The 2017 Subaru Legacy lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor wiring and transmission software issues reported. At $16,000 to $25,990, it’s a great value for a midsize sedan with a nice interior for the money.
Is the 2017 Subaru Legacy a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Subaru Legacy since it offers a comfortable cabin paired with good reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the all-wheel drive system in the snow, safety features, along with the low maintenance costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a midsize sedan, the seats are extremely comfortable, cargo space is also excellent in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious issues on the 2017 Subaru Legacy. Avoid models from 2013–2015 which have some engine problems, while 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from both the four-cylinder and V6, although it’s not as fun to drive as some competitors.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2017 Legacy is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Subaru EyeSight is available which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, along with automatic braking.
- Gas Mileage /10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 29 MPG, giving 536 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $18 lower than other sedans at $202 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2017 Subaru Legacy is similar in price to other midsize sedans while offering more features than many competitors.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Legacy?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Subaru Legacy is a great all-around sedan offering excellent ride quality, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Legacy at 4.5/5, enjoying the high-tech safety features, but doesn’t like the slower acceleration.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Legacy a 4.5/5, praising standard all-wheel drive system, but owners don’t like the lack of a hybrid engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Subaru Legacy Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Subaru Legacy include the windshield breaking easily, rodents chewing on the soy-based wiring, along with the transmission hesitating as it changes gears. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize sedans, leading to average repair bills as it ages.
The windshield breaking easily is the most widespread complaint on the 2017 Subaru Legacy. There was a production run of glass which was more fragile, and would crack entirely when hit with a rock instead of chipping. Replacing the windshield is the only way to fix the issue, costing around $700.
Rodents chewing on the soy-based wiring is another problem mentioned by 2017 Legacy owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are strobe lights which you can install under your hood which deter rodents. If any critters chew your wiring, repairing it can cost $100 to $3,000, depending on the severity.
The transmission hesitating as it changes gears has also been reported on some Legacy models at around 1,000 miles. There are transmission software updates which address slow gear changes. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $100 for labor.
There are two recalls on the 2017 Subaru Legacy, which is similar to many other midsize sedans from the same year. The most serious recall covers the steering column which can lead to a loss of steering. Subaru will replace the steering column on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2017 Subaru Legacy Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Subaru Legacy can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some other midsize sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $556 per year.
As a used 2017 Subaru Legacy reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel injectors for $450, a brake booster costing $500, along with the rear suspension which costs $850.
Yes it is reliable. I have never had to take the car in for any type of service other than a regular oil change. I have never had any issues with major parts of the car.
The 2017 Subaru Legacy is reliable. I did encounter a problem with a faulty battery, but it was easily replaced and covered under the initial warranty. Otherwise, I have had no problems with this vehicle.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent in the 2017 Subaru Legacy, offering a standard 6.2-inch touchscreen with Subaru Starlink software. There’s an optional larger 7-inch touchscreen available.
Standard safety technology is basic and only has a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Subaru EyeSight
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Reverse Automatic Braking
Is the 2017 Subaru Legacy a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Subaru Legacy is a good value since it offers decent reliability ratings as it ages with a nice interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,000 to $25,990, making it similar in price to a Honda Accord or Mazda6. When new, the price range was $21,995 to $31,640. Depreciation is similar to other midsize sedans, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Legacy?
There are five models of the Subaru Legacy offered from the entry-level 2.5i, all the way through to the more luxurious 3.6R Limited. The Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive.
2.5i is the entry-level model with:
- 17-inch steel wheels (optional 17-inch alloy wheels)
- All-wheel drive
- Automatic headlights
- Air-conditioning
- Rearview camera
- Cloth upholstery
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- 60/40 split-folding back seat
- Bluetooth phone and audio
- 2-inch “Subaru Starlink” touchscreen interface
- Variety of entertainment and information smartphone integration apps
- Four-speaker sound system with a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack, a CD player, HD and satellite radios, and an iPod interface
Premium is a step up, adding:
- Adds 17-inch alloy wheels
- All-Weather package (heated front seats, heated mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 7-inch Starlink touchscreen
- Additional smartphone app services
- Emergency communications system
- Additional USB port
- Six-speaker sound system
- Optional sunroof
Sport offers more upgrades including:
- Adds 18-inch wheels
- Fog Lights
- Sunroof
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Primarily aesthetic additions inside and out
Limited has luxury items such as:
- Different 18-inch wheels
- Upgraded suspension for improved comfort
- Blind-spot warning system
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Eight-way power driver seat (with memory functions and two-way power lumbar)
- Four-way power passenger seat
- Heated rear seats
- Leather upholstery
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Reverts to the Premium’s styling
3.6R Limited is the flagship model which has:
- Six-cylinder engine
- Steering wheel shift paddles that can call up simulated shifts
- Xenon headlights
- Contains all features from the 2.5i Limited Model
What Engines Come In the Subaru Legacy?
- The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 175 horsepower with good fuel economy at up to 29 MPG. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). As for acceleration, the 2.5-liter engine propels the Legacy from 0 to 60 mph in around 8.8 seconds.
- For those seeking more power, the 2017 Legacy also offers a 3.6-liter six-cylinder Boxer engine. This engine generates a robust 256 horsepower and is also mated to a CVT, at up to 23 MPG. Regarding acceleration, the 3.6-liter engine allows the Legacy to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds.
What Colors Does the Subaru Legacy Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Legacy?
The 2017 Subaru Legacy is renowned for its comfort, offering a smooth ride and a spacious interior that caters well to both drivers and passengers. The seats are designed with comfort in mind, providing ample support and legroom for all passengers in the front and rear seats. Front seats are especially comfortable, often equipped with power adjustments and available heated options to enhance the riding experience. The rear seats are also spacious, easily accommodating adults and providing ample headroom and legroom.
The vehicle’s suspension is finely tuned, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections on the road, which contributes to a smooth and comfortable ride. The cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, which makes for a quiet and serene driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Legacy Have?
The 2017 Subaru Legacy offers generous storage space, making it an ideal choice for families, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It provides a spacious trunk with a volume of 15 cubic feet. This ample size can comfortably accommodate multiple suitcases, a stroller, or a week’s worth of groceries. You can easily store a set of golf clubs or the necessary gear for a weekend getaway.
In addition to the trunk space, the 2017 Subaru Legacy also features numerous interior storage spaces including door pockets, cup holders, and a center console compartment, making it practical for everyday use and long-distance travel. The rear seats can also be folded down, offering even more space for larger items or additional cargo.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Subaru Legacy came out for the 2015 model year.
2015: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new exterior changes and better fuel economy.
2016: Improved steering from earlier years, retuned shock absorbers, and upgraded cloud-based infotainment applications.
2017: New Sport level model introduced with unique styling elements, along with more safety features.
2018: Minor exterior styling changes, higher quality interior materials, and a smoother suspension.
2019: Standard EyeSight driver assist functionality on all models, base model features 6.5-inch display.
2020: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with new engines, and a larger touchscreen interface.
2021: Adaptive headlights are standard on all models along with a seat belt reminder.
How Does the Subaru Legacy Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Subaru Legacy is a very nice midsize sedan offering a lot of safety technology for its age along with a tried and true all-wheel drive system which is great in snowy conditions.
The Honda Accord is another midsize sedan which costs about $3,000 more. Entertainment technology is better in the Honda Accord, while the Subaru Legacy has a more luxurious interior for the price. We recommend the Honda Accord, although both are very good midsize sedans.
The Subaru Outback is a popular SUV offered by Subaru which costs $5,500 more. Cargo space is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Subaru Legacy offers some higher-quality cabin materials. We recommend the Subaru Outback since the practicality is worth the extra money.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Legacy?
Yes, it is safe and comfortable. It has the safety features that I like, such as automatic braking and lane assist. It also has blind spot monitors which come in handy for me.
The 2017 Subaru Legacy is an excellent vehicle. It is very reliable and also fun to drive. There is plenty of room for passengers or to put my large dog in the backseat.