The Subaru Legacy often gets overshadowed by its more rugged sibling, the Outback. However, for 2023, Subaru has given the Legacy some significant updates that make it a compelling alternative, especially in the new Sport trim. While it might not be the first car that comes to mind when you think “sporty,” the 2023 Legacy Sport offers a unique blend of practicality, performance, and value that’s worth a closer look.
More Than Just a Pretty Facelift
Subaru has given the 2023 Legacy a welcome refresh, going beyond just a simple bumper and headlight swap. The exterior styling is more mature and refined, leaving behind the somewhat awkward design of its predecessor.
Beyond the aesthetics, Subaru has enhanced the Legacy’s technology. The EyeSight driver assistance suite benefits from new cameras, resulting in improved performance and fewer annoying beeps compared to the previous model. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard, making full use of the optional 11.6-inch infotainment display.
Sport Trim Gets Serious
The biggest news for the 2023 Legacy is the addition of a proper Sport trim. Unlike last year’s model, which only offered cosmetic upgrades, the 2023 Legacy Sport gets a significant performance boost thanks to a turbocharged engine and a retuned suspension.
This isn’t just a marketing ploy. The Legacy Sport has echoes of the legendary Legacy 2.5GT spec.B, a car that cemented Subaru’s reputation for building fun-to-drive sedans.
Turbocharged Power Under the Hood
Powering the 2023 Legacy Sport is Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, the same one found in the Ascent and WRX. In the Legacy Sport, it produces a healthy 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While that’s slightly less horsepower than the WRX, the Legacy Sport boasts more torque, which is more noticeable in everyday driving.
Another advantage over the WRX is that the Legacy Sport runs on regular gas, a welcome relief in a time of rising fuel prices.
CVT Mimics a Traditional Automatic
The Legacy Sport might not offer a manual transmission like the WRX, but Subaru has included its S# drive mode for the CVT. This mode, borrowed from the WRX, transforms the CVT’s behavior, making it feel remarkably similar to a conventional eight-speed automatic.
The S# mode provides crisp shifts and responsive performance, making the Legacy Sport genuinely fun to drive. And, when you’re not pushing it, the CVT’s inherent smoothness contributes to a comfortable and efficient ride.
A Composed and Comfortable Ride
Subaru has also paid attention to the Legacy Sport’s handling. The suspension is noticeably firmer than the standard Legacy, providing sharper turn-in and reduced body roll. However, it retains the comfortable ride quality that Subaru is known for. Think of it as a slightly softer WRX, capable of handling both twisty roads and rough pavement with ease.
Spacious Interior with a Few Quirks
Inside, the Legacy Sport shares its spacious and comfortable cabin with the Outback. The seats are supportive and plush, providing ample comfort for long drives. However, the interior design, while functional, lacks the visual flair found in some competitors.
The infotainment system, while responsive and easy to use, features large, somewhat dated-looking graphics. It’s a minor complaint in an otherwise well-designed and comfortable interior.
Cargo Space: A Trade-off for Sedan Styling
One area where the Legacy Sport falls behind the Outback is cargo space. The Legacy’s trunk offers 15.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is respectable for a sedan. However, it pales in comparison to the Outback’s 32.6 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
If you prioritize cargo capacity, the Outback remains the clear winner. However, the Legacy Sport’s more traditional sedan styling and lower ride height might appeal to buyers who prioritize handling and aesthetics.
A Compelling Value Proposition
The 2023 Legacy Sport starts at $33,895, making it a relative bargain compared to other sporty sedans on the market. It offers a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and value that’s hard to ignore.
Conclusion
The 2023 Subaru Legacy Sport is a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous Outback. It offers a unique blend of performance, practicality, and value that should appeal to a wide range of buyers. While it might not be the most exciting car on paper, the Legacy Sport delivers a surprisingly engaging driving experience without sacrificing comfort or practicality. If you’re looking for a well-rounded sedan that can handle your daily commute and provide some weekend fun, the 2023 Legacy Sport is definitely worth considering.