The Subaru Legacy ushered in a lot of firsts during its 36-year history in the U.S. It was the first of the brand’s models built in America, then broke automotive industry ground by being the first Subaru and the first midsize sedan on the U.S. market to have standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with every model. It was the first Subaru with a driver’s side airbag, and among the first vehicles to have widespread availability of a driver-assist technology (EyeSight) on most models.
In many ways, the Subaru Legacy also launched the crossover segment with its introduction of the Outback trim in 1995 (three years ahead of the first Lexus RX hitting the market). Though it initially was just a trim package, it was a standalone model by the time the third-generation Legacy hit dealers. And even though the Legacy ceased production in 2025, the Outback enters its next generation and a whole new chapter with more SUV-like proportions in 2026.
Over time, the Legacy became more vanilla than other midsize vanilla sedans and lost its swagger. Or, maybe, the other sedans just finally caught up with the safety tech and AWD availability offered by the Legacy. Either way, at the time of writing, the last Subaru Legacy of the last generation had already rolled off the production line in Lafayette, Indiana. After 2025, the only Subaru cars available in the U.S. will be the Impreza and the WRX.
Though Subarus tend to hold their values, a used Legacy tends to cost slightly less than a used Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Check out a 2018 or newer Legacy model, and you can get a lot of modern technology, standard AWD, and really good safety features for $2,000 to $3,000 less than the competition.
Subaru Legacy: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Subaru Legacy Pros and Cons
- Subaru Legacy Generations
- Seventh Generation (2020–2025)
- Sixth Generation (2015–2019)
- Fifth Generation (2010–2014)
- Fourth Generation (2005–2009)
- Third Generation (2000–2004)
- Second Generation (1995–1999)
- First Generation (1990–1994)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Subaru Legacy years are the best?
As is often the case, the best examples are often the latter years of a generation. Various sources around the web point to 2014, the last year for the fifth generation Legacy, 2017 to 2019, the last years of the sixth generation, and pretty much anything in the current generation. Consumer Reports specifically points to 2017, 2018, and 2024 as models with higher-than-average reliability verdicts, making them “CR Recommended”.
What are the worst Subaru Legacy years?
The beginning of each new generation of the Subaru Legacy has the reputation of being a bit buggy. CarComplaints.com shows a bump in owner complaints at the beginning of the generation, then a tapering down. It calls 2013 the worst model year due to engine problems, but it also points to 2015 as the year with the most overall complaints. Other sources say to steer clear of 2001 to 2004 due to reliability complaints, as well as 2010 to 2011 because of growing pains with the redesign and a new continuously variable transmission.
Is a used Subaru Legacy a good deal?
If you aren’t afraid of a 30-year-old used vehicle, an early Subaru Legacy is a very good deal with prices around $2,000. However, if you crave more modern amenities and safety tech, you’ll want to fast forward a few generations. While Subarus generally hold their value well, the 2017 or 2018 model years in the sixth generation are still decent deals at about $10,000, which is more than 50% off the original MSRP. The lowest prices for the current generation are around $16,000, but decent examples typically cost more than $20,000.
Subaru Legacy Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Comfortable
- Lots of standard safety features
Cons:
- Dull styling
- Interior feels cheap
- Sluggish performance
Subaru Legacy Generations
Seventh Generation (2020–2025)
The seventh and final generation of the Legacy is the safest, most technically advanced version of the midsize sedan. The new Subaru marked the return of the turbo, the standardization of the EyeSight safety suite, and the introduction of the gargantuan 11.6 vertical touchscreen infotainment system. It rode on the same Subaru Global Platform as the Subaru Outback, and had a more spacious interior, a stiffer chassis, better ride quality, and a quieter interior.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy carried over the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, but it was reworked for better fuel economy and more horsepower (182 hp in total). Though the six-cylinder engine was dropped, this generation heralded the return of the turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine in the form of a 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder unit. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) remained the only choice with both engines and had a standard paddle-shift feature for the eight-step, sequential-shift manual mode.
At launch, there were six Legacy trims: base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Subaru Legacy Touring XT. The top two XT trims came with the turbo engine and Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system remained the standard drivetrain across all models. Standard equipment included active torque vectoring, EyeSight, adaptive cruise control, auto vehicle hold, automatic climate control, LED headlights with automatic high beams, remote keyless entry, auto stop/start, a 4.2-inch LCD color display in the gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 17-inch steel wheels, and dual seven-inch center touchscreens.
An 11.6-inch infotainment screen was standard with the Premium trim, as were 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a leather wrapped steering wheel. Other equipment available with higher trim levels included 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, push-button start, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated rear seats, LED fog lights, automatic reverse braking, leather seats, navigation, heated steering wheel, power moonroof, ventilated front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery.
The 2023 Subaru Legacy received a mid-cycle refresh, comprising a revised front fascia with a larger grille, sharper headlights, and safety system updates. The Sport trim was fitted with the turbocharged engine, and the Limited XT trim was dropped from the lineup. Rolling into the end of its life, the final two years receive minor updates that includes more standard features on various trims, including the company’s DriverFocus distraction mitigation system (a camera system that monitors the driver and issues alerts for fatigue or distraction) as standard across all trims for 2025.
The final Legacy rolled off the line on September 12, 2025, at the Lafayette, Indiana, plant, bringing its 36-year production run to an end.
Late Subaru Legacies are plentiful, but their youth means they are also the most expensive of any generation. We saw prices range from $10,000 to $41,000 at the time of writing, but assuming you’re looking at vehicles from earlier in the generation, you’ll likely spend around $20,000 for a seventh-gen Legacy.
Sixth Generation (2015–2019)
The Legacy kept its standard AWD for its sixth generation, which was a major competitive selling point, as it became a more advanced and refined vehicle. Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite was more widely available in this generation, and the manual transmission was dropped.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy essentially carries over the four- and six-cylinder Boxer engines from the fifth generation, but they have been revised for this generation to be more fuel efficient. The 175-hp 2.5-liter engine delivers an EPA estimated 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the 256-hp 3.6-liter engine delivers an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The four trim levels comprised 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R Limited, and 2.5i Limited. Standard features included a 6.2-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth streaming and USB/aux inputs, a backup camera, and 17-inch wheels. Premium models added a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated driver and front passenger seats, an upgraded seven-inch infotainment screen, two USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and faux wood trim. Limited trims added a Harman/Kardon audio system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and leather upholstery. Available options included a power moonroof, navigation, rear cross-traffic alert, keyless access, push-button start, and EyeSight.
The Subaru Legacy Sport trim arrived in 2017, slotted between the Premium and the Limited. It added unique exterior styling, a two-tone interior, and 18-inch wheels, while automatic reverse braking and automatic high-beams were added to Limited trims with the EyeSight package. The 2018 Legacy received revised styling, an updated infotainment system, and a re-tuned suspension. The big add here was the Subaru Starlink infotainment system, which now included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration.
The big news for 2019, the last year of this generation, is that EyeSight becomes standard on all models and included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane keep assist.
The sixth is the most abundant of all the Legacy generations, and prices generally range from about $4,000 to $24,000, but you can find good options for less than $15,000, including the 2018 model year with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Fifth Generation (2010–2014)
The fifth-generation Legacy was bigger and more fuel efficient but lost some of its enthusiast following especially after it ditched the turbocharged engine from the 2011 model year. It became more mainstream, and by the end of this generation, had transformed into a safe family sedan.
The engine lineup at launch was mostly a carryover from the fourth generation, including the 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder non-turbo and turbo. New additions were a 256-hp 3.6-liter Boxer six-cylinder engine, a new six-speed manual transmission for the four-cylinder models, and an optional CVT, known as Lineartronic. The Legacy sedan was now the only body style.
Trims included the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R Premium, 2.5GT Premium, 3.6R Limited, and 2.5GT Limited. Standard features comprised a six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, AM/FM stereo with an aux input, a single CD player, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, front side and side-curtain airbags, keyless entry, and Vehicle Dynamic Control with traction control. The Subaru Legacy Premium trim added a 10-way power driver’s seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, a driver’s auto up/down power window, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Subaru Legacy Limited trims added a four-way power front passenger seat, wood trim, 17-inch wheels, the All-Weather Package, the CVT, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Harman/Kardon premium audio system with six-disc CD changer, and leather seats. Subaru Legacy GT trims add 18-inch wheels, a 265-hp turbocharged engine, a hood scoop, and dual chrome exhaust tips.
Options of note with the Limited include satellite navigation with a backup camera and Bluetooth for phone and music streaming.
The fifth-gen Legacy received a facelift in 2013 and ditched the turbo engine. It also got some styling updates, a retuned suspension and a tweaked CVT. Trims included the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and the 3.6R Limited. This is also when Subaru introduced its EyeSight driver assist safety suite on the Legacy, initially available only with the Limited trims and joining the Premium trims in 2014.
Fifth-generation models are more widely available than their forebears and, so you’re less likely to have to travel far to find the vehicle you want. At the time of writing, prices ranged from about $3,000 for high-mileage models and maxed out at about $15,000 for lower-mileage examples in good condition. Average prices were typically between $7,000 and $8,000.
Fourth Generation (2005–2009)
The fourth-generation Subaru Legacy marked the return of the turbo engine to the U.S. and the demise of the wagon body style after 2007. This generation blended refinement with performance, with the turbo models offering a decent midsize sports sedan alternative.
Two powertrains were available at launch: the 175-hp 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine and the 250-hp 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder turbo. The Legacy base engine was available with the 2.5i and the 2.5i Limited, while the turbo came with the 2.5 GT and the 2.5 GT Limited. The wagon was offered in all trims, a four-speed automatic was standard with 2.5i models, and a five-speed manual was available with the 2.5i and the 2.5 GT. A five-speed automatic was standard on the 2.5 GT Limited. AWD remained standard.
The spec.B trim arrived in 2006—a performance-themed model with the sedan body style, a five-speed manual transmission, and a turbo engine. In 2007, the spec.B leaned even more into performance with a Bilstein sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, SI-Drive mode, and a six-speed manual transmission borrowed from the WRX STI.
In 2008, the fourth-gen Legacy was refreshed with new front and rear styling, an updated grille, new bumpers, updated headlights, and interior revisions. A new trim, the 3.0R Limited, brought a new 245-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder powertrain, and this was the first model year where the sedan was the only body style available in the U.S.. The 3.0R Limited made a luxury push, and brought standard features such as navigation, a premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer, dual automatic climate control, and leather interior.
A lower-priced Subaru Legacy 3.0R was introduced for 2009 and all trims except the base 2.5i received a new Harman Kardon audio system. Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and traction control were now standard on all but the 2.5 GT with the manual transmission.
While the fourth generation is more abundant than those before it, you’re probably still going to have to travel if you really want one. While you’ll see prices as low as $2,000 or as high as $16,000, the majority of vehicles for sale in this generation are in the $5,000 to $8,000 bracket.
Third Generation (2000–2004)
The third-generation Subaru Legacy focused on improved safety, refinement, and interior space. While this version still offered both sedan and wagon body styles, the Outback, though technically still a Legacy, became a full spinoff and was marketed as a standalone model.
The 2.2-liter engine was dropped, and the only available unit was the carried-over 165-hp 2.5-liter four cylinder. The five-speed manual and the four-speed automatic transmissions were still available, and AWD was standard across the lineup. It’s worth noting that, while a turbocharged engine was available in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), it was not available in the U.S. in this generation.
At launch, trims comprised the L, GT and GT Limited for the sedan and Brighton, L, and GT for the wagon. All models with anti-lock brakes and dual front airbags as standard, while the GT Limited added side-impact airbags. All GT models come with a dual-pane sunroof, a limited slip differential, a sport suspension, and power seats. The GT Limited added a CD player, wood trim, heated seats, and leather upholstery. Other additions included front and rear cupholders, daytime running lights, and a larger instrument panel.
In 2001 and 2002, trims for both the wagon and sedan were the L, GT, and GT Limited with the addition of an SE package with the L trim. A 2003 facelift included sharper headlights, revised bumpers, and an upgraded interior.
Vehicles in this model year are hard to come by, and we saw no more than 15 2000-2004 examples advertised online. Prices range from $3,000 to about $11,000, but the average—if you’re lucky enough to find one—is around $4,000.
Second Generation (1995–1999)
While the first-generation Subaru Legacy took aim at the midsize car market, the second-generation arguably put Subaru on the path to being an adventure lifestyle brand due to its introduction of the Legacy Outback wagon trim package with a raised suspension, extra body cladding, and standard AWD.
At launch, the second-generation Legacy maintained the Base, L, LS, and LSi trims with the addition of the new Legacy Outback trim. It still had sedan and wagon body styles, and all models were equipped with a 137-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission options. FWD was still offered, and AWD was available.
In 1996, the Legacy added a new 155-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available with the Outback, the LSi, and with the then-new GT trim. The base trim’s name was changed to Brighton and, by 1997, AWD was standard with most trims with FWD being phased out, along with the LS trim. The second-gen Legacy was refreshed in 1998 with new headlights, a new grille, new bumpers, and new interior trim, while the 2.5-liter engine was bumped to 165 hp. At this point, there were just four trims: Brighton, L, GT, and Outback.
The 1999 model year marked the 30th anniversary of Subaru in America, and there was a special 30th Anniversary Edition offered on Subaru Legacy L trims in the U.S. with an upgraded interior, sunroof, spoiler, and alloy wheels.
Used examples are relatively rare, and we found less than 20 vehicles available nationwide at the time of writing—most of them wagons. The average price for a vehicle in this generation is around $4,000, though there were a couple of outliers—one 1999 model with 62,000 miles was priced at $44,999.
First Generation (1990–1994)
When Subaru launched the first-generation Legacy, it was to compete against the likes of the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, and the Mazda 626. It had both sedan and wagon body styles and marked Subaru’s move into the mainstream midsize car market. It was also the first Subaru built in the U.S.
At launch, FWD was standard, but AWD was available. It had Base, L, LS, and LSi trims and was equipped with a 130-hp, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions were available. The first-gen Legacy added a 160-hp 2.2-liter turbo to the lineup in 1991, along with a Sport Sedan trim, which had standard AWD. In 1992, the Legacy was facelifted with a new grille, headlights, hood, and interior updates, while a Sport Wagon trim was added to the lineup.
Always at the forefront of safety, Subaru included motorized “passive” seatbelts through the 1994 model year. Driver’s airbags became an option in 1992 and standard in 1993.
First-generation examples are incredibly hard to come by. We saw two for sale nationwide—both 1993 wagons with more than 200,000 miles. The good news is that they cost about $2,000.
