2023 Subaru Legacy

　　

2023 Subaru Legacy Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　The 2023 Subaru Legacy continues the midsize sedan's evolution with a handful of updates since its more comprehensive overhaul a few years ago. The Legacy squares off with tough competition, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry among them, but its ace card has always been standard all-wheel drive, typically at a lower cost than rivals. This makes the Legacy — indeed, any Subaru — a popular pick in wet-weather climates. Add in its full complement of standard advanced driving aids and it's easy to see why the Legacy rates highly in many parts of the country.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$125/mo  for Legacy Base

　　Legacy Base

　　4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $24,395 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $26,695 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,445 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $33,895 MSRPTouring XT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $37,695 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　But where the sun perpetually shines and all-wheel drive isn't a priority, the Legacy battles for consideration among more polished competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Volkswagen Passat, and the Honda and Toyota stalwarts. The Legacy holds its own though, and for 2023 it offers the Sport trim with the significantly more powerful 260-horsepower turbo engine, in addition to that trim's unique suspension tuning and styling upgrades. Subaru's excellent EyeSight bundle of active safety features also gets a tune-up, featuring a forward camera with a broader field of view and updated software. Overall it's a robust set of tweaks that make the Legacy a strong consideration in its class. Read our Expert Rating below to learn if the Legacy is right for you.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Legacy drive? We tested the Legacy with its base 2.5-liter engine. At our test track it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is slightly slower than similarly powered rivals. The Legacy's available turbocharged engine has plenty of power, and it's the one we recommend getting. The Legacy shows an aptitude for handling performance, gripping the road a bit better than other midsize sedans. The steering is nicely weighted, and the Subaru responds naturally to the driver's inputs.

　　There's noticeable nosedive during braking, so slowing smoothly can be challenging. Smoothness isn't a hallmark of the automatic engine stop-start system either, and the car bucks on restart with the force of a low-speed rear collision.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Legacy? Comfort takes a central role in the Legacy's appeal. Our test vehicle offered simple but effective front seat adjustments. Cushioning is supportive without feeling stiff, and the bolsters keep you in place in turns. Even the back seats are sculpted for passenger comfort and feel much better than a flat bench. The ride is cushy without feeling floaty, but wind and road noise is more pronounced than in rivals. Engine noise, though, is more subdued than in many other cars equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

　　The dual-zone climate system works well, but there is a bit of a learning curve to decipher some settings. The three-stage seat heaters work well and transition from mildly warm to overcooked.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below