Subaru has announced the discontinuation of its longest-running model line, the Subaru Legacy, with 2025 marking the sedan’s final production model year. This decision, as explained by Subaru, is a response to shifting market dynamics favoring SUVs and crossovers over traditional passenger cars, as well as the brand’s strategic pivot towards electrified and fully electric vehicles. The discontinuation of the Subaru Legacy is the latest example of the sedan segment’s contraction in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Chevy Malibu, a rival for the Subaru Legacy, will continue on for the foreseeable future.
The Subaru Legacy first rolled out as a midsized model offering both a sedan and wagon body style. According to Subaru, more than 94 percent of Subaru Legacy vehicles sold in the past decade are still operational today.
Despite its historical significance and accolades, including 18 consecutive years as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the final model year for the Subaru Legacy will be produced until the Spring of 2025, with pricing for the 2025 model starting at $24,895.
Subaru Legacy
Chevy Malibu
By contrast, the Chevy Malibu, a direct competitor within the midsize sedan segment, continues to forge ahead. Produced at GM’s Fairfax plant and additional locations globally, the Malibu is offered as one of the last remaining sedan models in GM’s U.S. lineup. The 2024 Chevy Malibu, now in its ninth generation, debuts minor updates and changes since a refresh for the 2019 model year and a generational overhaul for the 2016 model year. The Chevy Malibu cradles the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LFV engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission.
While Subaru pivots towards an electrified future with plans to introduce eight EV models by 2028, including the already launched Solterra EV, GM has also refined its strategy to cater to a diverse global market. Looking ahead, Chevrolet will continue to offer the Malibu in the U.S., with production anticipated to extend through the 2025 model year and a next-generation model expected around 2026 or 2027.
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Comments
The next gen Bu can’t get here fast enough, the new 2025 Camry is on the horizon and Accord’s recent redesign. GM needs to invest some money and make it a contender in the segment. I’m guessing the delayed 2026-27 timing is possibly GM rethinking the Bu. It’s been widely reported the 10th gen will be an EV – with GM recently saying it’s shifting to hybrids perhaps the new Bu will now be a hybrid and not EV.
I don’t like Subaru, but this is still sad to see. The Legacy is a nice looking sedan and it’s a sedan. Reading about yet another sedan taking a trip 6 foot under is frustrating. But just like with the GM sedans, you never saw an ad for a Subaru Legacy sedan that I can recall. There seems to be a pattern here. Brands like Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai and a couple others who actually advertise their cars and promote them, sell them. Wow!! Go figure! Brands like Subaru, based on what you see on TV, only sell the Forrester and Crosstrek. I truly question how many Subaru buyers actually know they offer sedans?
Anyhow, I totally agree with tmw above. GM needs to get a new Malibu out and fast. Have some guts GM and actually try to compete with the likes of Toyota and Honda and Hyundai.
We bought are first Subaru last year because there were no Honda civics on the lot. We like the legacy since it’s all wheel drive. Wife just likes sedans and the Chevy cruz discontinued had us starting to buy foreign vehicles. Will have to find a similar vehicle elsewheres now.
A moment of silence as we mourn the loss of another sedan to the great crossover massacre.
Maybe Subaru will bring back a small pickup, again? They were ahead of market with small four door awd compact awhile ago. We got a Subaru when we wanted a small hatchback with a manual transmission. Awd was a plus, too. GM had nothing close.
If someone can live with a compact, they still get it for the mpg gain. If not, they’re going crossover. Mainstream midsize sedan is shrinking to a niche, like mainstream large sedans years ago.
The Legacy was a great car. At least the Impreza is still around.