The automotive world is saying goodbye to yet another beloved sedan. After more than three decades on the road, Subaru has announced that the 2025 model year will be the last for the Subaru Legacy. For fans of the brand, this news stings. The Legacy has been a staple of Subaru’s lineup for 36 years, but as buyers continue to flock to SUVs and crossovers, the traditional midsize sedan has become increasingly difficult to justify.
The Legacy’s Origins: A Sedan That Defined Subaru in America
The Subaru Legacy first rolled into showrooms in 1989 as a 1990 model. Back then, Subaru was known mostly for quirky, compact cars with a loyal but niche following. The Legacy was a turning point. Positioned as a more mainstream midsize sedan, it gave Subaru a foothold in one of the most competitive segments in the U.S.
But what truly set the Legacy apart was Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Long before AWD became a common feature in sedans, Subaru offered it standard. That made the Legacy incredibly appealing in snowy states and mountainous regions, quickly earning it a reputation for safety, stability, and go-anywhere confidence.
Over time, the Legacy’s reputation helped Subaru grow from a niche brand into a household name.
The Legacy That Birthed the Outback
One of the Legacy’s greatest contributions wasn’t even a sedan at all—it was the Subaru Outback. In 1994, Subaru introduced the Outback as a rugged, raised version of the Legacy wagon, complete with two-tone cladding and marketing that tapped into the outdoorsy lifestyle trend.
The Outback became a runaway hit, ultimately surpassing the Legacy in popularity and sales. Today, it’s one of Subaru’s best-selling vehicles and a cornerstone of the brand’s identity. Ironically, it was the Outback’s success that began to overshadow the Legacy sedan—and now, nearly 30 years later, the Outback will outlive the car that gave it life.
Why the Legacy Is Ending
So why is Subaru pulling the plug? The answer is the same one we’ve seen across the industry: sedan sales are plummeting while SUVs dominate the market.
- In the 1990s and early 2000s, sedans like the Legacy, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry ruled the family-car space.
- In 2024, however, sedans account for less than 20% of new vehicle sales in the U.S., while crossovers and SUVs make up more than 50%.
- Buyers prefer the higher driving position, cargo capacity, and versatility of SUVs like the Subaru Forester and Outback.
Even Subaru, a brand built on AWD sedans and wagons, has seen the shift. In recent years, the Outback and Forester alone outsold the Legacy many times over, making it harder to justify keeping the sedan alive.
The Legacy’s Final Chapter
The 2025 Subaru Legacy won’t go out with radical changes. Instead, Subaru is sending it off with quiet dignity:
- Powertrains: Buyers can still choose between the 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.
- Trim levels: Subaru continues to offer the Legacy in multiple trims, from the value-focused Premium to the more luxurious Touring XT.
- Technology: Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology remains standard, along with updated infotainment and connectivity features.
In other words, the 2025 Legacy is very much a modern Subaru—safe, reliable, and capable—but also a swan song for a body style that no longer fits market trends.
What the Legacy Leaves Behind
While the Legacy sedan may be ending, its impact on the automotive world cannot be overstated:
- Introduced AWD sedans to the mainstream: The Legacy normalized all-wheel drive outside of premium brands like Audi.
- Spawned the Outback: The Outback wagon-turned-SUV wouldn’t exist without the Legacy’s foundation.
- Consistency and loyalty: For 36 years, Subaru owners could count on the Legacy as a safe, dependable, and practical family car.
Its departure is part of a broader trend. The Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, and many others have already left the market. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are among the last survivors in the shrinking midsize sedan segment.
Final Thoughts
The end of the Subaru Legacy feels like the end of an era. For many, it was the car that introduced them to the Subaru brand. It offered all-weather confidence in an affordable, family-friendly package. It wasn’t flashy, but it was dependable—and it represented Subaru’s values in sedan form.
Now, as Subaru focuses on the Outback, Forester, and other SUVs, the Legacy will quietly fade into history. But for the enthusiasts who drove one through blizzards, road-tripped across the country, or simply appreciated its understated competence, the Legacy’s legacy will live on.