Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan
2017 Subaru Legacy
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$19,667–$26,051
Fuel Economy23 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySedan
Est. Annual Fuel$2,283/yr
The 2017 Subaru Legacy scores 7.5/10 at Carivo, ranking #585 of 1310 sedans and an estimated $2,283/year fuel cost.
Scored by Carivo·Updated: September 8, 2026·How we score →
Key Specifications — 2017 Subaru Legacy
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
Sedan
Base Price
$19,667–$26,051
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2017 Subaru Legacy
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2017 Subaru Legacy earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.1/10, while Technology at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $19,667–$26,051, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Legacy sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.7/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2017 Subaru Legacy as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance and technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2017 Subaru Legacy ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $19,667 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 29%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Legacy Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2014 Subaru Legacy scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2017's 7.5 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Common Questions — 2017 Subaru Legacy
Is the 2017 Subaru Legacy reliable?
We rate the 2017 Subaru Legacy's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2017 Subaru Legacy worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #585 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 55% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2017 Subaru Legacy cost?
The 2017 Subaru Legacy starts at $19,667 and ranges up to $26,051 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Legacy years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Legacy years we've rated are 2014 (7.1/10), 2015 (7.2/10), 2016 (7.3/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Subaru Legacy
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More Subaru Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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