Is 2017 a good year for Subaru Legacy?

Yes. For buyers who prize all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and solid safety features, the 2017 Subaru Legacy remains a dependable used-car choice. It delivers a comfortable ride and practical practicality, though its age means that maintenance history and condition matter more than in a current-model sedan.

What the 2017 Legacy Delivers

The following points summarize the core strengths and trade-offs of the 2017 Legacy, helping readers weigh whether this model year fits their needs.

• Standard all-wheel drive across every trim, giving confident handling in rain, snow, and poor weather.


• A roomy, user-friendly interior with ample space for passengers in both front and rear seating.


• EyeSight Driver Assist technology available on several trims, enhancing safety with features such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking.


• Typically paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes smooth shifts and fuel economy over outright performance.


• Moderate fuel economy for a midsize sedan with AWD, making it a practical daily driver in mixed driving conditions.


• Trunk space and overall cargo flexibility that suit family use and weekend gear, with the rear seats folding for expanded capacity.

Overall, the 2017 Legacy blends practicality, safety, and winter-weather capability into a single, approachable package. Its aging design and relatively modest acceleration are trade-offs that buyers should consider against newer competition.

Buying a Used 2017 Legacy: What to Check

Before pulling the trigger on a used Legacy from 2017, use the following checklist to assess condition, maintenance history, and potential costs.

• Maintenance and service history, especially for the CVT fluid changes and any EyeSight-related servicing or sensor recalibration.


• Verification of recall status and completed campaigns; VIN-based recall checks can reveal outstanding safety repairs.


• Condition of the CVT and drivetrain behavior, including any shudder, slipping, or unusual noises during acceleration or deceleration.


• Wear on tires and brakes, plus signs of uneven tire wear that could indicate alignment issues or suspension wear.


• Electrical components and infotainment features, including the availability and functioning of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto where applicable, and EyeSight sensor operation.


• Exterior and underbody rust or corrosion, especially in regions with harsh winters or salted roads.

Following this checklist helps buyers determine whether a 2017 Legacy is a reliable, cost-effective choice given the vehicle’s age and prior upkeep.

How the 2017 Legacy Stands Up in 2025

As a seven-year-old model by 2025, the Legacy competes well on space, comfort, and AWD capability, but potential buyers should compare it with newer midsize sedans and crossovers that offer more advanced infotainment and refined powertrains. Here are the key considerations today.

• Value proposition: While depreciation has eased, pricing for well-maintained 2017 Legacys with reasonable mileage remains attractive for AWD enthusiasts seeking practicality over newest tech.


• Reliability profile: Subaru’s reputation for durable all-wheel-drive systems supports ownership confidence, but age-related wear—transmission life, rubber components, and seals—needs proactive maintenance.


• Safety and features: EyeSight and other safety tech are beneficial, though some advanced safety controls may feel dated compared with newer rivals offering more sophisticated driver-assist ecosystems.


• Competitor comparison: In the mid-size sedan segment, the Legacy’s strongest competitors include newer versions of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata, which may offer sharper interiors and more modern infotainment.


• Ownership costs: Insurance, maintenance, and fuel economy are generally reasonable for a used AWD sedan, but repair costs can rise as the car ages and out-of-warranty parts become more common.

For buyers who prioritize winter capability, spacious seating, and a straightforward ownership experience, the 2017 Legacy remains a sensible option in today’s market. However, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and clear maintenance records are essential to avoid costly surprises.

Bottom Line

In 2025 terms, the 2017 Subaru Legacy can still be a sensible, value-driven choice for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive and strong safety emphasis in a comfortable midsize sedan. Its age means that condition, service history, and the cost of upcoming maintenance should factor heavily into any buying decision. When well maintained, a 2017 Legacy offers a practical blend of space, capability, and safety that keeps it competitive in the used-car landscape.

Summary

The year 2017 represents a solid, value-oriented option for Subaru Legacy buyers who want AWD, a roomy interior, and a focus on safety. While not the latest in infotainment or powertrain refinement, a well-kept 2017 Legacy can deliver dependable daily performance and winter-ready capability, making it a worthwhile consideration for those prioritizing practicality over cutting-edge tech.

Is the 2017 Subaru Legacy a good car?

Yes, the 2017 Subaru Legacy is considered a good car, praised for its standard all-wheel drive, safety features, reliability, and comfortable, roomy interior. Its main drawbacks are that some competitors may offer a more engaging driving experience or a more upscale interior design, and there is no hybrid version available for those prioritizing fuel economy.
 
Pros

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: The standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is a major advantage, especially for driving in challenging weather conditions. 
• Safety: It earned high safety ratings, including "Good" in many crash tests, and offers Subaru's available EyeSight driver-assistance technology. 
• Reliability: The 2017 model has a high reliability rating from consumers. 
• Comfort and Interior: The cabin is quiet, roomy, and comfortable, with good visibility and user-friendly controls. 
• Value: Many reviewers consider it a good value for the price. 

Cons

• Performance: The driving experience is considered average compared to some rivals, though it handles well. 
• Interior Refinement: Some rivals like the Honda Accord or Ford Fusion are seen as having more perceived quality and refinement. 
• Fuel Economy: There is no hybrid option, which is a drawback for those seeking maximum fuel savings. 
• Styling: Its exterior styling is described as conservative, and some competitors are considered more stylish. 

What is the best year for Subaru Legacy?

The best Subaru Legacy years are often cited as the late years of a generation due to improved reliability, such as 2014, 2017–2019, and the current generation (including 2024 and the final 2025 model year). Other consistently recommended years are 2003, 2004, 2018, and 2024, which have received high reliability ratings from sources like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. When buying, look for models with the more reliable H6 engine or consider getting a 2.5L model if the head gasket has been replaced. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the best Subaru Legacy model years: 52sMrSubaru1387YouTube · Feb 14, 2022
Recommended models

• 2014: The final year of the fifth generation, often praised for its solid performance. 
• 2017–2019: The last years of the sixth generation, these models received high reliability scores and feature refined engineering. 
• Current Generation (2020–2025): The most recent models are generally a good choice, with some specific recommendations for 2024 and 2025. 
• Older Models: Some experts point to the late 1990s to 2004 models as potential options, particularly those with the H6 engine, though 2.5L models may have head gasket issues. 

Models to approach with caution

• 2002–2009: Some of these years, especially 2.5L models, are known for potential head gasket issues. If you're considering one of these, ensure the head gasket has been replaced. 
• 2012: Models from this year onward had some issues with the CVT transmission. 

What to consider when buying

• Engine: The 3.6L H6 engine is generally considered more reliable than the 2.5L four-cylinder, especially in older models. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including oil changes, is crucial for longevity. 
• Used models: On a used 2.5L model, budget for a potential head gasket replacement, or be sure that it has already been done. 
• CVT: Be aware of the CVT issues on models before 2015. Later models improved on these issues. 

How reliable is a 2017 Subaru?

The 2017 Subaru Outback has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #10 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

How many miles will a 2017 Subaru Legacy last?

Legacy: The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and durability. With proper maintenance, Legacy models can easily last well beyond 200,000 miles, providing years of dependable service.