Did Subaru make a mistake in dropping the Legacy sedan? It is outselling three other Subaru models. Here's a new take on the Legacy discontinuance.
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The Subaru Legacy is not going away quietly.
Even as the Subaru Legacy is being discontinued after the 2025 model year, it's important to note that it's still outselling three other Subaru models. The Legacy's sales figures, surpassing those of the WRX performance sedan, the Solterra EV, and the BRZ sport coupe, raise the question- did Subaru make a mistake?
First, I'll cover the sales performance numbers and then explain what life looks like after the Legacy sedan leaves the scene and if it was the right decision by Subaru Corp.
Legacy sales are better than three models but still dropping.
Subaru of America reported they delivered 1,739 Legacy midsize models to customers in September, compared with 2,727 models in September 2023. That's a decrease of 36.2 percent.
The Legacy is down 25.4 percent year to date, with 14,642 models sold in 2024 so far compared with 19,622 through nine months of 2023.
Was it the right decision to call code red on the Subaru Legacy?
Yes, without a doubt. Sedans are not selling well by any automaker except the Toyota Camry (number 8th best-selling vehicle overall with 227,576 units sold) and Honda Civic (number 10 best-selling vehicle overall with 188,422 units sold). But those two models aren't going away anytime soon.
It was time for Subaru to pull the plug on the longest-running model in its lineup. Subaru is known for its all-wheel-drive, high-riding, go-anywhere SUVs, and that's where it needs to focus most of its attention.
Its top-selling model is the Crosstrek subcompact SUV, followed by the Forester compact SUV, and the Outback midsize SUV isn't far behind.
The Legacy outsells three other Subaru models in September.
- Legacy - 1,739
- WRX - 1,329
- Solterra - 1,074
- BRZ - 291
The Legacy outsells three other Subaru models through the first nine months of 2024.
- Legacy -14,642
- WRX -13,545
- Solterra - 9,137
- BRZ - 2,323
The Subaru Legacy is a great vehicle that still appeals to many buyers.
Dropping the Legacy was more about space than the midsize sedan not carrying its own weight. Subaru Corporation had to make a tough decision in regards to its manufacturing space.
The Japanese automaker needed to make room for the all-new 2026 Forester to be manufactured in the U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana. They will begin production of the Forester at Subaru of Indiana Automotive shortly after the last 2025 Legacy rolls off the assembly line next year.
For customers interested in the 2025 Legacy, here is the new pricing. For the 2025 model guide, go to my report here.
The 2025 Legacy sedan remains an affordable option, with a minimal price increase on the new models. With five trim levels to choose from:
- Base - $26,040
- Premium - $28,340
- Limited - $35,150
- Sport - $35,640
- Touring XT - $39,340
The price above includes destination and delivery fees ($1,145).
How much did the 2025 Legacy price increase?
The Legacy Limited increased by +$2,115. A power moonroof, DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, navigation, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel are now standard on Limited trims.
Let's shift gears. Why is Subaru bringing Forester production to the U.S. factory?
Subaru Corp. decided last year to build the next-generation Crosstrek on U.S. soil, which paid off significantly. Customers don't have to wait as long for the Crosstrek to be shipped across the Pacific to reach America.
The Forester was Subaru of America's top-selling model in 2023, and the Camden, N.J. automaker also wants the top compact SUV manufacturing brought to Indiana.
There were multiple issues with the shipping and production of the Forester in Japan recently, and having it produced in the U.S. will eliminate those shipping and production delays. Read more in my report here.
Subaru Corp. has shown confidence in Subaru of Indiana Automotive, and it has paid off. The 2024 Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels, with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine now manufactured in the U.S. plant, have been a success story.
It's important to note that the Crosstrek Base and Premium trims are still made in Gunma, Japan.
Subaru of America now has more new Crosstrek inventory of its top trim levels (Sport and Wilderness) than before, leading to the Crosstrek being the top-selling model this year.
Subaru made another calculated move to bring the Forester production to its U.S. plant in Indiana. The U.S.-built Forester will be for North American customers.
Scott Brand, President and Chief Operating Officer Subaru of Indiana Automotive, says,
"We’re excited about Subaru Corporation’s decision to build the Forester at our facility. Once again, they’ve demonstrated their confidence in our associates to build the company’s most popular models. We take pride in these opportunities to remain a key contributor to the brand’s continued success."
Why didn't Subaru Corp. expand the U.S. plant and keep the Legacy?
Subaru does not have the resources to invest $200-300 million in a new plant expansion. It's easier to make space by retooling its current assembly lines to make the new Forester.
The next-gen Forester will still be manufactured in Japan for its domestic customers and Asia, Australia, and European customers.
It should be a good move by Subaru to drop the Legacy sedan and make space on its production lines for the all-new Forester compact SUV. I will inform you when the first Subaru Forester rolls off the production line in Indiana. Stay tuned.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 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 X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tucson Subaru
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