2023 Subaru Legacy

The seventh-generation mid-size Subaru Legacy is the only sedan in the U.S. market with all-wheel drive as a standard feature on all models. Available in five trims (Base, Premium, Limited, Sport and Touring XT), the Legacy is ideal for families that prioritize safety but also want a sedan that performs comparatively well and is available with a long list of creature comforts. In addition, every model comes with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology as standard, which acts as a second pair of eyes and helps the driver by literally keeping a digital eye on the road ahead.

For 2023, the Legacy benefits from a few cosmetic upgrades, including a new front end, grille and headlamps. The latest version of EyeSight features a wider field of view and works in conjunction with the electronically-controlled power-assisted dual-diagonal brake system to improve responsiveness. Models with blind-spot warning and rear cross traffic warning also get automatic emergency steering, which helps the driver avoid a collision with an obstacle at speeds under 50 mph. 

The closest competitors in this segment include the Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camry. It’s a crowded segment, but only the Legacy includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment, and only the Camry offers all-wheel drive as an option. Likewise, none are available with the massive 11.6-inch touchscreen that Subaru offers on upper trims. While the Legacy’s most powerful available engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer that pumps out 260 horsepower, the Camry’s available V6 has 301 horsepower; the most potent Accord is a turbo-four cylinder with 252 horsepower.

Base, Premium and Limited models ($25,415, $27,715 and $32,465, respectively, including a $1,020 destination fee) get a naturally aspired 2.5-liter boxer engine (flat-4) that produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Sport and Touring XT models ($34,915 and $38,715, respectively), get the 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine mentioned above with an output of 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. While the base engine is suitable for commuters, driving enthusiasts will appreciate the extra power and torque. Subaru says towing with the Legacy is “not recommended,” regardless of engine.  

Safety is the Legacy’s strong suit, and it gets top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Interior passenger space is on par with other sedans in the mid-size segment of the market, give or take a couple of inches here and there. Cargo space is also commensurate with the competition, give or take a couple of cubic-feet. The interior looks great, especially with the available leather seats, and the Legacy’s passenger cabin is comfortable and quiet.

The stunning 11.6-inch touchscreen, available only on Premium, Limited, Sport and Touring XT models, is impressive and works well. However, at times the wireless Apple CarPlay stubbornly refused to connect the system to our iPhone. The entire lineup benefits from a robust driver assistance package, but the more advanced safety features are reserved for higher-priced models.

Performance: 11/15

Like all Subarus (except for the two-door rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car), the Legacy comes equipped with all-wheel drive as standard equipment across the entire model lineup—two-wheel drive isn’t even an option. We often think of all-wheel drive as a feature that’s only beneficial in the snow, but that’s not true. It’s a welcome feature when the road is wet and slippery, and it boosts performance (for those who enjoy spirited driving) even on dry pavement.

Speaking of spirited driving, the Legacy is available with two engine options. Base, Premium and Limited models get a naturally aspired 2.5-liter boxer engine (flat-4) that produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Sport and Touring XT models get a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer that pumps out a delightful 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. All are coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Those who enjoy driving will want the turbocharged engine. While the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter powerplant will get you to where you want to go, the extra kick from the 2.4-liter turbo makes passing on the highways a breeze and is guaranteed to put a smile on the driver’s face. 

Fuel Economy: 11/15 

Legacy models equipped with the naturally aspired 2.5-liter boxer engine deliver EPA-estimated fuel economy figures of 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 highway. Models fitted with the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine are rated at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 31 highway.

Therefore, the average for both engines is 28 combined, 25 city and 33 highway. Compared with its rivals, the Legacy is closest to the Toyota Camry with 28, 24 and 34 mpg, respectively. The Nissan Maxima only offers 20, 30 and 24 mpg, while the clear winner is the Honda Accord at 27, 35 and 30 mpg.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 15/15

The Legacy is a safety powerhouse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given it five stars in all categories, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized it as a Top Safety Pick +.

All models come with a long list of standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology, which employs two cameras mounted at the top of the windshield to act as a second pair of eyes for the driver. EyeSight manages the adaptive cruise control system, along with lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, sway warning (spots drowsy driving), and automatic emergency steering.

Other standard and notable safety features include automatic high beams, a brake override system (If both the brake and accelerator pedals are pressed simultaneously in a panic situation, the car won’t accelerate uncontrollably), whiplash-reducing front seats and numerous airbags (front, side, seat cushion and knee).

Limited, Sport and Touring XT models get a blind-spot warning system, lane change assist, rear cross traffic warning and rear automatic braking as standard equipment. Sport and Touring XT models get a driver monitoring system. A 180-degree front-view camera is standard (and only available) on the Touring XT model. The wider field of view is designed to better spot cyclists and pedestrians on the road.

Comfort & Room: 15/15

There’s plenty of room for four passengers (five can ride in less comfort), and the Legacy has more front legroom (42.8 inches) than the Camry (42.1) and the Accord (42.3). The Maxima has the most (45). When it comes to rear passengers, the Legacy offers more legroom (39.5 inches) than the Camry (38.0) and the Maxima (34.2), while the Accord tops them all with an impressive 40.4 inches.

While the Base Legacy model gets manually-adjustable seats (six-way for the driver, four-way for the front passenger), all other models get power-adjustable seats. Premium and Sport models get a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power-adjustable lumbar support (the front passenger still gets a four-way manually-adjustable seat). In contrast, Limited and Touring XT models get an upgraded 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power-adjustable lumbar support and two-position memory function, plus an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat.

Base and Premium models get cloth seats, Sport models come with “sport cloth upholstery” with red contrast stitching, and leather is reserved for Limited and Touring XT owners.

Seats are firm yet comfortable and a pleasure on longer road trips. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is exceptionally comfortable and able to conform to most body types and sizes.

Infotainment: 10/15

Many of the more exciting infotainment features are available only on higher-trim models. The Base model, for example, comes with dual 7.0-inch multimedia touchscreens and includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM and SiriusXM Travel Link, AM/FM stereo, HD Radio, a single USB-A port, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free phone and text messaging connectivity, and a 3.5mm auxiliary jack.

The more appealing 11.6-inch touchscreen is only available on Premium, Limited, Sport and Touring XT models. Premium and Limited models get all the above-mentioned features plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB-A and USB-C ports (front and rear). Sport and Touring XT models also get navigation. Oddly (for 2023), Touring XT models get a CD player.

Wireless Apple CarPlay is a great feature, but the phone doesn’t always connect automatically to the system. At times, we had to restart the phone to get the system to see it.

Wi-Fi is standard on all models except the Base, which also loses out in the speaker department (only four speakers). Premium and Sport models get six speakers, and a fabulous 12-speaker Harman Kardon system is standard on Limited and Touring XT models. It’s well worth the upgrade.

Cargo Space & Storage: 14/15

This mid-size sedan boasts 15.1 cubic-feet of cargo space in the trunk, which is on par with what the Camry offers (15.1), more than what’s available in the Maxima (14.3), but less than what the Accord has (16.7).

Inside the passenger area, there’s plenty of room for smaller items throughout. Subaru has even added a clever slot for cell phones, right underneath the 11.6-inch touchscreen, on vehicles equipped with the wireless charger, which is an option on all models except the Base.

Style & Design: 7/10

For 2023, the Legacy got a minor makeover for a bolder look thanks to a new front end, a more prominent grille and redesigned LED headlights. It’s not a head-turner, and most people won’t stop in the parking lot to take a closer look, but the new bolder design gives the Legacy more personality for the new model year.

The interior is a delight to the senses. The color scheme is pleasing, the fit and finish are excellent, and quality materials are used throughout. The 11.6-inch touchscreen is impressive, and the graphics are very modern. Knobs and buttons are solid to the touch, and everything just feels right.

Is the 2023 Subaru Legacy Worth it? Which Legacy is the Best Value? 

The Base Legacy is available for as little as $25,415 (including a $1,020 destination fee). And although it comes with all-wheel-drive, two 7-inch touchscreens and several safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight system, it doesn’t offer some of the more desirable amenities and features available on the more expensive trims.

Drivers who want the complete package (power, technology and safety) with some contemporary style will want the Sport model. For $34,915 (including destination fee), the Sport comes with the more potent 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged powerplant, a sunroof, the larger 11.6-inch infotainment screen, subtle exterior accents and a black and grey interior with red stitching. Anyone who enjoys spirited driving will want this engine over the naturally aspired 182-horsepower 2.5-liter engine that comes on the lower-priced trims.

The only other model that comes with the turbocharged engine is the top-of-the-line $38,715 Touring XT. At that price, Subaru throws in nice-to-have features like a ventilated 12-way power-adjustable seat for the driver (eight-way for the front passenger), Nappa leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree front-view camera. 

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Subaru Legacy? 

Insurance costs for the Legacy are on the lower end for mid-size sedans. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an average annual premium of $2,111. The Toyota Camry, on the other hand, costs an average of $1,871 to insure, the Nissan Maxima an average of $2,783, and the Honda Accord $2,158. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.