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If you want to buy a 2023 Subaru Legacy sedan, it's one of the best midsize sedans for shoppers. So, why are sales dropping for the newly-remodeled Legacy?
The 2023 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan dropped 13.3 percent, with 2,265 models delivered to customers compared with 2,611 sales in March 2022. The Legacy sedan is now down 8.3 percent in the first three months of 2023.
Legacy has 5,060 model sales throughout the first three months of 2023 compared with 5,520 in the same period in 2022. The legacy sedan is down 8.3 percent in the first quarter of 2023.
The Legacy is only the seventh best-selling model in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup. The BRZ sports coupe and all-new Solterra EV were the only vehicles with fewer sales in March.
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.
The 2023 Legacy midsize sedan has a redesigned front fascia and the latest EyeSight safety technology. In addition, 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. However, the big jump in price for the Sport trim is because it now comes standard with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. As a result, Subaru dropped the Limited XT trim level. In addition, 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. So sedan shoppers are likely moving to the Outback midsize SUV that rides on the same chassis as Legacy and has the ride quality of a car with the utility of an SUV. And the Outback is easier to get in and out with its 8.7 inches of ride height.
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 again in March and are underperforming. Subaru dropped the Impreza sedan; will the Legacy be next? Is this the beginning 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. So which model would you choose, the Legacy or the Outback? Let us know in the comment section.
You Might Also Like: The Newly-Upgraded Subaru Outback Is Stuck In The Middle Between Good And Great
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 USA
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Comments
Raise the height of the
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Raise the height of the Legacy to that of the Outback, just like what was sold
back in 1999. Sedans have become a literal pain in the back due to the low
entry/exit height of the seats.
If they made an outback
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In reply to Raise the height of the by Russ Motz (not verified)
If they made an outback height legacy they would sell every one of them. I think they sell every legacy they make right now. Subaru probably makes more of the outback because they are a more profitable car for them.
I own a '14 Legacy and it is
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I own a '14 Legacy and it is a fine car in almost all respects My previous vehicle was an Outback Sedan. If Subaru brought it back I'd be there to buy the first one! I don't understand the rush away from sedans, just give them a little more ground clearance so they don't scrape the concrete parking curbs!