What is Subaru going to replace the Legacy with?
Subaru, the Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles, is set to replace its long-running Legacy sedan with a new crossover model. This move reflects the shifting consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers in the automotive market.
Farewell to the Legacy Sedan
The Subaru Legacy, a midsize sedan that has been a staple in the company's lineup for over 30 years, will be phased out in the coming years. Subaru's decision to discontinue the Legacy is driven by the declining demand for traditional sedans as customers increasingly favor the versatility and higher ride height of crossover and SUV models.
The New Crossover Replacement
To fill the void left by the Legacy, Subaru is developing a new crossover model that will serve as the successor to the long-running sedan. This new vehicle will likely share many of the same design cues and engineering features that have made Subaru's crossover lineup, such as the Outback and Ascent, so popular with consumers.
Key Features and Capabilities
While the specifics of the new crossover model have not been officially announced, it is expected to offer the following features and capabilities:
- All-wheel-drive as standard, a hallmark of Subaru's vehicles
- Increased cargo space and passenger room compared to the Legacy sedan
- Rugged, off-road-inspired styling to appeal to adventurous buyers
- Advanced safety technologies and driver-assistance features
- Efficient and powerful engine options, potentially including hybrid or electric variants
By transitioning from the Legacy sedan to a new crossover model, Subaru aims to better align its product lineup with the evolving preferences of the automotive market.
What is replacing Subaru Legacy?
At the moment, no direct replacement for the Legacy is in sight. In its announcement of the model's end, Subaru said "[the] discontinuation reflects market shifts from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers and Subaru's transition to electrified and fully electric vehicles.
Is there going to be a 2026 Subaru Legacy?
No, there will not be a 2026 Subaru Legacy, as the model was discontinued after the 2025 model year. Subaru ended production of the sedan to reflect market shifts toward SUVs and crossovers, focusing instead on expanding its electric vehicle and SUV lineup. The final Subaru Legacy sedan rolled off the assembly line in September 2025.
This video explains the discontinuation of the Subaru Legacy and the reasons behind it: 56sAutoZoneYouTube · Aug 9, 2025
- Subaru officially ended U.S. production of the Legacy sedan after the 2025 model year.
- The discontinuation is part of a broader market shift, with Subaru stating it reflects the consumer preference for SUVs and crossovers.
- Subaru is focusing its resources on expanding its SUV and electric vehicle offerings.
You can watch this video to learn more about the new models Subaru is launching: 44sCarLandTVYouTube · Aug 19, 2025
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Legacy?
Subaru is discontinuing the Legacy sedan because of a market shift from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers, combined with the company's own strategic pivot to developing more electrified and electric vehicles. Lower sales for the midsize sedan, especially compared to Subaru's popular SUVs like the Outback and Crosstrek, also played a major role in the decision.
Market shifts and sales performance
- Declining sedan popularity: The overall midsize sedan market has shrunk significantly, and the Legacy's sales figures have been dwarfed by Subaru's own SUV sales. For example, in 2023, Subaru sold about 25,500 Legacies compared to over 161,000 Outbacks and 159,000 Crosstreks.
- Consumer preference: Shoppers are increasingly opting for SUVs and crossovers, a trend reflected in sales numbers across the industry.
Strategic shift to EVs
- Focus on electrification: Subaru is transitioning its lineup towards electrified and fully electric vehicles, with a goal of having eight EV models by 2028.
- Resource allocation: Discontinuing the Legacy frees up resources and production line space at the Indiana plant for more in-demand and strategically important models, such as the next-generation Forester, notes Torque News.
Will the 2025 Subaru Legacy be redesigned?
The 2025 Legacy will be similar to the 2024 model. Subaru published one change for the 2025 Legacy: Power moonroof, DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, navigation, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel are now standard on Limited trims.
