Last year, Subaru sold 191 copies of its Legacy in Quebec. This is little. Very little. This is 166 units less than the previous year. This drastic drop can be explained in two ways: the shortage of new vehicles at Subaru and the decline in popularity of midsize sedans as a whole.
Once a key segment for car manufacturers, it has lost many feathers in Quebec. And the Legacy too. Indeed, it was, last year, the lowest-selling midsize sedan behind the Kia K5, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu and Toyota Camry. Is it justified? That’s what we’re going to see.
This spring, The Car Guide tested the 2023 Subaru Legacy GT on Quebec roads. Here is the full account of our impressions.
Photo: Germain Goyer
Some novelties for 2023
Introduced in 2020, the seventh generation of the Legacy benefits from some improvements for the 2023 model year. Note the few aesthetic changes that aim to affirm its character. The grille, trim and LED headlights have been slightly redesigned. It is also entitled to new rims. The changes made are subtle.
Other new features include compatibility of the 11.6-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.
Photo: Germain Goyer
A turbocharged engine that shines with its power
Of course, those with a little memory miss the old-generation Legacy’s flat-6 inline. Sweet and generous as a couple, he was particularly endearing. We mourned his departure for a long time and we are only just beginning to dry our tears. However, it is clear that the 4-cylinder turbocharged engine of the GT version is efficient.
With 260 horsepower under the right foot, that’s more than enough. Admittedly, the elastic effect of the continuously variable automatic transmission requires time to adapt. That said, we feel a real pleasure at the wheel. Not the same pleasure as that provided by a genuine sports car, but rather the type of pleasure that one is delighted not to have to concede in exchange for a spacious and comfortable sedan.
Photo: Germain Goyer
At the end of our journey, the on-board computer showed an average fuel consumption of 8.9 L/100 km. For its part, Natural Resources Canada announces a rating of 9 L/100 km.
Obviously, the Legacy is offered with more reasonable mechanics in its Touring and Limited versions. This is the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat-4. Not really fast and rough at low revs, it nevertheless satisfies a good part of the clientele. Unless you have a sudden craving for sustained acceleration, this 182 horsepower engine will satisfy you for daily use. With this mechanism, the government agency announces a rating of 7.8 L/100 km.
The Legacy is tagged from $35,158, which we think is a bargain. If you want to go upmarket, you have to stretch $39,158 for a Limited and $44,158 for a GT.
All-wheel drive just as efficient
Not so long ago, the Legacy stood out thanks to its all-wheel drive. Compared to other midsize sedans, this was its added value. And in Quebec, it was greatly appreciated by consumers.
However, over time, rivals began to add this feature to their catalog in order to limit the decline of the segment in favor of SUVs. This is the case of the Toyota Camry, the Nissan Altima and the Kia K5.
Although Subaru’s all-wheel drive shines with its efficiency, what was once a strong added value is no longer so much today.
Photo: Germain Goyer
A somewhat intrusive Eyesight system
On a more personal note, we admit that we are not followers of the Eyesight system. Not only does it obstruct part of the windshield, but it is also intrusive. A bell here, a warning there, punctuated by a beep-beep. Of course, we cannot be against improving road safety thanks to such a technological device. However, before installing it in a vehicle, could we make sure that it is working properly? If it were up to us, we would disconnect the fuse linked to this system.
Moreover, during our test, we noticed that on several occasions, drivers traveling in the opposite direction made flashes of their headlights. However, those of the Legacy were on, the fog lights were off as well as the high beams. And there were no police on the horizon. We therefore conclude that the headlights of the Legacy illuminate too high and blind other drivers. Owners of recent Subaru vehicles have confirmed to us that they have also experienced this situation.
Note in passing that you will not be impressed by the infotainment system. Although it is relatively intuitive, it forces you to take your eyes off the road to operate basic controls such as seat heating or ventilation, for example.
Photo: Germain Goyer
In short
The Legacy is a car packed with qualities. It is pleasant to drive, its mechanical proposal is interesting and its all-wheel drive efficient. From a strictly personal point of view, it’s most likely the one I would choose if I had to buy a mid-size sedan tomorrow morning. Actually no. I would buy an Outback. which benefits from the same technical basis, but with a wagon body.
And this is certainly the conclusion reached by many buyers since 3,634 of them took possession of this model last year in Quebec. In addition to the qualities of the Legacy, we are entitled to a slightly raised ground clearance and a really practical tailgate.