Why is the Legacy one of Subaru's worst performers? I will check the sales performance and then explain why a Legacy Hybrid is precisely what the midsize sedan needs now.
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I've said before that the Subaru Legacy is complicated, if not impossible, to figure out. Its up-and-down sales performance is maddening to follow. I wish the Legacy would either fall off the map so far that it won't come back or that the midsize sedan would magically take off into space.
Here's What Would Make A Difference
Neither will happen, so here's the 2024 Subaru Legacy sedan update. First, let's check the Legacy's sales performance in March. Then, I'll explain why an all-new Legacy Hybrid would significantly improve the midsize sedan's problems and sales performance.
Legacy Sales Performance
In March, Subaru of America reported it delivered 1,658 midsize sedans to its U.S. customers. That's a 26.8 percent decrease from March 2023, when 2,265 Legacy models were sold.
The Legacy's sales were down 13.1 percent in the first three months of 2024. Subaru sold 4,398 midsize sedans in 2024, compared with 5,061 in the first quarter of 2023. The downward trend continues.
As I've said, Subaru Corporation won't discontinue the Legacy midsize sedan anytime soon. A lot is right with the Legacy, and Subaru needs a sedan in the lineup.
What's Not To Like?
The Legacy is an excellent vehicle, with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and all-weather capability, new technology inside, comfortable ride quality, and the latest safety tech. It also gets high safety scores. Legacy is one of four Subaru models that get the best crash scores for the IIHS.
The Price Is Right
The 2024 Legacy is value-priced for sedan shoppers. It comes in five trim levels: Base trim ($25,985), Premium ($28,285), Sport ($35,585), Limited ($33,035), and Touring XT ($39,285). Destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,090).
There Should Be More To Like
Subaru of America needs to offer its customers an all-new 2026 Legacy Hybrid. They are working with Toyota on new hybrid technology, and the first model to get it is the 2025 Forester Hybrid.
When Subaru of America unveils the Forester Hybrid sometime next year, we will know if it's a traditional Hybrid or a Plug-In Hybrid. Stay tuned.
Subaru of America COO Jeff Walters told Automotive News, "We haven't announced anything on the specs or performance yet; that will be coming down the road. But it will be a Toyota-sourced battery (and electric components) joined with a Subaru Boxer engine."
What's Next For The Legacy Sedan?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy should be a carry-over model with few changes, if any. Subaru will wait another year and bring the next-generation Legacy as a 2026 model, so there's no advantage for customers to wait for the 2025 model. And it will likely get a small price increase.
Although it has not been confirmed, Subaru is expected to remodel the 2026 Legacy sedan completely. But don't expect radical changes. Subaru Corporation has always kept its next-generation models' exterior styling much the same.
Legacy Will Get Significant Improvements
Most of the upgrades will come underneath the sheet metal. The all-new 2026 Legacy midsize sedan will have improved ride quality with suspension upgrades, new infotainment inside, and the next-generation EyeSight driver assist safety tech.
When Will Subaru Offer A Legacy Hybrid?
Subaru of America has not disclosed any information on the next-generation Legacy. Still, Subaru is bringing more new hybrids, like the next-generation Forester, and the Outback will likely follow next.
Because the Outback and Legacy ride on the same platform and share many of the same components, it would be a simple manufacturing upgrade on the assembly line in Lafayette, Indiana, to give the next-generation Legacy a Hybrid powertrain.
Precisely What The Legacy Needs
An all-new Legacy Hybrid is precisely what the midsize sedan needs now. The Legacy hybrid would offer improved fuel mileage over the standard version and would be an excellent sedan to compete with the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrids.
Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Legacy report. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.
MORE SUBARU NEWS
1. We've been waiting for the next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester pricing. Now we know how much the price increased, and it's significant. Consider taking a seat first before you read this.
2. Subaru is known for its affordable all-wheel-drive cars and SUVs. The new 2025 Forester is coming, but is it enough? See why Subaru needs more and when it's coming.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Tucson Subaru
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I'm sorry brother, but it's…
I'm sorry brother, but it's looking like this will be the last year (2024) for any Legacy sedan in the US. The sport/XT trims look good for my Pops but it's looking like time to put up or shut up.
Denis, I have Subarus for 26…
Denis, I have Subarus for 26 years. The mechanical part of the engine is reliable, but controls not so good, underpowered, shifting gears not optimal, and I have a list of issues with the last Outback that for me makes it not a keeper. More, these issues make me to look at other brands. I doubt somebody from Subaru would "listen" to any customer. I tried that but no feedback. The all wheel drive kept me with Subaru because my wife feels more confident during the winter. That is not going to be a deciding factor anymore. I'm done paying for the high depreciation of car value with a lease for three years just hoping that the next model will have these issues fixed! Unfortunately l think you don't care to learn what are these issues, valid or not.
Please give us a hybrid…
Please give us a hybrid Legacy with improved styling. The car is quiet, comfortable, fast (as an XT), not an SUV, and not a luxury brand (for those of us who don’t want that). My 2022 has been troublefree. The seats are all-day comfortable. The back seats get complements. “This is nicer than my Mercedes.” “This is a Subaru?!!” The trunk is huge. Don’t kill it; make it beautiful (it is not); give it a hybrid. Now.