2023 Subaru Legacy Review: Anonymous But Incredibly Able
If you have forgotten about the Subaru Legacy sedan, any review of this mid-size sedan is likely to remind you why. It's the overlooked car in Subaru's range that appeals to a shrinking number of buyers who still buy a sedan and is attracted by the Legacy's standard AWD and boxer engines. Other than that, it doesn't stand out in its class. This year, the 182- and 260-hp engines remain, as do the AWD and CVTs. The new Subaru Legacy's base price may be lower than that of most rivals, but only 22,605 were sold for the entire 2022; the automaker sells six and a half times as many Outbacks - a high-riding station wagon version of the Legacy. It shows how market tastes have changed to crossovers and SUVs, but it also shows that competitors such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are all-around more accomplished products, which is why they outsell the Legacy by up to 13 to one. A subtle refresh for the new model year aims to increase the appeal of the 2023 Subaru Legacy and capture a few more willing buyers.
What's the Price of the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
The starting price of the 2023 Subaru Legacy is $24,395 for the appropriately named Base trim. Next is the Premium, which will cost you $26,695, then the Limited at $31,445. The Sport trim goes for $33,895 and the top-tier Touring XT for $37,695. These prices are MSRP for the Subaru Legacy and exclude any extras and the $1,020 destination fee.
2023 Legacy Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 191.1 in | 108.3 in | 59.1 in | 72.4 in | 62.2 in | 63.4 in | 3,491.0 lbs |
2023 Legacy Performance
2023 Subaru Legacy Handling and Driving Impressions
The Legacy offers little driver involvement and the driving experience is ultimately forgettable. It does nothing badly, holding the road well, responding faithfully to driver inputs, and offering a modicum of feel through the helm, but it pitches and leans a bit on the rather soft suspension. The upshot is an agreeable ride quality on all manner of surfaces, although the tranquil ride is spoiled a bit by noticeable wind noise on the highway. Grip is never in doubt, even on slippery roads, thanks to the torque-vectoring AWD system. The Sport's more dynamic suspension settings sharpen things up a little without destroying the ride quality. There's less of the irritating droning that you'd expect from a CVT-equipped car, but the equilibrium is upset by an unrefined stop-start system that engages with quite a jolt. The base 182-hp engine is no more than adequate and can become breathless when power is required. The turbocharged 260-hp engine is much nicer to use and always has reserve power in hand and plenty of bottom-end torque.
2023 Legacy Interior
2023 Legacy Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is The 2023 Subaru Legacy A Good car?
As a mid-sized sedan made to ferry around passengers and their cargo in space and comfort, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Legacy. It fails to excite, and the base engine is weak, but it's among the top contenders for safety and peace of mind. The problem is that, besides the AWD and boxer engines, it doesn't stand out, and rivals like the Accord and Camry offer thrifty hybrids that the Legacy doesn't have an answer for. But the AWD Camry is not available with a powerful engine, and the Accord offers no AWD at all, so as a punchy AWD sedan with all-weather grip, the Legacy has remained a firm favorite in the Snow Belt. It's a far better can than its sales figures suggest, even if it doesn't excite the senses.
What 2023 Subaru Legacy Model Should I Buy?
All dressed up with nowhere to go fast, last year's Sport was the dud in the range, with the standard base engine unable to cash the checks written by its sporty looks. Now fitted with the 260-hp turbocharged engine for 2023, the Sport becomes our favorite trim in the lineup, and the powerful engine gets the most out of the sharpened chassis, adding a little excitement to the humdrum Legacy recipe. It's the cheapest way to get the turbo engine, and it comes standard with desirable features such as a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and driver-alertness monitoring. It misses out on a few niceties, such as leather upholstery and a premium audio system, but it's the most well-balanced trim at the price.