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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