AUTOFOCUS: 2023 SUBARU LEGACY

Subaru of America, Inc. has revealed the 2023 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan, featuring refreshed aesthetics and introducing new safety and in-vehicle technologies. The noteworthy addition to the lineup is the Sport trim, which boasts the potent 2.4-liter turbo SUBARU BOXER® engine as standard. Set to hit Subaru retailers in the upcoming fall, the 2023 Legacy will be offered in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring XT trim levels.

Elevating its visual appeal, the 2023 Legacy showcases a more daring design, highlighted by an updated front fascia with a prominent grille and redesigned LED headlights. Standard across the sedan range is the latest generation of EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, now operating more seamlessly and effectively under an expanded range of conditions. This enhancement is attributed to a broader field of view, updated control software, and the incorporation of an electric brake booster.

The SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system in the 2023 Legacy features wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android™ Auto, displayed on a full screen. Furthermore, the updated system boasts improved on-screen controls for audio, HVAC, and vehicle functionalities.

For the pinnacle Touring XT variant, a Wide-Angle Mono Camera supplements the dual-camera EyeSight system. This additional camera extends the field of view, enhancing the sedan’s ability to detect pedestrians and bicycles early, especially when approaching intersections at low speeds. The EyeSight system provides alerts to the driver and, when necessary, engages the brakes to prevent potential collisions.

Models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection featuring Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert now benefit from the inclusion of Automatic Emergency Steering in the EyeSight system. Collaborating seamlessly, these two systems function together to mitigate the risk of collisions with obstacles at speeds below 50 mph.

SPORT TRIM ENHANCEMENTS

In the 2023 model year, the Sport trim level of the Subaru lineup now features the standard inclusion of the robust 260 hp 2.4-liter turbo BOXER engine. Instantly recognizable by its distinctive exterior features, the Sport trim boasts a red accent adorning the front grille, magnetite gray metallic side mirrors, and trunk spoiler, along with stylish gray 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the Sport trim is crafted in an exclusive black and gray two-tone cloth, accentuated by contrasting red stitching.

Building upon the foundation of the Premium trim, the Sport trim enhances the driving experience with a sport-tuned suspension, LED fog lights, a power moonroof, and a navigation system. Furthermore, the Sport trim prioritizes safety with the inclusion of additional standard features such as Reverse Automatic Braking and the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. These features contribute to an elevated level of safety and driving focus for occupants of the Sport trim in the 2023 Subaru lineup.

PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING

The 2023 Legacy offers an optimal fusion of comfort and performance, incorporating standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring, and Vehicle Dynamics Control. Powering the vehicle is the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Exclusive to the Sport and Touring XT trims, the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine elevates overall performance with an impressive output of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

All 2023 Legacy models come equipped with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), featuring an 8-speed manual mode function complemented by steering wheel paddle shifters. The 2.4-liter turbo engine achieves an estimated fuel efficiency of 24/32 mpg city/highway. On the other hand, the 2.5-liter engine attains an estimated fuel efficiency of up to 35 mpg, providing a remarkable range of over 600 miles on a single tank. This ensures that the 2023 Legacy delivers not only dynamic performance but also impressive fuel economy for an extended driving range.

STRUCTURE AND SAFETY

Constructed on the Subaru Global Platform, meticulously optimized for both rigidity and crash absorption, the 2023 Legacy prioritizes safety. In the unfortunate event of a collision, the Legacy provides protection with eight standard airbags, inclusive of a driver knee airbag. Subaru anticipates that the 2023 Legacy will excel in safety assessments later this year, aiming for a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology encompasses Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, offering steering assistance to keep the vehicle on a direct path when veering towards the lane’s outer edge. The DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System, standard on the Sport and Touring XT trims, utilizes a dedicated infrared camera and facial recognition technology to detect signs of driver fatigue or distraction. It then issues audio and visual warnings to alert both the driver and passengers.

An array of additional driver-assist technologies is available, including Reverse Automatic Braking and the EyeSight Assist Monitor featuring a head-up display. Certain 2023 Legacy trim levels feature the latest generation of SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security. Available packages provide access to emergency services and convenient features such as Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Vehicle Diagnostic Alerts, Remote Engine Start with Climate Control, and more, further enhancing the safety and security features of the 2023 Legacy.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

In addition to the All-Weather Package, the Sport and Touring XT trims of the 2023 Legacy now feature a standard 360-degree heated steering wheel. This innovative addition ensures that the driver’s hands stay warm and comfortable at any steering position.

Across all trim levels, the 2023 Legacy offers essential features such as power door locks, windows, and side mirrors; Welcome Lighting; Remote Keyless Access; Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Individual Wheel Display; and convenient 60/40 folding rear seats. The Premium trim enhances the experience with the inclusion of the 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus system, the All-Weather Package, a 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support, and Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control.

Stepping up to the Limited trim introduces Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start, a luxurious perforated leather interior, a Harman Kardon® premium audio system, and heated rear seats in the outboard position. The Touring XT trim takes comfort to the next level with ventilated front seats, a Front View Monitor, and a power moonroof for an elevated driving experience.

To cater to the modern driver’s connectivity needs, the Legacy comes standard with a front USB A input/charge port and a 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack. For the Premium trim and above, front and rear USB C ports are added, ensuring convenient power and connectivity options for personal devices.

BOLD DESIGN

In the 2023 model year, the Legacy lineup undergoes a striking transformation with a redesigned front fascia, showcasing an assertive front bumper cover, an enlarged grille, and updated LED headlights and fog lights. This aesthetic evolution aligns with the automaker’s Dynamic x Solid philosophy, imparting the Legacy with a visually commanding, low, and wide stance. Inside, the cabin offers an exceptional forward view, characterized by flowing character lines extending from the center of the instrument panel to the door panels, creating an inviting and open environment.

At the center of the dashboard, the 2023 Legacy features a tablet-style 11.6-inch Full HD center information display (or a dual 7.0-inch display on the base model). This display not only enhances the visual appeal of the interior but also provides direct touch controls for multimedia, HVAC, and vehicle settings, contributing to a seamless and intuitive user experience.

The Touring XT trim, positioned at the pinnacle of the lineup, indulges in luxurious appointments both inside and out. The interior boasts new Slate Black Nappa leather with contrasting silver stitching, elevating the sense of opulence. The exterior enhancements include high-gloss black molding for the pillars, chrome-plated decorated door handles, and satin-tone plated side mirrors, collectively adding a touch of sophistication to the top-of-the-line Touring XT variant.

SUBARU IN-VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY

The 2023 Legacy introduces the latest iteration of the STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, featuring standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android™ Auto displayed on a full-screen interface. This advanced system incorporates an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen seamlessly integrated with the combination meter, offering improved on-screen controls for audio, HVAC, and vehicle settings. Standard features encompass the innovative Valet Mode, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, AM/FM stereo, rear vision camera, SiriusXM® All-Access Radio, and SiriusXM Travel Link® with complimentary 4-month subscriptions. Additionally, the system supports HD Radio® and facilitates over-the-air updates for enhanced functionality.

Opting for the 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus with Navigation elevates the experience with voice-activated navigation, powered by the latest version of TomTom® and SiriusXM Travel Link (with a complimentary 3-year subscription). A noteworthy addition for 2023 is the integration of what3words (W3W) into the navigation system, an innovative location technology simplifying precise location communication through three simple words.

Manufactured at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, alongside the Ascent, Impreza, and Outback, the 2023 Legacy reflects Subaru’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship at its production facility.