Subaru of America has officially announced the end of production for the Subaru Legacy sedan after the 2025 model year. This marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for a vehicle that has been a cornerstone of Subaru’s lineup and a pioneering model for the brand in the United States. The Legacy, since its inception in 1989, holds the distinction of being the first Subaru vehicle manufactured on American soil at Subaru’s Indiana plant, Subaru of Indiana Automotive.
Alt text: First generation Subaru Legacy production line in Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant, highlighting US manufacturing.
The Subaru Legacy quickly garnered a loyal following, celebrated for its exceptional safety ratings and enduring reliability. Impressively, over 94% of Subaru Legacy vehicles sold within the last decade are still operational today*, a testament to its build quality and longevity. Furthermore, the Legacy has consistently achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick accolade for an impressive 18 years consecutively** ***. This consistent performance in safety and reliability has solidified its reputation among car owners.
The debut of the first-generation Legacy was a pivotal moment for Subaru, introducing a competitive mid-size sedan and wagon to the market. These models boasted a contemporary design and cutting-edge technology for their time, including features such as multi-point fuel injection, four-wheel disc brakes, and a fully independent suspension system. The availability of Subaru’s signature Full-Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) further enhanced its appeal and set it apart from many competitors. Notably, the Legacy Wagon later served as the foundation for the creation of the legendary Subaru Outback, demonstrating its foundational role in Subaru’s model development.
Alt text: Evolution of Subaru Legacy across six generations, showcasing design changes and model progression.
Throughout its six generations, the Subaru Legacy has achieved over 1.3 million sales in the U.S., all assembled at Subaru of Indiana in Lafayette, Indiana. Despite being Subaru’s longest-running model line, the decision to discontinue the Legacy reflects a significant shift in market preferences. The automotive industry is currently witnessing a pronounced move away from traditional passenger cars towards SUVs and crossovers. Simultaneously, Subaru is strategically transitioning towards electrification, with a growing focus on hybrid and fully electric vehicles. This strategic pivot is highlighted by models like the Solterra EV, launched in the 2023 model year, and Subaru Corporation’s commitment to introduce eight EV models by 2028.
The 2025 Subaru Legacy, representing the final model year, is scheduled to arrive at Subaru dealerships in Spring, with a starting price of $24,895. While the discontinuation marks the end of an era for the Subaru Legacy sedan, its legacy of safety, reliability, and innovation will undoubtedly continue to influence Subaru’s future models as they navigate the evolving automotive landscape.
* Based on Experian Automotive vehicles in operation vs. total new registrations from MY2012-2021
** Claim applies to U.S.-spec vehicles. Based on research conducted by Subaru of America and Subaru Canada.
*** As of April 2024
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
