The Subaru Legacy Is Dying A Slow Death

The Legacy that didn't make it. 

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the Subaru Legacy because it won't be around much longer. After another six months, the sedan will be dropped and forgotten. In its final months, Legacy sales continue to fall. I'll explain why it's going away and what the best option now is for sedan shoppers. 

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." 

These shifts are driven by changing consumer preferences, fuel efficiency concerns, and the increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers.

It was a good decision by Subaru to drop the sedan after the 2025 model year. As sales continue to free fall, I'll look at August sales and what life looks like after the Legacy leaves the scene. 

Subaru made the right decision. 

Subaru of America (SOA) reports it delivered 1,654 sedans to customers in August, compared with 2,765 models sold in August 2023. That's a significant 40.2 percent decline, so sales are dropping fast. 

The Subaru Corporation's decision to drop the sedan in favor of building more SUVs and crossovers seems fitting. Subaru sold 12,903 Legacy models in the first eight months of 2024, compared to 16,895 sedans sold in the same period last year, a 23.6 percent drop year to date. 

I'm guessing Subaru retailers are not ordering many Legacy sedans for their new model inventory. Why put a model on your lot if it's just going to sit there? They would rather have the space filled with a fast-selling model like the Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback. 

Time is short. 

For those wanting a 2025 Subaru Legacy, you have another six months to buy one, and it's still an excellent all-wheel-drive sedan. But you'll likely have to pre-order a model in the trim and color you want. You'll find few if any, new 2025 models because of limited availability. 

Legacy is the SUV alternative. 

If you don't need an SUV and want a sedan with all-weather performance, the 2025 Legacy is a compelling choice. It offers a spacious, comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and a smooth ride. 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).

Production ends next spring. 

The U.S.-built Subaru Legacy era is ending soon. Production will end next spring after the 2025 model year. If you want to buy one, you still have time, but you'll likely have to pre-order it from your local Subaru retailer. 

Here is what will replace the Legacy on the assembly line next.

Subaru will use the freed-up space on its assembly line to build the new next-generation Forester in its U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana. 

If you have a problem finding a new Legacy midsize sedan, is there another good choice for shoppers?

If you like the Legacy, the 2025 Subaru Outback midsize SUV is the best choice. The Outback has many benefits that sedan buyers will want. It shares the Legacy's platform, offering a similar driving experience, but it also provides the versatility and ruggedness of an SUV. 

Outback rides like a car and has excellent ride quality. 

The advantage of the Outback over the Legacy is that it sits higher (8.7 inches of ground clearance) and is easier to get in and out of than the Legacy. It also has better outward visibility for the driver because of its increased height. 

The 2025 Subaru Outback is an excellent choice over the Legacy sedan. If you can wait another year, the Outback gets a complete remodel for the 2026 model year. Stay tuned for more information when I get it. 

In the meantime…

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 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: Competition Subaru