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The 2023 Subaru Legacy gets a facelift and an Eye-Sight upgrade. We look at powertrains, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Subaru Legacy – subaru.com | Shop 2023 Subaru Legacy on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
Undergoing a gentle mid-cycle refresh, the 2023 Subaru Legacy is from generation seven, which arrived in 2020. This long-running midsize sedan from Subaru continues the automaker’s tradition of offering standard AWD and a horizontally-opposed four-pot under the hood.
Updates over last year’s model, which we look at here, include a redesigned front end and headlights. As well, an upgraded version of EyeSight, Subaru’s driver-aid suite, is lineup standard. Wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also part of the deal for models fitted with the 11.6-inch infotainment interface.
The Breakdown
Ample rear legroom
Punchy turbo option
Standard AWD
Competitors offer more style
Base engine could use more power
Infotainment system is dated
Well-rounded, higher trim levels offer more style
2023 Legacy Specs
- 182 horsepower from base engine
- 176 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 15 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo
- IIHS TSP+ and NHTSA 5-star ratings
- 5 years of powertrain coverage
2023 Subaru Legacy Powertrain
Subaru’s calling card has long been their Symmetrical AWD system that is fitted as standard gear to nearly every model in their lineup, 2023 Legacy included. Unlike some systems, Subaru touts the fact that their drivetrain setup is running all the time, not only when slip is detected, ensuring more tightly planted handling in all conditions. The four-corner independent suspension helps with this, as does Active Torque Vectoring, and Sport models come with tuned suspensions for a bit more spice behind the wheel.
But a WRX the Legacy is not. The standard Lineartronic transmission is a CVT, no manual here. And you may want to skip the base naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder as it only musters 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Sport and Touring XT models come with a turbocharged 2.4L variant that is far more potent with 260 horses and 277 torques.
This uprated powertrain improves 0-60 mph sprints by a full two seconds, something you’ll notice driving around town and on the highway. Be sure to check out this explainer article for the differences between the drivetrain and powertrain.
2023 Subaru Legacy Fuel Economy & MPG
Fuel economy for the 2023 Subaru Legacy is respectable at 27 mpg around town and 35 on the highway for the base motor. Thanks to the 18.5-gallon gas tank, you can expect nearly 650 miles of driving range and the 87-octane requirement is a boon to your wallet. Turbocharged models see reduced efficiency ratings of 23 mpg in city driving and 31 for the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
While the black cloth-trimmed cabin on a base 2023 Legacy is nothing exciting, if you step up to a Limited model, the available two-tone look really dresses things up, particularly when it’s of the Java Brown leather variety with white stitching against a black dash and doors. Sport models stick to cloth but add red stitching throughout that makes it worth the upcharge. Heated and power-adjustable front seats are standard on the Premium model and above as is dual-zone automatic climate control.
The second-row bench seat can accommodate three in reasonable comfort given the 40 inches of legroom back there, which is right in line with competitors like the Honda Accord that we review here. Heated rear outboard seats are included on Limited trim and that second-row bench can be split-folded in a 60-40 configuration to accommodate longer cargo. The trunk itself is rated for 15 cubic feet of space versus the Honda which can squeeze in nearly 17 cubes.
Entertainment & Technology
Every 2023 Subaru Legacy, except the base model, comes with a portrait-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen interface that is nicely integrated within the center stack. That base model comes with a dated-feeling dual stacked 7-inch screen layout, which though odd looking does include touch-based control along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 11.6-inch setup makes that integration wireless and can be fitted with navigation. Wi-Fi and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are included on Limited models and above, but Subaru reserves the increasingly uncommon CD player for top-spec Touring XT trim.
Safety Features
EyeSight is Subaru’s name for its robust suite of advanced driver safety nets. It is lineup standard and includes pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency steering, and high beam assist. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a driver-attention monitor, and automatic collision notification are available further up the trim ladder, but all 2023 Legacy’s have eight airbags and earn top ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.
2023 Subaru Legacy Trims & Pricing
Base – $25,415
Steering-responsive LED headlights, a high-end feature, are standard on the entry-level 2023 Subaru Legacy. It also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, single-zone automatic climate control, four stereo speakers, and dual 7-inch touchscreens stacked vertically that control Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with other vehicle systems.
Premium – $27,715
From here on up, an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple and Android device integration is included. Premium models also have heated side mirrors and front seats, dual USB ports for both rows of seating, and Subaru’s Starlink connectivity suite that brings features like stolen vehicle recovery and app-based vehicle control.
Limited – $32,465
Limited trim is spruced up with LED fog lamps, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and a 12-speaker stereo from Harman Kardon. Keyless access is part of the deal as is BSM with RCTA and Reverse Automatic Braking.
Sport – $34,915
Looking the part, Sport models have red accents inside and out, ride on 18-inch rims, and are dressed up with stainless-steel dual exhaust outlets and a small rear spoiler. A moonroof, navigation with TravelLink, and a heated steering wheel are also included. The Sport also comes equipped with the turbocharged 2.4L engine.
Touring XT – $38,715
The $4,000 jump in price over a Sport model adds Nappa leather upholstery with ventilated front seats to the Touring XT. Other niceties include a 180-degree front-view monitor, DriverFocus attention monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Wi-Fi hotspot.
Warranties
Subaru’s warranty is unremarkable with three years or 36,000 miles of basic vehicle coverage and a 5-year/60,000-mile term on the powertrain. There is no complimentary factory maintenance included, unlike the two years provided by Toyota.
What we think
2023 Subaru Legacy – subaru.com | Shop 2023 Subaru Legacy on Carsforsale.com
For those living in regions with tough winters, there’s no doubt that driving around in a 2023 Subaru Legacy offers the peace of mind provided by the automaker’s highly capable AWD system. But the base motor is uninspiring at best, meaning you’ll want to step up to at least a Sport model to access the turbocharged mill with its more potent personality.
I’d recommend going for the top-spec Touring XT as it adds the sharp-looking perforated Nappa leather and ventilated front seats for hot summer days. Of course, there’s always the used market as an option to skip the depreciation, something we look at in this new versus used Legacy comparison.
