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Say Goodbye To The Subaru Legacy And Here’s Why Subaru Axed The Model

I've been saying Subaru should drop the Legacy sedan, and now it's official. Here is why Subaru dropped it: It's gone forever.
2025 Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy is the longest-running nameplate in Subaru's lineup, but it's time for it to go. I've been saying for over two years now that Subaru should drop the Legacy sedan. Subaru of America has declared they will drop the Legacy after the 2025 models are finished. 

Subaru of America announced that the production of the Legacy sedan will end next year after the 2025 model year. So, if you want a Legacy sedan, you have one more year to get one. 

Why Did Subaru Drop The Legacy Sedan?

The word sedan says it all. U.S. buyers are not purchasing sedans. From what I've seen and reported, Legacy sales have dropped continually over the past few years. 

Subaru of America says, "Discontinuation (of the Legacy) reflects market shifts from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers and Subaru's transition to electrified and fully electric vehicles."

Making Room For New Subaru EVs

The Legacy discontinuation will make room on the assembly line in Lafayette, Indiana, for more new models coming to North American customers. Subaru of America says, "Subaru Corporation, the parent company of Subaru of America, Inc., previously announced it would produce eight EV models by the 2028 calendar year."

Subaru is now considering where to build some of the new electric models. Given the recent announcement that the Legacy sedan will be dropped, I can say confidently the latest models coming will be SUVs. 

My Evaluation

It's not surprising Subaru dropped the Legacy. In March, Subaru of America reported it delivered 1,658 midsize sedans to its U.S. customers, 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 2023. The downward trend continues. 

I was wrong to say 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. 

However, the Legacy is only the seventh best-selling model in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup and is underperforming. I recently said that Subaru needs to offer its customers an all-new 2026 Legacy Hybrid, but it won't happen now. 

Will Subaru still produce the Legacy for other global markets? 

Subaru did not say the Legacy would be discontinued in Japan, so it may still be around. Stay tuned. 

For U.S. customers looking for a 2024 Legacy, here is the pricing.

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).

What's new on the 2025 Legacy? 

For the 2025 model year, it's a carry-over model with few changes except for some minor equipment adjustments on the Legacy Limited trim. Here are the pricing details and model highlights.

What is the price of the 2025 Subaru Legacy? The good news is that there will be only a slight price increase on 2025 models.

For the 2025 model year, the Legacy sedan is still available in five trim levels: base ($26,040), Premium ($28,340), Limited ($35,150), Sport ($35,640), and Touring XT ($39,340). Destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($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. The dealer fees increased by $55 on all 2025 Legacy trim levels.

You can say goodbye to the Legacy sedan. The very last 2025 Subaru Legacy will arrive at Subaru retailers this spring. Production at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant will end next year after the 2025 model year. 

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN

Are you sad to see the Subaru Legacy go? Will you be buying a Legacy before it goes away forever? Click on the Add New Comment red link below and let us know.

An Interesting Legacy Fact Before You Go

Subaru developed the Legacy to replace the Leone, and it remained a mainstay in the Subaru lineup until 2025. However, sales have slipped as buyers are more interested in the next-generation 2025 Forester compact SUV, Outback midsize SUV, and Crosstrek subcompact SUV. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this new Subaru Legacy discontinuance story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

Before you go, check out There's A Perfect Storm Brewing At Subaru YouTube video. 

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 X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

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Photo credit: Subaru

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Comments

Dave Skolnik (not verified)    April 24, 2024 - 12:19PM

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I own to 2008 Legacy GT (Limited w/ 5 spd manual) I absolutely have loved the car, and continue driving it to this day. I have offers from folks all the time, willing to give me silly money for the car. It has 140k miles, and when working at Subaru, I took it off the delivery truck and oversaw the PDI. I understand Subaru's decision to discontinue the line. That said, I have been, and remain a very happy owner.

Mike Schwager (not verified)    April 24, 2024 - 10:49PM

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I had the pleasure of driving a Legacy sport as a dealer loaner a couple of months ago when our Outback was in the shop for a week. The longer a drove it, the more I liked it. I almost didn't give it back! ...But then I would have been arrested and couldn't enjoy the car, so reason took over and I did end up returning it.

Compared to the Outback, the car is lower but I never felt dominated in traffic. The car was nimble and quick and just felt great on the road. The ride was exceptional, the interior intelligent and did I say it was quick? It felt at once both light like a small car, and luxurious.

Unfortunately I'm not in the market for a new car but if I did need to replace my older Outback I would have loved to get the Legacy sport. Oh well, I think my next car will have to be electric anyway.

Jesse (not verified)    April 26, 2024 - 6:37PM

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I've gotten over GM dropping the Chevrolet Vega, Citation, or the Cavalier back in the 70's and 80's. Owned the Vega, two Citations and the Cavalier. When an auto company drops a vehicle it's usually because of dependability (reputation) issues or the threshold to keep the vehicle in production is not met. By dropping the Legacy, Subaru opens up more production space for vehicles they are selling.