Subaru Legacy Trade in Value: Here's What You Should Get and Why

AutoGuide.com Staff
by AutoGuide.com Staff
2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium

The Subaru Legacy is the sleeper of the midsize sedan world. In the current trade-in market, its value is anchored by Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a feature that keeps it in high demand in snow belt regions where competitors like the Camry or Accord often require a specific AWD trim to compete.


However, Subaru has officially announced the discontinuation of the Legacy after the 2025 model year, meaning your 2010–2024 model now belongs to the final lineage of Subaru sedans.



The Turbocharged Sport & XT: 7th Generation (2020–2024)

Starting in 2020, Subaru brought back the turbo (XT) for the Legacy, turning the quiet sedan into a 260-hp sleeper.

  • The "Final Sedan" Premium: Now that Subaru has confirmed the Legacy will end its run, the Touring XT and Sport models are seeing a cult-classic bump in trade-in value. If you have an "Excellent" 2024 Touring XT, expect dealers to pay a premium. They know this is the last of the high-performance Subaru sedans for the foreseeable future.
  • The Screen Factor: The 11.6-inch tablet screen is the heart of this car. If your screen has any ghost touching or delamination, a dealer will likely deduct $800–$1,200 to account for a full head-unit replacement.



The 3.6R Flat-Six Legacy: 2015–2019

If you own a 2015–2019 Legacy with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, you are holding a rare asset.

  • Smoothness Over Turbos: Many buyers in 2026 still prefer the linear, non-turbocharged power of the old Flat-Six. These 3.6R models are currently trading for $1,500 more than the 2.5i four-cylinder models because of their smooth power delivery and towing durability.



The "Manual" Unicorn: 2010–2014

While most people think Legacy = CVT, Subaru actually offered a 6-speed manual until 2014.

  • The Enthusiast Floor: In the 2026 market, a manual-transmission Legacy (especially a 2010–2012 GT) is a collector car. If yours is clean, avoid the dealer's trade-in desk. You can likely net $2,000–$3,000 more in a private sale to a Subaru enthusiast who misses the three-pedal era.


For the trade in value for other vehicles, see our comprehensive list here.

2024 Subaru Legacy

7th Generation (2020–2024)

The modern era. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, these models feature the 11.6-inch tablet screen and the 2.4L Turbo (XT) engine.

Year

Trim

Worse (Fair)

Average (Good)

Better (Excellent)

2024

Base / Premium

$17,400

$19,800

$21,100

Limited / Sport (Turbo)

$21,500

$24,200

$26,800

Touring XT

$24,100

$26,800

$29,500

2023

Base / Premium

$15,800

$17,900

$19,500

Limited / Sport

$19,200

$22,100

$24,600

Touring XT

$22,100

$24,500

$27,200

2022

Base / Premium

$14,100

$16,200

$18,100

Limited / Touring XT

$17,900

$20,400

$23,100

2021

Base / Premium

$12,500

$14,600

$16,400

Limited / Touring XT

$15,800

$18,200

$20,800

2020

Base / Premium

$10,900

$13,100

$14,800

Limited / Touring XT

$14,200

$16,400

$18,900

2019 Subaru Legacy

6th Generation (2015–2019)

The Refined Legacy. This era focused on interior quietness and introduced the 3.6R flat-six engine (2015-2019).

Year

Trim

Worse (Fair)

Average (Good)

Better (Excellent)

2019

2.5i Base / Premium

$9,400

$11,500

$13,400

Limited / 3.6R Limited

$11,800

$14,200

$16,500

2018

2.5i Base / Premium

$8,200

$10,100

$12,000

Limited / 3.6R Limited

$10,500

$12,800

$15,100

2017

2.5i Base / Premium

$7,100

$8,900

$10,700

Limited / 3.6R Limited

$9,100

$11,300

$13,400

2016

2.5i / Premium

$5,900

$7,800

$9,500

2015

2.5i / Premium

$4,800

$6,600

$8,300

2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited

5th Generation (2010–2014)

The Large Legacy. These were the last to offer a 6-speed manual and a traditional 5-speed automatic.

Year

Trim

Worse (Fair)

Average (Good)

Better (Excellent)

2014

2.5i / Premium

$3,800

$5,500

$7,100

3.6R Limited

$5,200

$7,200

$9,100

2013

2.5i / Premium

$3,000

$4,600

$6,200

2012

2.5i / Premium

$2,200

$3,800

$5,300

2011

2.5i / Premium

$1,500

$2,900

$4,400

2010

2.5i / GT (Turbo)

$1,200

$2,600

$4,100


AutoGuide’s Advice:

For Legacy owners, the tire tread rule is absolute. Because of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system, all four tires must have matching tread depth. If you show up with mismatched tires, a dealer will automatically deduct $800 for a new set of four to protect the drivetrain. Additionally, check your EyeSight cameras - if your windshield is cracked, it requires a special OEM replacement and recalibration, which can cost you $1,000 in trade-in value.

AutoGuide.com Staff
AutoGuide.com Staff

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