The 2023 Subaru Legacy still wins with one buyer segment, but is it enough to save it from extinction? Legacy is among the best cars for older drivers, but there's one thing it needs to stay relevant.
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What are the best new cars for seniors? Some new cars are better for seniors than others. The best models are easier to get in and out, have better visibility, are more comfortable, have an adjustable steering wheel, have more convenience features, and offer a quiet cabin. In addition, they have the lowest maintenance costs and the best safety record.
A new report from U.S. News says the 2023 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan is among the twelve best new cars for older drivers. Check the list below for more information on the Legacy and why it's a top pick, and keep reading because there's one thing the midsize sedan needs to save it from extinction.
The Best Cars for Older Drivers in 2023 from U.S. News
2023 Subaru Legacy: $24,395 | Overall Score: 7.8/10
2023 Toyota Camry: $26,220 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid: $28,355 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
2023 Honda Civic: $25,050 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
2023 Nissan Maxima: $38,140 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
2023 Hyundai Sonata: $24,950 | Overall Score: 7.9/10
2023 Honda Accord: $27,295 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
2023 Audi A4: $40,300 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
2023 BMW 5 Series: $56,000 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $56,750 | Overall Score: 8.8/10
2023 Volvo S90: $57,000 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2023 Genesis G80: $50,000 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
What does U.S. News say about the Legacy?
"The Subaru Legacy combines all-wheel drive and a comfy interior with a smooth ride and reasonable price. Subaru offers a pair of four-cylinder engines with up to 260 horsepower, but the automaker's standard all-wheel drive makes the difference. The car isn't quick, but the improved traction and confident handling make the Legacy an excellent year-round companion. Inside, Subaru equips nice cloth upholstery, but higher trims add soft leather with heating and ventilation for the front seats. The front buckets are spacious and well-padded, and there's good room for three adults in the back seat."
So, the Legacy midsize sedan is an excellent car for seniors because it offers all-weather capability, gets the best crash scores from the IIHS, gets good fuel mileage, and it's affordable.
Here is information on the 2024 Subaru Legacy. The model change occurs this summer, with new models arriving this fall. You can read about the new upgrades here.
What is the price of the 2024 Legacy?
For the 2024 model year, the Legacy sedan is still available in five trim levels. The base is priced at $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).
What is the Legacy's fuel mileage?
The EPA says the 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport and Touring XT trims return an estimated 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 combined mpg. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 27/35 mpg city/highway and 30 combined mpg fuel economy.
The Legacy is a good choice, but it needs to be better.
The 2023 Subaru Legacy sedan sales continue to drop. Sales declined 13.3 percent, with 2,265 models delivered to customers compared with 2,611 sales in March 2022. In addition, Legacy has 5,060 model sales throughout the first three months of 2023 compared with 5,520 in the same period in 2022. As a result, the Legacy sedan is now down 8.3 percent in the first three months of 2023.
What the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan needs to stay relevant will all buyers.
The Legacy needs a hybrid trim level with even better fuel efficiency. The top midsize sedans from Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai offer hybrid models. Unfortunately, Subaru is behind the curve in providing customers with a Legacy hybrid trim level.
When will Subaru offer a Legacy hybrid?
Subaru Corporation says the roadmap for electrification is to launch in-house production of hybrid and battery electric vehicles with a target start date around 2025 and gradually increase the number produced. "Furthermore, we are exploring restructuring our domestic production system in a way that includes the addition of BEV-dedicated production lines on or after 2027," says Subaru.
Subaru will attract a larger audience of senior buyers and a younger demographic when they launch a hybrid trim level. On the other hand, the 2024 Subaru Legacy is a good choice for older sedan customers this year.
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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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I purchased a 2023 Subaru
I purchased a 2023 Subaru Legacy Premium loaded about 2 months ago, and it’s a great car. Yes, there should be a hybrid option but Subaru is moving in that direction with future models. The low sales appear to be due in part to the fact that inventory is very limited compared to other Subaru models. If Subaru were to increase production, they’d likely sell many more Legacies.