Is The Sedan Dead? Buyers Are Walking Away From The New Upgraded Subaru Legacy

Is the 2023 Subaru Legacy a good vehicle choice for midsize sedan shoppers? The Legacy received new upgrades for the 2023 model year, and it's a good value for shoppers looking for an all-wheel-drive sedan. There are no significant problems with the Legacy, but it's underperforming. Is there an issue with the Legacy that midsize sedan customers should be aware of now?

Subaru of America reports 1,269 new 2023 Legacy sedans were delivered to its U.S. customers in January. Last January, Subaru sold 1,492 of the 2022 model-year sedans before it received any further upgrades. That's a 15.0 percent drop from the previous January to start the new year.

photo credit: Premier Subaru

The Legacy is only the seventh best-selling model in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup. The BRZ and Solterra EV were the only vehicles with fewer sales in January.

The 2023 Legacy midsize sedan has a redesigned front fascia and the latest EyeSight safety technology. Subaru also updated Legacy's multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other new upgrades for 2023

The refreshed 2023 Subaru received a more prominent grille and redesigned LED headlights. The big jump in price for the Sport trim is because it now comes standard with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Subaru dropped the Limited XT trim level. A new wide-angle Mono Camera is added to the 2023 Legacy Touring XT trim level.

Is there a problem with the newly-improved Legacy sedan, or is it a much bigger issue?

Buyers are generally buying fewer sedans and making the switch to SUVs. Subaru customers are the same and are choosing the automaker's SUVs instead. You can buy the 2023 Outback midsize SUV that rides on the same platform and chassis, rides like a car, and has the practicality and utility of an SUV.

What is the price of the new Legacy?

The 2023 Legacy sedan now comes in five trim levels. The 2023 midsize sedan starts at $25,415 for the base trim, Premium ($27,715), Limited ($32,465), Sport with a new 2.4-liter turbo engine ($34,915), and top-of-the-line Touring XT ($38,715). Destination and delivery fees are included in the pricing above ($1,020).

What sets the Legacy apart from other sedans? All Legacy trim levels come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance. The Legacy also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS. But it's not enough to sway new car shoppers to the Legacy. Sedans are on the way out, and Subaru of America could drop the Legacy if it doesn't perform better in the next few years.

Legacy buyers are harder to find than hen's teeth. Sales of the newly-upgraded midsize sedan dropped, and it's underperforming. Subaru dropped the Impreza sedan; will the Legacy be next? Is this the begging of the end for the Legacy sedan in America?

The 2023 Outback received the same upgrades as the 2023 Legacy, and it's about the same price. Which model would you choose, the Legacy or the Outback? Let us know in the comment section.

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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