2023 Subaru Legacy Review
Price Range: $18,502 - $33,931





+135
Average
7.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2023 Subaru Legacy is a comfortable and thoroughly competent midsize sedan. It's got plenty of room inside a large trunk and standard all-wheel drive. However, the non-turbocharged Legacy variants lack a distinctive personality and fail to get the blood pumping. The infotainment system isn't the quickest and easiest to use either.
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2023 Subaru Legacy Review
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent wet weather traction
- Optional turbocharged engine delivers robust power
- Comfortable ride, seats and cabin
Cons
- Sluggish base engine slow to accelerate
- Touchscreen interface can be distracting to use
- Intrusive engine stop-start system
What's new
- New front-end styling, highlighted by larger grille and sharpened headlight gaze
- Significant power upgrade for the Sport trim level
- Updated EyeSight system of active safety features
- Part of the seventh Legacy generation introduced for 2020
Overview

The 2023 Subaru Legacy continues the midsize sedan's evolution with a handful of updates since its more comprehensive overhaul a few years ago. The Legacy squares off with tough competition, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry among them, but its ace card has always been standard all-wheel drive, typically at a lower cost than rivals. This makes the Legacy — indeed, any Subaru — a popular pick in wet-weather climates. Add in its full complement of standard advanced driving aids and it's easy to see why the Legacy rates highly in many parts of the country.
For sale near Taunton, MA
1,307 listings
- $23,500fair price$212 below market
- 20,235 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 27 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- Amherst Subaru (72 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Amherst, NH
CARFAX One-Owner. Clean CARFAX. Odometer is 10166 miles below market average! Crystal White Pearl 2023 Subaru Legacy Premium AWD 4D Sedan Lineartronic...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (27 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4S3BWAD64P3004217
Stock: P3004217
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-19-2025 - $24,625good price$736 below market
- 42,533 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, rental vehicle
- 27 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- McGovern Ford of Framingham (32 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Framingham, MA
McGovern Ford of Framingham is proud to present this McGovern Certified... Magnetite Gray Metallic 2023 Subaru Legacy Limited AWD 2.5L 4-Cylinder DOHC...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (27 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4S3BWAN62P3003193
Stock: SA1360X
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-26-2025
But where the sun perpetually shines and all-wheel drive isn't a priority, the Legacy battles for consideration among more polished competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Volkswagen Passat, and the Honda and Toyota stalwarts. The Legacy holds its own though, and for 2023 it offers the Sport trim with the significantly more powerful 260-horsepower turbo engine, in addition to that trim's unique suspension tuning and styling upgrades. Subaru's excellent EyeSight bundle of active safety features also gets a tune-up, featuring a forward camera with a broader field of view and updated software. Overall it's a robust set of tweaks that make the Legacy a strong consideration in its class. Read our Expert Rating below to learn if the Legacy is right for you.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.4
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Subaru Legacy on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7/10
How does the Legacy drive? We tested the Legacy with its base 2.5-liter engine. At our test track it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is slightly slower than similarly powered rivals. The Legacy's available turbocharged engine has plenty of power, and it's the one we recommend getting. The Legacy shows an aptitude for handling performance, gripping the road a bit better than other midsize sedans. The steering is nicely weighted, and the Subaru responds naturally to the driver's inputs.
There's noticeable nosedive during braking, so slowing smoothly can be challenging. Smoothness isn't a hallmark of the automatic engine stop-start system either, and the car bucks on restart with the force of a low-speed rear collision.
There's noticeable nosedive during braking, so slowing smoothly can be challenging. Smoothness isn't a hallmark of the automatic engine stop-start system either, and the car bucks on restart with the force of a low-speed rear collision.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Legacy? Comfort takes a central role in the Legacy's appeal. Our test vehicle offered simple but effective front seat adjustments. Cushioning is supportive without feeling stiff, and the bolsters keep you in place in turns. Even the back seats are sculpted for passenger comfort and feel much better than a flat bench. The ride is cushy without feeling floaty, but wind and road noise is more pronounced than in rivals. Engine noise, though, is more subdued than in many other cars equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The dual-zone climate system works well, but there is a bit of a learning curve to decipher some settings. The three-stage seat heaters work well and transition from mildly warm to overcooked.
The dual-zone climate system works well, but there is a bit of a learning curve to decipher some settings. The three-stage seat heaters work well and transition from mildly warm to overcooked.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The Legacy's cabin is warm and inviting with plenty of room throughout for tall adults. The rear is surprisingly spacious, with ample toe room under the front seats and an abundance of headroom. Adjustments are basic, but it's easy to find a comfortable driving position. Getting in and out of the Legacy is a cinch, and the large windows afford excellent outward visibility.
The only misstep is the overreliance on the central touchscreen. There are few physical controls, and most functions are hidden in touchscreen menus. The lack of a dedicated button to disable the engine stop-start is particularly egregious considering how intrusive the system is. The infotainment system is also slow to respond to user inputs. On the bright side, most menus are easy to navigate.
The only misstep is the overreliance on the central touchscreen. There are few physical controls, and most functions are hidden in touchscreen menus. The lack of a dedicated button to disable the engine stop-start is particularly egregious considering how intrusive the system is. The infotainment system is also slow to respond to user inputs. On the bright side, most menus are easy to navigate.
Technology
6.5/10
How’s the tech? There's no doubt the Legacy is loaded with tech, but the hits come as often as the misses. The navigation interface is attractive, but searching for points of interest is effectively useless. There are plenty of USB ports (four on all but the base Legacy), and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. In our testing, the voice control system was largely ineffectual and Apple CarPlay, as well as the entire Starlink infotainment system, suffered from frequent crashes.
We like that the EyeSight suite of driving aids is standard, but some features are unintuitive. Forward collision warning is overly sensitive and will pump the brakes and sound alerts as you come gradually to a stop. Adaptive cruise is too quick to react to changing traffic situations.
We like that the EyeSight suite of driving aids is standard, but some features are unintuitive. Forward collision warning is overly sensitive and will pump the brakes and sound alerts as you come gradually to a stop. Adaptive cruise is too quick to react to changing traffic situations.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? At 15.1 cubic feet, the Legacy's trunk isn't huge by class standards. But the cargo area is deep and tall, making it perfect for storing bulky items. Contributing to its practicality are rear seats that fold down either by pulling a trunk-mounted lever or pushing a button on the seat itself. The only flaw is the middle seat belt, which remains attached to the rear shelf, so it's in the way even with the seat folded flat.
The cabin offers many places to store small items, including a two-tier underarm console, decently sized door pockets, a small bin in front of the shifter, and a shelf in front of the passenger. Car seat anchors are easy to access behind small Velcro flaps.
The cabin offers many places to store small items, including a two-tier underarm console, decently sized door pockets, a small bin in front of the shifter, and a shelf in front of the passenger. Car seat anchors are easy to access behind small Velcro flaps.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Legacy with the base engine gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, and we had no trouble getting 30 mpg on our real-world evaluation route. Some front-wheel-drive competitors get slightly better fuel economy, but it evens out if you compare the Legacy to rivals with all-wheel drive.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Legacy a good value? The Subaru Legacy is slightly more expensive than comparably equipped rivals, but the gap can largely be explained by its all-wheel-drive powertrain. The interior design is clean, and the materials mix is definitely above average. Bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage and roadside assistance are average for the class, though some other midsize sedans offer more generous coverage and free scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
7/10
Most midsize sedans have finally adopted more expressive designs over the last few years, but the Legacy looks relatively anonymous inside and out. The Legacy handles a bit better than rivals, somewhat bolstered by its all-wheel-drive powertrain. Still, the uninspiring engine never really makes you look forward to driving it. Those looking for a more exciting experience should consider a trim level with the turbocharged engine or, better yet, a Kia Stinger.
2023 Subaru Legacy trim level differences
The midsize 2023 Subaru Legacy sedan is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring XT trim levels.
Which Legacy trim does Edmunds recommend?
The Legacy Premium is our go-to pick, offering the most features for the least money. A modest increase over the base model gets you a better audio system, heated seats and rear-seat USB ports. A handful of appealing options — sunroof, foglights, keyless entry, blind-spot warning — are also available. Stretching your budget to the Sport trim gets you the more powerful turbo engine, but it's a substantial financial stretch of roughly $7,000. We think the Premium will be just fine for most drivers.
Compare 2023 Subaru Legacy trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Massachusetts
$128/mo for Legacy Base
Legacy Base
vs
$167/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#12 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$460/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
0.79x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
11.5%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Subaru Legacy Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great 4-Door Sedan
5 out of 5 starsJon, 08/18/2022
2022 Subaru Legacy Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
I purchased my 2022 Legacy Limited 2.5 new back in June. I currently have almost 4000 miles logged. I needed a car to commute to work. I traded in my Ram Pick-up. I was nervous at first since I haven't driven a regular car in so long. I was pleasantly surprised. Though this car doesn't have nearly the punch of a big V8 I still enjoy it. There isn't much power under the hood of the … Legacy, but all I'm doing is commuting now. This car is comfortable and quiet. It does what it is supposed to do, gets me from point A to point B safely and comfortably. I went with Subaru due to it's safety features, all-wheel drive, design and fuel efficiency. There's plenty of room in the back seat for my 5ft8in son and my daughter. Trunk space is enormous. The fit and finish appear to be upscale for this segment. If you're looking for gas mileage and safety this is my pick. If you prefer a little more punch under acceleration, then go with the 2.4 Turbo. There is a significant difference in price and mileage.
As far as safety goes, I think the only competitor is Volvo, but you'll pay the Volvo price. I commute approximately 100 miles a day. I get on the highway, set the cruise control and all safety systems and let the car do it's thing. The distance pacing cruise control works great. The eyesight system works and helps to keep the vehicle centered in the travel lane. If the safety systems wouldn't yell so much when you take your hands off the wheel, I think this car would drive itself.
Not you're father's Subaru
5 out of 5 starsJoe W. Plymouth Meeting, PA, 09/21/2022
2022 Subaru Legacy Limited XT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
This is my 4th Legacy, and pretty much loved the other three. I first saw the Limited XT model at my dealership, John Kennedy Subaru, in Norristown, PA. That was the first year for this trim level. I fell in love with it. So this year I bought the XT in the grey color. I had a 2015 Limited with 43000 on it that I gave to my Grandson for college. That was like a new car for him. I … actually did not need a new car that one was fine he needed it more than I did. I just wanted to get one more new one before they put me out to pasture, lol
So I went the whole nine yards, bought the top of the line loaded with all the bells and whistles. Glad I did! This car is all that and more. It's luxurious, the combo of the graphite grey silica and the tan Napa leather interior is perfect. I have had so many compliments on this car.
It rides as good as many high end luxury cars and handles beautiful. I can't imagine anything else I need in a car!
Hate that stop/start thing the government forced on cars manufacturers, there is no one going to tell me it doesn't cause harm to the engine and transmission. You can shut it off very simply before you even move the car, there is a button on the screen to shut it off. You do have to do that every time though. You will know if you forgot the first time you stop though, by the clunk whe you go to accelerate!. The touch screen panel does take some time to get used to, but not a big issue. I am retired and look forward to taking this XT on some long trips!
To me at least this is absolutely a 5 star car!
Excellent car.. luxurious drive
5 out of 5 starsSamK, 05/13/2021
2021 Subaru Legacy Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
The car is outstanding in luxurious feel and smooth quiet drive, better than most luxury cars. Very spacious with plenty of cargo space in trunk. I find this car severely underrated.
Minor issues with the car start-stop feature that you cannot permanently turn off.
2021 xt
4 out of 5 starsBill, 06/01/2021
2021 Subaru Legacy Limited XT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
Car has plenty of power. Plush ride, large trunk, plenty of room for 4 adults. You can squeeze 5 in but it will be tight in the rear seat. Heated seats dont get as hot or heat up as fast as the ones on the 2019 crosstrek i had. Some features you habe to scroll through a couple screens to find on the infotainment.
Only fot about 25-27mpg on highway till i hit 5000-6000 miles, then … started getting 30-32.
My crosstrek did the same thing on mpg also so im not worried about that.
My biggest complaints are the windshield, eyesight covers and hood. I will start with the windshield. Had less then 1000 miles on it and it already has small rock chips. Nothing major, juat looked like dead bugs. But sure enough, they are rock chips.
Now for the hood. When driving at highway speeds, the rear portion of the hood flexes and looks like its really flimsy. Reminds me of a flag rippling in the wind. The hood is shut tight, and all bolts are tight etc. Just something i noticed.
The plastic covers on the eyesight are not secured very well. They rattle on all bit the smoothest roads. I can push up on the cover and it will stop rattleing.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Subaru Legacy, so we've included reviews for other years of the Legacy since its last redesign.
2023 Legacy Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,395 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $128/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Legacy models:
- EyeSight System
- Includes a variety of driver aids, such as lane departure intervention and emergency automatic braking for an imminent front collision.
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Sends power to any of the four wheels with the most grip. Helps with acceleration when the roads are wet or snowy.
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Warns if you're about to move into an occupied lane. It's paired with rear cross-traffic alert.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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