The 2019 Subaru Legacy is the best Legacy model year, with the 2017 at #2 and the 2018 at #3. The 2019 made EyeSight Driver Assist Technology standard on every trim and started at $22,545.
Generation: Sixth generation (BN), final model year before the 2020 redesignStarting MSRP: $22,545 (Legacy 2.5i)Safety: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology standard on every trim for 2019 (previously an option on most trims): Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep AssistTech: Base 2.5i gets a standard 6.5-inch STARLINK system with Apple CarPlay and Android AutoEngines: 175-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder BOXER, both with a Lineartronic CVT
For 2019 Subaru made EyeSight standard on every Legacy trim, with Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Keep Assist. Even the base 2.5i got a 6.5-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It started at $22,545 with the 175-hp 2.5-liter, and a 256-hp 3.6-liter six was offered.
Go ifThe first Legacy with EyeSight standard on every trim
Skip ifYou want the turbo engine and 11.6-inch screen (2020 on)
Why #1 over #2: Its standard EyeSight on every trim beats the 2017, where it was an option.
2
2017 Subaru Legacy (BN)
Answrs VerdictThe value pick.
Generation: Sixth generation (BN)Starting MSRP: $21,995 (Legacy 2.5i)New trim: Legacy 2.5i Sport debuts at $25,595 with 18-in. sport-styled wheels and a two-tone interiorSafety: New Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist offered for 2017Engine: 175-horsepower 2.5-liter Boxer with a standard Lineartronic CVT and paddle shifters
The 2017 Legacy started at $21,995 and added Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist. It also brought the first Legacy 2.5i Sport at $25,595, with 18-in. sport-styled wheels and a two-tone interior.
Go ifA low-priced Legacy with the first Sport trim
Skip ifYou want EyeSight standard on every trim (2019)
Why #2 over #3: Its $21,995 starting price is lower than the 2018 at $22,195.
3
2018 Subaru Legacy (BN)
Answrs VerdictThe refresh year.
Generation: Sixth generation (BN), mid-cycle refreshStarting MSRP: $22,195 (Legacy 2.5i)Refresh: New front fascia, grille, side mirrors and rear bumper, plus a refined interiorQuieter cabin: Acoustic insulated side glass in the front doors and insulated rear wheel well linersSix-cylinder: Legacy 3.6R Limited with the 256-horsepower 3.6-liter 6-cylinder BOXER starts at $31,945
The 2018 mid-cycle refresh brought a new front fascia, grille and rear bumper, a refined interior and a quieter cabin with acoustic glass. The 2.5i started at $22,195, and the 256-horsepower 3.6R Limited at $31,945.
Go ifThe refreshed look and a quieter cabin
Skip ifYou want EyeSight standard (2019)
Why #3 over #4: Its proven sixth-generation design costs less to start than the 2021 at $22,895.
4
2021 Subaru Legacy (BW)
Answrs VerdictThe best seventh-gen year.
Generation: Seventh generation (BW), Subaru Global PlatformStarting MSRP: $22,895 (Legacy Base)Safety: Steering Responsive LED headlights standard on every trim, plus a new Rear Seat Reminder and rear seat belt reminderTurbo: Limited XT with the 2.4-liter turbo BOXER at $34,445Award: Named "Best All-Weather" family sedan in PARENTS Best Family Cars 2021
The 2021 Legacy made Steering Responsive LED headlights and a Rear Seat Reminder standard on every trim, and PARENTS named it "Best All-Weather" family sedan. It started at $22,895, with the 2.4-liter turbo Limited XT at $34,445.
Go ifA newer-design Legacy with more standard safety gear
Skip ifYou want the 2023 front styling and wireless CarPlay
Why #4 over #5: Its newer design and standard LED headlights beat the 2016.
5
2016 Subaru Legacy (BN)
Answrs VerdictThe mpg pick.
Generation: Sixth generation (BN), second model yearStarting MSRP: $21,745 (Legacy 2.5i)EPA rating: 26 MPG city / 36 MPG highway with the 175-horsepower 2.5-liter Boxer and CVTSafety: EyeSight adds a Lane Keep Assist function for 2016Connectivity: New SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security features debut
The 2016 Legacy is rated 26 MPG city / 36 MPG highway, and EyeSight added Lane Keep Assist. New STARLINK Safety and Security features debuted, and the 2.5i started at $21,745.
Go ifHigh highway mpg at a low price
Skip ifYou want the 2017 Sport trim
Why #5 over #6: Its Lane Keep Assist, added for 2016, beats the 2015.
6
2015 Subaru Legacy (BN)
Answrs VerdictThe first BN year.
Generation: Sixth generation (BN), first model year, debuted at the 2014 Chicago Auto ShowStarting MSRP: $21,695 (Legacy 2.5i)Redesign: Completely redesigned; roomiest Legacy ever with the largest passenger cabin in the midsize segmentEngine: 2.5-liter Boxer up to 175 horsepower, 26 city/36 highway MPGSafety: Earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating with available EyeSight
The 2015 Legacy was completely redesigned as the roomiest Legacy ever, with the largest passenger cabin in the midsize segment. Its 175-horsepower 2.5-liter is rated 26 city/36 highway MPG, it earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating with available EyeSight, and it started at $21,695.
Go ifThe cheapest sixth-generation Legacy
Skip ifYou want Lane Keep Assist (2016 on)
Why #6 over #7: Its roomier redesigned cabin beats the 2013-2014.
7
2013-2014 Subaru Legacy (BM)
Answrs VerdictThe budget pick.
Generation: Fifth generation (BM), faceliftedStarting MSRP: $20,295 (2014 Legacy 2.5i, 6-speed manual); most 2014 versions kept 2013 pricesEngines: 173-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (new for 2013) or 256-horsepower 3.6-liter 6-cylinder with a 5-speed automaticManual: The 2014 Legacy 2.5i base model offers a 6-speed manual or the Lineartronic CVTSafety: EyeSight arrived on 2013 Limited models and became available on 2014 Premium models
The facelifted fifth-generation Legacy started at $20,295 for the 2014 2.5i with a 6-speed manual, and most 2014 versions kept 2013 prices. Engines are a 173-horsepower 2.5-liter four or a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter six, and EyeSight became available on 2014 Premium models.
Go ifThe lowest price, and the last Legacy with a manual
Skip ifYou want the roomier 2015 redesign
Why #7 over #8: Its $20,295 starting price is far below the 2023 at $24,395.
8
2023 Subaru Legacy (BW)
Answrs VerdictThe newest pick.
Generation: Seventh generation (BW), 2023 refreshStarting MSRP: $24,395 (Legacy Base)Refresh: New front fascia with a more prominent grille and redesigned LED headlightsTurbo: Legacy Sport now comes standard with the 260 hp 2.4-liter turbo BOXER, priced at $33,895Tech: Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto standard on the 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system
The 2023 refresh brought a new front fascia with a bigger grille and redesigned LED headlights, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 11.6-inch system. The Sport now has the 260 hp 2.4-liter turbo standard at $33,895, and the Base started at $24,395.
Go ifThe newest Legacy look and wireless CarPlay
Skip ifYou are shopping on price
Why #8 over #9: Its new styling and wireless CarPlay beat the 2020.
9
2020 Subaru Legacy (BW)
Answrs VerdictThe redesign year.
Generation: Seventh generation (BW), first model year on the Subaru Global PlatformStarting MSRP: $22,745 (Legacy Base)Engines: Upgraded 182-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER (up to 35 mpg) or new 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo in XT modelsSafety: EyeSight standard with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and a new Lane Centering functionTech: Tablet-style 11.6-inch STARLINK touchscreen standard on Premium, Sport and Limited
The 2020 Legacy moved to the Subaru Global Platform with an upgraded 182-horsepower 2.5-liter rated up to 35 mpg and a new 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo in XT models. EyeSight added Lane Centering, and it started at $22,745.
Go ifThe first turbo Legacy of the seventh generation
Skip ifYou want the added 2021 safety features
Why #9 over #10: Its $22,745 starting price is lower than the 2022 at $22,995.
10
2022 Subaru Legacy (BW)
Answrs VerdictThe Sport pick.
Generation: Seventh generation (BW)Starting MSRP: $22,995 (Legacy Base)Sport upgrades: Legacy Sport at $28,790 adds standard Blind-Spot Detection, Power Moonroof and Reverse Automatic BrakingWheels: 17-inch alloy wheels now standard on the Base
The 2022 Legacy started at $22,995 and made 17-inch alloy wheels standard on the Base. The Sport, at $28,790, added standard Blind-Spot Detection, a Power Moonroof and Reverse Automatic Braking.
Go ifA well-equipped Legacy Sport
Skip ifYou want the 2023 refresh
How we ranked these
We ranked each model year on what it gives a used buyer today: standard safety tech, powertrain, features and original price, using Subaru of America's own pricing releases and the Subaru Legacy generation record. Prices are the launch prices as published, for the trim noted. Photos: Subaru of America press images. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Subaru Legacy year?
The 2019 Legacy. It made EyeSight Driver Assist Technology standard on every trim and started at $22,545.
What are the Subaru Legacy generations sold in the US?
First 1990-1994, second 1995-1999, third 2000-2004, fourth 2005-2009, fifth 2010-2014, sixth 2015-2019 and seventh 2020-2025.
When did the Subaru Legacy end production?
Subaru said Legacy production would end in spring 2025 at the conclusion of the 2025 model year.
Which Legacy years have a turbo engine?
The seventh generation from 2020 offers a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo in XT models, and for 2023 the Legacy Sport got it as standard.
Starting MSRP of the base Legacy (as published) at a glance
2013-2014 Subaru Legacy (BM)$20,295
2015 Subaru Legacy (BN)$21,695
2016 Subaru Legacy (BN)$21,745
2017 Subaru Legacy (BN)$21,995
2018 Subaru Legacy (BN)$22,195
2019 Subaru Legacy (BN)$22,545
2020 Subaru Legacy (BW)$22,745
2021 Subaru Legacy (BW)$22,895
2022 Subaru Legacy (BW)$22,995
2023 Subaru Legacy (BW)$24,395
Starting MSRP of the base Legacy (as published), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
