Subaru has found the ugly stick and used it to beat the Legacy senseless. That’s the only conclusion we can come up with after gazing our eyes on the facelifted sedan as its “bolder look” certainly isn’t for everyone.
The changes are immediately apparent as the 2023 Legacy eschews a timeless design for something that commands attention. The updates are largely focused on the front end, which receives a massive grille that is flanked by new LED headlights. Further below, there’s a more aggressive bumper with a wide central intake and plasticky fog light surrounds.
Customers who want to stand out, can opt for the revised Sport trim. It’s distinguished by a red grille accent and magnetite gray metallic flourishes on the side mirrors and rear spoiler. The model also comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels that feature a gray finish.
Also Read: 2023 Subaru Outback Debuts With Revised Styling And Updated Tech
Moving into the cabin, the Legacy Sport has exclusive black and gray upholstery with red contrast stitching. Buyers will also find a power moonroof, GPS navigation, and additional safety equipment such as Reverse Automatic Braking and a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.
While the Legacy Sport used to come with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 182 hp (136 kW / 185 PS) and 176 lb-ft (238 Nm) of torque, Subaru decided to actually inject some sport into the model. As a result, it features a sport-tuned suspension and a newly standard 2.4-liter turbo developing 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS) and 277 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to a continuously variable transmission and a symmetrical all-wheel drive system, just like all other 2023 Legacys.
Additional changes are limited, but the Legacy’s 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system now features wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay as well as “improved on-screen controls for audio, HVAC, and vehicle features.” Models with navigation also boast new what3words integration.
Furthermore, the All-Weather Package on the Legacy Sport and Touring XT now features a 360-degree heated steering wheel that will be warm wherever you touch it. The Touring XT also gains new Slate Black Nappa leather with contrasting silver stitching.
On the safety front, models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, now have Automatic Emergency Steering which helps to avoid collisions at speeds under 50 mph (80 km/h). The range-topping Legacy Touring XT also gains a Wide-Angle Mono Camera, which “expands the field of view even further to recognize pedestrians and bicycles sooner when the vehicle enters an intersection at low speed.”
The 2023 Subaru Legacy will arrive at U.S. dealerships this fall with pricing to be communicated closer to launch.
