Subaru Keeps, Updates Midsize Legacy Sedan for 2023

Subaru Legacy is refreshed for 2023.


Hooray for sedans!

No, that isn’t an exclamation heard often, but it is the sentiment for some, including this writer. There is something about four doors, hugging the road, and a reasonable price that appeals to yours truly.

Sedans, like minivans, are disappearing across the automotive landscape. But unlike minivans, some believe there is a solid chance that sedans will remain for the long haul.

Refreshed 2023 Subaru Legacy

2023 Subaru Legacy
The refreshed 2023 Subaru Legacy

In the mainstream midsize sedan arena, demand is down, and the number of players has fallen accordingly. Dodge, Ford, Mitsubishi, and Mazda are no longer in the game. Volkswagen dropped the Passat, although they still have the Arteon.

The remaining players include the perennial three favorites: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and the Nissan Altima. Chevrolet still makes the Malibu, although we doubt for much longer. Other models in the segment include the Kia K5 and the Hyundai Sonata. That is it for a segment that once boasted well over one dozen entrants.

Not mentioned, yet the focus of this story is the Subaru Legacy. Last overhauled in 2020, the 2023 Legacy will arrive this fall refreshed. Importantly, like every other model in this segment, the Legacy rides on a front-wheel-drive platform.

But it is the lone midsize model with standard all-wheel drive. Toyota, Nissan, and Kia each offer all-wheel drive, but the Subaru Legacy ensures additional grippiness across the trim line.

What’s New for 2023

The changes for 2023 are evolutionary and certainly not revolutionary. The front end features the most significant exterior changes. In particular, the fascia features a more prominent grille and a refreshed LED headlight design.

Inside, the Touring XT model receives new slate black leather-trimmed seats with contrast silver stitching. Also, this trim features high-gloss black pillar molding, chrome plating door handles, and satin tone plated side mirrors.

Updated Safety Tech

Subaru also includes its EyeSight branded driver-assist technology on all trims beginning in 2023. The technology, which incorporates such features as adaptive cruise control and lane centering, is improved. Thanks to a wider field of vision and updated control software, the technology does its job better.

Also, Subaru added an electric brake booster. Some versions of EyeSight contain additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. For the first time, automatic emergency steering comes with some trims.

Two Engine Choices

The 2023 Legacy brings Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring XT trims with it. The first three trims come with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine. That one delivers 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque.

The second engine is exclusive to the Limited and Touring XT trims. It is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines work with a continuously variable transmission to route power to all four wheels.

Large Display

Returning for 2023 is the Legacy’s large 11.6-inch touchscreen display. This screen, one of the largest standard units of its kind in the segment, features on-screen control of audio, HVAC, and vehicle control systems.

Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, USB ports, and audio streaming come standard. HD Radio and satellite radio are included. A Harman Kardon audio system is available.

A navigation system is available and now features W3W (What3Words) software. The way this works is that the system only needs to “hear” three words to determine the destination. So, choose your words wisely!

2023 Subaru Model Range

Besides the Legacy, Subaru continues to build the BRZ, Impreza, and WRX cars. Among crossovers, the Ascent, Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek remain available. Subaru’s latest model, however, is the all-electric Solterra.

Like other manufacturers, Subaru intends to move beyond internal combustion engines to full electric. So, enjoy your boxer while you can still get one.


See Also – The Value-Oriented 2021 Subaru Legacy

Photos courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.

Matthew Keegan
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