2023 Subaru Legacy Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.
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Although the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry may dominate the midsize sedan class, the 2023 Subaru Legacy is just as rewarding. Families continue to praise this car for its well-cushioned ride and comfy seats. Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD comes standard, which makes the Legacy one of the best picks for facing wet weather. Furthermore, performance is especially strong with the sedan’s available turbo Boxer engine.
Some updates were made to the 2023 model. While sharper front-end styling enhances the Legacy’s appearance, an upgraded EyeSight driver-assist system ensures an even safer commute. Here’s a breakdown of what each of the five Legacy trim levels bring to the table.
Compare the Legacy Base vs Premium. What is the difference?
The 2023 Subaru Legacy is ready to take the road with a bold new look and modern features. At less than $25,000 MSRP for the base trim, this sedan packs sophistication into an affordable package - boasting LED headlights and 17-inch aluminum wheels standard on all models! With its contemporary front fascia including a larger grille and bumper, you'll turn heads wherever your journey takes you.
The base model receives Subaru’s non-turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine. While this engine’s 162-horsepower output may not excite serious driving enthusiasts, most commuters will have no protests. It takes the base Legacy around 8.3 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, which is decent for a family car. Subaru’s continuously variable automatic transmission focuses more on conserving fuel as opposed to prioritizing performance.
In terms of fuel economy, the base Legacy has a government-estimated rating 27 mpg town/35 mpg freeway. This is solid fuel efficiency for a car that comes standard with a permanent AWD system.
Because of the Legacy’s excellent all-weather traction, it’s a favorite among families living in snow-prone areas. A standard double wishbone rear suspension promotes stable handling and a smoother ride on harsh road surfaces. Active Torque Vectoring technology also gives the car more grip when cornering, thus improving agility.
Don’t expect the base Legacy to offer top-notch luxury. Nevertheless, it scores well in terms of comfort. The combination of a manually height-adjustable driver seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel helps ensure a comfy driving position. Automatic climate control is another nice convenience. To no surprise, cloth seating surfaces come standard.
The sedan's cutting-edge integrated controls are located at the driver’s fingertips: on its modern steering wheel. It boasts an impressive range of features, from a 12-volt power port to charge your devices as well as Bluetooth and twin USB ports for easy connectivity options. Plus, there is also a 4.2 inch display offering helpful information about the car and even better - it comes complete with four speakers so you can enjoy immersive audio along life’s journeys.
The Subaru Legacy serves up modern tech flair, with its highly acclaimed Starlink multimedia system. This setup comes complete with dual 7-inch displays – a touchscreen for the upper portion and regular screen on bottom handling climate control needs. And drivers don't even have to plug in their phones separately - thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with cruising in your Legacy. Its effortlessly convenient remote entry system is not only a time-saver but packs added security, as it includes an anti-theft feature. Rest assured you’re safe and sound when behind the wheel.
Subaru’s excellent EyeSight safety system is standard on all trim levels. The adaptive cruise control system is intelligent enough to keep the car centered in its lane and regulate speed. Other important driver-assist features include automated emergency braking and lane departure warning. When reversing the car, a backup camera enables drivers to view rearward obstacles.
Drive with confidence knowing the Subaru Legacy is fully equipped to light your way. Thanks to standard adaptive LED headlights and a tire pressure monitor, you'll never miss a beat while on the road. And when it's time for bigger items? Split flat-folding rear seatbacks and an underfloor storage tray make hauling cargo easy - plus two consoles are included inside so all of your belongings have their own spot in this sleek sedan.
For around an extra $2,300, Legacy shoppers can step up to the Premium trim. It comes loaded with quite a few tempting amenities that aren’t offered on the base model. When temperatures turn frigid, passengers can enjoy the three-mode heated front seats. Subaru also equips the Premium trim with even more cold-weather upgrades, including a wiper de-icer and heated outside mirrors.
To give the Legacy Premium an upscale touch, Subaru equips it with a leather-covered steering wheel. Meanwhile, dual-zone automatic temperature control and a power driver seat with lumbar support further boost comfort.
When checking out the Legacy Premium, prospective buyers will immediately notice its much larger 11.6-inch touchscreen. This upgraded unit benefits from wireless Apple CarPlay and 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability. A six-speaker stereo upgrades audio quality. Backseat passengers can take advantage of the Premium trim’s rear 12-volt power port and USB ports.
In terms of styling, the Premium trim isn’t a significant upgrade over the base model. However, it does receive color-matching side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
There are some optional packages available for the Legacy Premium. Drivers who desire blind-spot monitoring will want to check off the available Option Package 13. This advanced system does more than just warn drivers of vehicles entering their blind spot. It also features evasive steering assist, which aids your capacity to avoid a crash.
Subaru also offers an Option Package 15. Aside from the previously mentioned features, this package adds a power sunroof and navigation. Proximity keyless access with push-button start is included as well.
Compare the Premium vs Limited. What is the difference?
The Limited trim tacks on an additional number of luxury features. Minus navigation and a sunroof, it comes equipped with all the Premium trim’s options.
On the inside, there’s an upgraded 12-way driver’s seat with power lumbar and dual-zone automatic temperature control. An auto-dimming rearview mirror blocks headlight glare from other vehicles. Heated rear seats help families to comfortably tackle cold weather. Another major upgrade is the Legacy Limited’s 576-watt Harman Kardon stereo system with Clari-Fi sound technology. A built-in amplifier feeds power to a total of 12 high-performance speakers.
Reverse automatic braking is among the Limited trim’s most beneficial features. It can intervene to help prevent parking lot accidents.
To give the Legacy Limited a sportier posture, Subaru outfits it with 18-inch machine-finished wheels. LED fog lights come standard as well.
An Option Package 34 is available. It brings a sunroof, built-in navigation, a heated steering wheel, and driver attention warning.
Compare the Limited vs Sport Trims. What is the difference?
This year, the Sport trim has been upgraded with Subaru’s turbo Boxer four-cylinder engine. With an impressive 260 horsepower on tap, it’s far more potent than the sedan’s base engine. This trim’s extra muscle results in a noticeably swifter 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. Fuel economy does dip to 23 mpg in town and 31 mpg on the open road. Fortunately, Subaru tunes the upgraded engine to run on regular gasoline.
With its advanced Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) feature, the Legacy Sport offers more than just enhanced gas mileage. Drivers seeking a bit of extra thrill can choose from three performance modes: intelligent for efficiency and two sport settings to get their adrenaline pumping! Equipped with sharper suspension tuning, this trim gives drivers an absolute blast around twisty roads - it's easy to see why it stands out as one of the best handling vehicles on offer.
The Sport trim has a slightly racier look. Unique 18-inch wheels and a trunk spoiler give the car a slightly meaner attitude. A special metallic finish on the side mirrors and a red accent strip along the grille further distinguish this trim. Interior upgrades, such as sport cloth upholstery and aluminum pedals, help the Legacy Sport to feel more like a serious performance sedan.
Subaru’s advanced DriverFocus distraction mitigation system is found on the Legacy Sport. With the help of an infrared camera, this system can determine when drivers are beginning to show signs of fatigue. It's a huge blessing for folks who spend a lot of time traveling.
Navigation, power sunroof, and a heated steering wheel are standard. However, Subaru doesn’t equip the Sport trim with its powerful Harman Kardon audio system.
Compare the Sport vs XT Touring Trim Levels. What is the difference?
The range-topping XT Touring trim boasts a 260 horsepower engine that provides an impressive driving experience supported by Subaru’s Si-Drive system. Although the ride is not as aggressive as on Sport trims, its power and tech features still make it a luxurious drive.
When it comes to luxury, the Legacy XT Touring trim has got your back. Enjoy the ultimate comfort with Nappa leather upholstery and a ventilation system for front seats tailor-made just for you. Don't worry about blind spots either - Subaru's Front View Monitor camera system makes them disappear! On top of that, side mirrors are finished in sleek satin chrome adding an extra touch of class distinct from its cousin Limited trim.
Final Thoughts
The base Legacy offers an abundance of great features, such as the dual-screen Starlink multimedia system and adaptive LED Steering Responsive headlights. Not to mention Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system - a feature that can't be overlooked! For those who appreciate safety technologies, EyeSight is included with this vehicle. Finally, driving dynamics are smooth while providing passengers with a soft ride; all at an affordable price point that will surely meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Drivers looking for a user-friendly and comfortable cold weather ride should take the Legacy's Premium trim for a spin. With its heat generating 11.6-inch infotainment screen, plus dual-zone automatic climate control, breezing through winter will be as easy as ever.
Indulge in the Limited trim and you'll gain access to lavish upgrades such as a high-performance sound system and heated rear seats, all for only $5,000 more than the Premium model.
Whether you're a driving enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting ride, the Legacy Sport is sure to impress. Delivering much greater performance courtesy of its turbo engine and sportier suspension, this trim offers unbeatable road thrills - though it does come at the cost of slightly lower fuel economy than other models in its lineup.
The Legacy XT Touring is the highest trim level in its class, though some of its features can be swapped out for cost benefits. Buyers looking to gain luxury experience without breaking the bank should consider the Limited variant - offering an almost-as-luxurious alternative while realizing significant savings.
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