The Subaru Legacy, a stalwart presence in the company's North American lineup for 36 years, is bidding farewell as production comes to a close in the spring of 2025, concluding its run after the model year. Subaru has attributed this decision to several factors, including shifting consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers, as well as the brand's own transition towards electrified vehicles.
The sedan segment has witnessed a decline in sales, with the Legacy experiencing a notable decrease in demand. Subaru of America reported selling 4,398 Legacys in the first quarter of 2024, representing a 13.1 percent drop compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline in sales positioned the Legacy as the third worst-selling vehicle in the lineup, trailing behind the struggling Solterra and the niche BRZ.
Surprisingly, the WRX, a performance-focused and enthusiast-oriented model, outsold the supposedly mass-market, comfortable, and practical mid-size Legacy, with Subaru selling 4,404 units of the WRX in Q1. Despite its lower sales figures, the Legacy holds a special place in the hearts of its owners. Since its introduction in 1989, Subaru has sold over 1.3 million Legacy vehicles, with more than 94 percent of them still operational today, indicating a strong bond between owners and their vehicles.
The Legacy holds significance in Subaru's history as well, being the first model produced by the automaker in the United States. Every Legacy sold in America since its inception has been manufactured at Subaru of Indiana in Lafayette. Fortunately, the plant produces other popular models such as the Outback, Ascent, and Crosstrek, ensuring continuity in employment for workers.
Beyond its historical significance, the Legacy's wagon variant served as the foundation for the Subaru Outback, which emerged as the brand's second-most popular vehicle in the first quarter of 2024. The final 2025 Subaru Legacy models will begin arriving at dealerships this spring, maintaining the same pricing structure as the 2024 model year, starting at $24,895. While the Legacy may be departing, its legacy as a reliable and beloved vehicle will endure in the hearts of Subaru enthusiasts.