Skip to main content

Subaru Calls Code Red On The Legacy Sedan

Subaru Legacy sales continue to decline, and it looks like a good decision by Subaru to drop the sedan after the 2025 model year. Here is what's coming next that could replace it on the assembly line.
2025 Subaru Legacy

The writing was on the wall.

The Legacy sedan is another model experiencing a significant decline in sales. I recently wrote about the drop in WRX, Impreza, and BRZ sales, the gathering of storm clouds surrounding Subaru, and what it means for customers. Check my report here. 

Not all Legacy owners agree with Subaru's decision to drop the Legacy midsize sedan. 

Let's take a moment to bid a fond farewell to the Subaru Legacy, a car that has left an indelible mark on the automotive world and in the hearts of its enthusiasts.

William J says, "Why is Subaru killing the Legacy? I can imagine the standard pat answers, but I would appreciate your take on this subject. Full disclosure, I feel like my 2020 Legacy gives this 71 year old everything less a bit of covered hauling space that the Outback offers but for less money. And the trunk is huge."

The Subaru Legacy, designed specifically for the American market, made its debut in 1989, becoming the first Subaru manufactured in America at Subaru's new Indiana plant, Subaru of Indiana Automotive. The Legacy has been a source of pride for both its owners and the Subaru brand, renowned for its exemplary safety and reliability.

Since its debut, Legacy models sold in the U.S. through six generations have racked up over 1.3 million sales in the U.S., and the Legacy is the longest-running Subaru model line.

Despite being the best choice for some buyers, Subaru has made the tough decision to discontinue production of the Legacy sedan. It's a calculated move by Subaru Corporation. 

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."

I replied to William and told him that Subaru would use the freed-up space on its assembly line to build the new Forester in its U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana. But another new model could replace it, and it's coming soon. 

Before I explain the all-new model, check out Legacy's sales performance in July. Did Subaru make the right decision? 

Subaru of America (SOA) reports it delivered 1,799 sedans to customers in July, compared with 2,170 models sold in July 2023. That's a 17.1 percent decline, so sales are still dropping. 

Subaru sold 11,294 Legacy models in the first seven months of 2024, compared to 14,130 sedans sold in the same period last year, a 20.4 percent drop. The Subaru Corporation's decision to drop the sedan seems fitting, as it aligns with the industry trend of shifting consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers. 

For those wanting a 2025 Subaru Legacy, you have another year to buy one, and it's still an excellent all-wheel-drive sedan. 

The 2025 Subaru Legacy arrives now at U.S. retailers and is an excellent car for some people. Its outstanding features include:

  • Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive.
  • A spacious and comfortable interior.
  • Advanced safety technology.

Read my report here on why Consumer Reports ranks the Legacy as the most comfortable new midsize sedan you can buy. 

If you don't need an SUV and want a sedan with all-weather performance, the 2025 Legacy is a compelling choice. Find out more in my report here.

What is the price of the 2025 Subaru Legacy?

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).

A new Subaru EV Wagon

The Legacy could be succeeded on the assembly line in Lafayette, Indiana, by a new Subaru EV Wagon in 2028, a vehicle that promises to bring a new era of innovation and excitement to the Subaru lineup.

I recently reported a new EV wagon in my report here last week. The new EV will be the size of the Outback midsize SUV, offering the driving dynamics of a car and the utility of an SUV. Instead of building an electric Outback, Subaru Corporation will produce an all-electric wagon for its U.S. customers, potentially offering a unique and exciting addition to Subaru's lineup. 

A recent report from Automotive News (by subscription) says, "Keeping to the brand's heritage, an Outback-size electric wagon will debut in 2028."

You know how popular the Outback is for Subaru of America. It's the second-best-selling all-wheel-drive model in SOA's lineup. A new EV Wagon could be a hot model for the Camden, N.J. automaker. 

Subaru has not confirmed the new EV Wagon or where it will be built. But reliable sources from Automotive News say it's coming in the next three to four years. 

The U.S.-built Subaru Legacy era is ending. Production will end in the spring of 2025 after the 2025 model year. If you want to buy one, you still have time. 

What do you think of Subaru's decision to drop the Legacy? We'd like to hear your thoughts. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Your insights and opinions are valuable to us and the automotive community.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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: Subaru USA

Automotive News
Electric Vehicle News and Reviews
TorqueNews Hot Topics
Subaru
Subaru Legacy

Comments

Thomas Lowden (not verified)    August 8, 2024 - 4:56PM

Permalink

Currently driving between my wife and myself our 11th Subaru. Between us we have had:
2002 WRX
2003 Forester
2005 Legacy GT
2006 Forester XT
2009 Forester
2012 Forester
2013 BRZ
2015 Legacy
2018 Crosstrek
2022 Outback
2023 Legacy Sport

Had to put a 10+ ownership badge on the latest since they stop at 10. I hope Subaru does not make the same mistake and discontinue a potential future with sedans (as Ford and GM have). I do not need nor want a crossover (that is for my wife) and the WRX is something that is in my past. We have enjoyed seeing Subaru make changes where they were needed and not be overly influenced by momentary whims of the market. I guess I will just keep my Legacy as my "last car" as I am soon to be 72. Subaru owners are different than many others as we tend to park together in parking lots and also have more pride of ownership as well. I costantly am seeing Foresters and Outbacks on the road that look new but are in reality more than 20 years old.

Duke Woolworth (not verified)    August 8, 2024 - 7:05PM

Permalink

Subaru dropped the ball on hybrids in general. No need for a Legacy when the Camry has AWD, fabulous mileage and reputation, and isn't alone.

AJ (not verified)    August 8, 2024 - 9:58PM

Permalink

Subaru wants to go out of business the only reason the legacy is not selling design and features going up against Toyota but a terrible decision. If the legacy had 400hp AWD with better looking design would sell like hot cake. Look at Suburu destroying Sti that company needs a new CEO. Not everyone wants a crossover or suv.

Abagael Zabolotny (not verified)    August 8, 2024 - 11:50PM

Permalink

I love my fiancés 2021 Subaru legacy touring xt and I’m pretty upset there discontinuing the legacy’s I just fell in love with this car when he first came up here to live in my state a year ago and was hoping to buy another legacy

Pete (not verified)    August 9, 2024 - 8:12AM

Permalink

So the departure of the Legacy is timed with the removal of the Outback from the SIA plant. That isn't a coincidence... the Legacy and the Outback are 75% the same car. It's real convenient to make them on the same line. But in a bit, the Forester will replace the Outback in Indiana and the commonality of parts between the Legacy and the Forester us MUCH smaller. The other cars made in that plant, the CrossTrek and the Ascent also share little with the Legacy. So while the Japanese plants tool up for Outback, it makes sense for them to consider if they will ALSO tool up for Legacy. I am assuming that they did and decided the capital outlay didn't justify it. A little sad, considering the history of the Legacy in the US, but also an understandable business decision.

As for what "replaces" the Legacy in Lafayette, the answer is simple: more Foresters and Ascents and Crosstreks. Ultimately the reason that the Outback is out and the Forester in at SIA is that Forester was selling at a faster clip than Outback. That said, I believe that the hybrid Forester will be made in Lafayette as well, so maybe that is the answer that you were looking for.

Stanley Troy (not verified)    August 9, 2024 - 8:18AM

Permalink

I love my 2014 Legacy and its not my first one. If they made it into a hybrid I would definitely buy another one. Sorry to see it go.

HW (not verified)    August 9, 2024 - 9:45AM

Permalink

Doesn't help that buyers can now get AWD Camrys and Altimas. They won't have as good an AWD system as Subaru, but to the average buyer, AWD is AWD. Toyota has lot more dealers than Subaru, Nissan?

Martin Ridder (not verified)    August 9, 2024 - 10:14AM

Permalink

Together, my wife and I have owned seven Subaru vehicles. I owned two Outbacks for my clock repair business while I lived in New Jersey. The other five were all Legacy models. We love the Subaru brand and have convinced many others to purchase them. When we retired and moved to southeastern Florida, I sold my Outback privately (selling it for more than I expected I would) and we drove Legacy number four down from New Jersey and traded it in for Legacy number five. We got the top of the line Touring XT. We both love driving this car. The turbo makes it zippy, which is handy when you have to avoid crazy Florida drivers (how do they get their licenses?). It was with extreme disappointment that we learned of Subaru's intention to discontinue the Legacy. We don't have children and therefore no grandchildren that we have to ferry back and forth to their activities that they will grow tired of in a month or two. So, we don't need a wagon. The Legacy's trunk space is deceptively roomy and can fit all the stuff we need from groceries to beach chairs and a big umbrella. When we take our friends to dinner, which we do frequently, as we are spending our non-existing children and grandchildren's inheritance, everyone to a person remarks how spacious and comfortable the back seats are. One person even assumed it was a BMW(!) I don't want to have to drive a car that I don't consider fun, and I won't. I don't want our seventh Subaru to be our last, but I don't buy more car than I need. I consider Subaru to be the safest car brand out there, and safety is my number one concern. I didn't retire at 55 four years ago, just to eventually die in an inferior car. I have a lot of living to do and I was hoping to do so in a Subaru. We'll just have to see what Subaru comes up with. I hope I won't have to change brands!

Christopher Hayes (not verified)    August 9, 2024 - 11:32AM

Permalink

I own a 2017 Subaru legacy with the 3.6 R. I love it. It is so quiet and the car is so nice. I brought it used and I love all the safety features. This is my first Subaru.

Dwayne Fielder (not verified)    August 9, 2024 - 5:15PM

Permalink

Been a Legacy owner since around 1991. Have loved and enjoyed the model. Very few problems mechanically or with "wear and tear" issues. May have to consider the 2025 model as my last purchase.

Rob (not verified)    August 9, 2024 - 5:29PM

Permalink

Subaru didn't devote enough advertising to the Legacy. It seems that the Outback and Forester got the advertising bucks. What a shame that they let this fantastic car wither on the vine.

J. Freeman (not verified)    August 9, 2024 - 8:00PM

Permalink

I think an EV direction for Subaru is a poor decision at this time. EV range of 250-300 miles limits utility vehicles and is not really practical for adventure off road. Pursuing long range strong hybrid technology would seem more aligned with Subaru’s adventurous image. Sorry to see the Legacy go, but that is a business decision, though the styling of the sedan has always been a bit stodgy; though the sleek lines of the mid-2000s were encouraging, Subaru would have done well to keep those proportions and enlarge the vehicle to take on the Accord and Camry. My 2008 Legacy was a beautiful car, but had the interior size more akin to the current Impreza, far less than its competitors.

Sharon Tomeo (not verified)    August 10, 2024 - 3:36PM

Permalink

I had Legacy wagons until discontiued. Then went to sedan since I am short and the Subaru SUVs are all too high off the ground for me to egress comfortably. I plan to buy a new Legacy sedan which probably will be my last Subaru because of their height off the ground. Wish Subaru would bring back the Legacy wagon!