family sedan with standard full-time all-wheel drive

Subaru introduced an all-new Legacy in 2020, and it remains the only four-door sedan in its class with standard all-wheel drive. Slotted above the compact Impreza, the Legacy gets several upgrades for the 2023 model year. Changes to the Legacy include new front-end styling with a larger grille, an improved EyeSight® driver-assist system, and a more powerful turbocharged engine for the Legacy Sport. The 2023 Subaru Legacy is offered five trim levels that range from the base, which starts below $25,000, to the top-level Touring XT, which boasts the more powerful 260-horsepower turbocharged engine, Nappa leather trim, and a long list of standard features. While the standard all-wheel drive is a big selling point for the Subaru Legacy, making it quite popular in rainy or snowy climates. In locations where weather is less of an issue, the Legacy struggles to garner attention competing against more refined models like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia K5.

All Subaru Legacy years

What is new for the 2023 Subaru Legacy?

  • The Limited XT trim has been discontinued for 2023.
  • Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Sport trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel, Turbo Charged Engine, and Navigation System as standard equipment.

2023 Subaru Legacy trims

Curious how Subaru Legacy trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 182-hp, 176-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Traction Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Cloth Seats
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Side Airbags
  • View our Subaru Legacy inventory

Premium:

Limited:

Touring XT:

Sport:

What We Like

Performance: The Legacy’s base 2.5-liter engine feels somewhat underpowered in this midsize sedan, but the optional turbocharged motor puts out 260 horsepower, giving the car a much-needed boost. With either powertrain, the Legacy exhibits good driving characteristics with tight handling thanks to responsive steering and good grip from the all-wheel drive.

Comfort: The front seats in the Legacy provide ample support without feeling stiff, and the side bolsters hold you in the seat during spirited driving. The rear seats have good legroom and headroom with a sculpted shape for a more comfortable ride than the typical bench seat. The ride is smooth without being too soft, and while there is a bit of road noise at higher speeds, the engine remains quiet even at high revs.

Storage: It may not have the space of a crossover SUV, but the Legacy offers more than 15 cubic feet of space in its trunk. The trunk is deep and tall, making it ideal for bulky items. The rear seatbacks can be conveniently folded flat via a trunk-mounted lever for additional space. Multiple storage spaces are found throughout the cabin, with good-size door pockets and a shelf in front of the passenger seat.

What Needs Improvement

Technology: The Legacy features a large vertical infotainment display that looks attractive but can be challenging to use. Many features require digging into submenus, making it less intuitive and more distracting than rival systems. Lower trims get a dual-screen system, but the lack of hard buttons makes navigation somewhat troublesome.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2023 Subaru Legacy is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Subaru Legacy an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Subaru Legacy 12th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy features and specs

Curious how Subaru Legacy trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • CD Audio
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

182

Torque (ft-lbs)

176

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

108.3"

Overall length

191.1"

Width

72.4"

Height

59.1"

Leg room

F 42.8"/R 39.5"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 37.2"

Front tires

P225/55VR17

Rear tires

P225/55VR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Subaru Legacy FAQ

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