Sedan sales are declining in most parts of the world, and the U.S. and UAE markets are no exception. The Subaru Legacy sedan suffers the same faith as its other counterparts. The Japanese automaker made several changes to the seventh-generation model, introduced in 2020. To boost its appeal further, Subaru has given it a mid-cycle refresh. The 2023 Subaru Legacy debuts with a revised design in the hope to counter the diminishing sales. The sales have been down by almost 10 per cent for the year.
2023 Subaru Legacy Preview
Redesign
The new 2023 Legacy gets a revised front fascia. A new face is always a good place to start with. The sedan receives a more assertive front bumper, a bigger grille, and updated LED headlights. These updates are available for all the trim levels including Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring XT.
The 2023 Legacy Sport model distinguishes itself from others through a red accent line across the grille and gray finish on the side mirrors, trunk spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Sport is an upgraded version of the Premium with a sport-tuned suspension, a moonroof, LED fog lights, and other additions. Besides changes to the design, the Sport also comes equipped with more safety systems such as reverse Automatic Braking and a Driver Distraction Mitigation system.
Improved Safety
Subaru’s focus on the latest safety tech is commendable. The automaker always tries to equip its new vehicles with the latest driver assistance tech. The Legacy gets a new version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The Touring XT model comes with a new Wide-Angle Mono Camera with the capability to increase the system’s field of view, enabling it to easily identify pedestrians and bicycles at low-speed junctions. The variants that feature blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert now include automatic emergency steering, as well.
When the collision is inevitable, the Legacy can protect the passengers with eight standard airbags, comprising a drive knee airbag as well. The automaker believes the 2023 Legacy will get the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Powertrain
One of the biggest highlights for the 2023 Legacy Sport is the new turbo mill. Subaru ditched the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre boxer four-cylinder for a turbocharged 2.4-litre creating 260 horsepower (193 kilowatts) and 277 pound-feet (375 Newton-meters) of torque. It is a very healthy bump in power to go with the Sport’s styling.
The standard 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine produces 182 hp (135 kW) and 176 lb-ft (238 Nm). So, there is no change in power output compared to the outgoing model.
All the trim levels in the Legacy get Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, making it highly capable machine in different conditions.
Subaru estimates that the 2.4-litre mill will offer 24/32 mpg city/highway fuel economy. As previously, the 2.5-litre would deliver up to 35 mpg and cover over 600 miles on a single tank.
Standard Features
Power door locks, windows & side mirrors, remote keyless access, tire pressure monitoring system with individual wheel display, and 60/40 folding rear seats are standard.
The Premium also gets the 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus system, all-weather package, 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Limited receives perforated leather interior, Harman Kardon® premium audio system, and heated rear seats.
The Touring XT trim has everything plus ventilated front seats, front view monitor; and a power moonroof.
Price and Arrival
While Subaru didn’t reveal the price of 2023 Legacy, they mentioned its arrival at showrooms this fall.