Which sedans are the best for 2023? Check out the twelve best midsize and large sedans this year. See why the 2023 Subaru Legacy is now the seventh-ranked new sedan by Consumer Reports.
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Which are the best new sedans for 2023? In the Consumer Reports updated ranking of the top new models, they now score the newly-upgraded 2023 Subaru Legacy number seven best in the midsize category. CR says sedans are smart for many consumers because they offer "a blend of fuel economy, passenger room, cargo space, and flexibility into a package that's often more enjoyable to drive than the average SUV."
Consumer Reports (by subscription) now ranks the 2023 Subaru Legacy as number eight of fourteen midsize sedans. The newly-upgraded Legacy ranks lower than the 2022 model year. CR ranks the Legacy below the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Kia K5.
Below are the twelve best mainstream midsized and large sedans for 2023 ranked in order of Overall Score.
Toyota Camry Hybrid - Midsize 90
Toyota Camry - Midsize 82
Honda Accord Hybrid - Midsize 88
Honda Accord - Midsize 84
Nissan Altima - Midsize 82
Kia K5 - Midsize 81
Subaru Legacy - Midsize 80
Hyundai Sonata - Midsize 80
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Midsize 79
Nissan Maxima - Large 78
Chrysler 300 - Large 77
Dodge Charger - Large 76
Why is the Legacy ranked among the top midsize sedans? CR says, "The all-wheel-drive Legacy is one of the top midsized sedans. Its super-comfortable ride outshines that of some luxury cars. Handling is responsive but not sporty."
Subaru Legacy has two engine options; a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter or a new 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. CR says, "The standard engine is adequate but makes an unpleasant roar when pushed. It provides a decent 28 mpg overall. The turbo version delivers strong acceleration and is quieter; it returns 24 mpg in the similar Outback SUV. We like that the well-tuned continuously variable transmission doesn't let the engine get too loud."
What is the downside to the Legacy?
"Users must wade into infotainment menus to perform some common tasks. Standard equipment includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, but a blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are optional", says the CR report.
Why choose Legacy over an SUV?
Not everyone needs a bigger SUV. If you don't have a family to haul around and don't use your vehicle for weekend adventures, you don't need that extra space. The advantage of a sedan over an SUV is it's lighter, more aerodynamic, and offers better driving dynamics.
Ride quality for four passengers will be better than for a higher-riding SUV. For the first time in any Subaru vehicle, Legacy gets a floor cross member filled with a highly rigid and lightweight two-part foam material and an all-new suspension that is lighter, stronger, and more responsive. Legacy's stiffened platform and strengthened suspension will lower the center of gravity, providing more responsive steering and handling and a smoother, quieter ride.
What is the Legacy fuel mileage?
With gas prices rising this spring, consumers are looking for fuel efficiency. Being lighter contributes to better fuel economy over a bigger SUV.
The EPA says the 2023 Legacy XT returns EPA mileage figures estimated at 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-4 engine gets an EPA-estimated 27/35 mpg city/highway fuel economy.
Do all Legacy trim levels come with all-wheel-drive?
Legacy is still the only sedan in America that comes standard with all-wheel-drive, and all trim levels come with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical system for all-weather capability. The sedan will navigate safely through snow, ice, or muddy roads this winter.
Capable cargo
If you don't need to throw a mountain bike in the back, Legacy offers capable cargo-carrying ability. The 2023 Legacy comes with 15.1 cu ft of cargo capacity and 1.4 inches of additional cargo floor length. The Legacy's trunk can comfortably hold four full-size luggage bags, giving it the functionality to match that of many small crossovers.
Legacy offers standard roof brackets to quickly install a rack, box, or tray if you need to carry additional cargo, making it easy to load surfboards, canoes, mountain bikes, and other sports equipment.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
The 2023 Legacy sedan now comes in five trim levels. We have included the price increase on each trim after the new pricing. The 2023 midsize sedan starts at $25,415 (+$925) for the base trim, Premium ($27,715 +$975), Limited ($32,465 +$1,025), Sport with a 2.4-liter turbo engine ($34,915 +$4,630), and Touring XT ($38,715 +$1,025). Destination and delivery fees are included in the pricing above ($1,020 +$25).
Is the 2023 Subaru Legacy a safe car?
The Legacy earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star ranking from the NHTSA.
2022 Subaru Legacy Vs. 2023 Legacy
The 2023 Legacy midsize sedan received new updates with a redesigned front fascia, the latest version of EyeSight safety technology, and a new wide-angle mono camera. Subaru also updated Legacy's multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Check out the complete refreshed 2023 Legacy model changes here.
Consumer Reports says the newly-upgraded 2023 Subaru Legacy is among the top new midsize sedans for 2023. It's the best pick for new car shoppers looking for all-weather performance.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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Wrong. 2023 Legacy suffers
Wrong. 2023 Legacy suffers the same parasitic drain on its battery. A design flaw causes batteries to die within 2 years.