2020-up Subaru Legacy

Overview of the Subaru Legacy

Subaru’s Legacy and Outback might share a common platform, but they’re very different cars. The Outback is for folks who want SUV capability in a package that looks like a wagon, while the Legacy is for those who want all-wheel drive security in a package that looks like a sedan. They’re both wonderful cars, it’s just a question of which one suits your needs.

For anyone who needs a sedan, the Legacy is a fine choice. There’s plenty of space inside, all the tech you could ask for, and when the weather gets weird, you’ll have all four wheels working to keep you between the ditches.

The stock stereo systems aren’t bad, really, especially with the available Harman Kardon upgrade. That said, you can definitely do better. The factory receiver isn’t going anywhere, alas, but a speaker upgrade is just one of the things you can go to improve your Legacy’s audio performance.

At the moment, there's no way to replace either of the Legacy's factory "radios."

The factory stereo system

The Legacy’s dash is home to either a pair of reasonably large 7" LCD displays or one very large 11.6" LCD display. Both of them feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, plus a whole lot more.

The climate controls are thoroughly integrated into both displays. That’s a very big deal, of course, and it’s one of the main reasons that you won’t be able to replace either of the factory units with an aftermarket receiver.

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield ResearchNotes™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

There are plenty of reasons you might need to access the rear of the unit, though, so we do include the disassembly instructions in the Crutchfield ResearchNotes™ included free with your order. You also might need to access the factory amp (located under the front passenger's seat), so we’ll include those instructions, too.

To learn more about upgrading your sound while keeping the factory radio, check out this helpful guide to sound processors.

Before you start any audio upgrade project, be sure to set your Legacy’s parking brake and disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical short.

A speaker upgrade is the most direct route to better sound in your Subaru (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory speakers

Whether your Legacy has the base stereo or the 8-speaker edition, a speaker upgrade will be the easiest way to improve your sound. In most cases, the job’s not too complicated and you can probably do it yourself. Read on to learn more about what you can do and how to do it.

The Harman Kardon system includes this center dash speaker (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the center dash speaker (Harman Kardon only)

The Harman Kardon system sports a 3-1/2" center dash speaker. This is a high-impedance model, so replacing it with a standard 4-ohm aftermarket speaker will result in higher volume levels. Keep this in mind while you’re shopping.

Removing the speaker is a relatively easy process. First, you’ll use a panel tool to pry the top of the receiver trim panel toward the rear of vehicle to release seven clips, then disconnect the harness and remove the trim panel. Pry up the center dash grille panel to release eight clips, then remove the grille. With the speaker exposed, you can now remove the two Phillips screws securing it to the dash, disconnect the harness, and remove it.

There is no wiring harness that’ll work here (at the moment), so you’ll need to splice, solder, or use Posi-Products speaker connectors to connect the new speaker to the car’s speaker wires.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver

The corner dash speakers are reasonably easy to reach and replace (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the corner dash speakers

In many stock systems, you’ll find 3-1/2" speakers in the dash corners. These are pretty easy to deal with, too, but if you're upgrading the Harman Kardon speakers, you’ll need to splice, solder, or use some more Posi-Products speaker connectors to connect the new speaker to the car’s wiring. Because of depth issues, there aren't many speakers listed for this locaton, but there are plenty of tweeters that will fit using brackets.

Starting at the rear edge, pry up the corner dash grille to release three clips, then remove the grille. Remove the two Phillips screws securing the speaker to the dash, then disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

Tools needed: Panel tool, right-angle Phillips screwdriver

You'll need to remove the door panels to access the front and rear door speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the front door speakers

In the front doors, you’ll find 6"x9" woofers that are wired in parallel with the corner dash speakers. Thus, a set of component speakers would be a great choice for your Legacy.

To remove these speakers, you’ll need to remove the door panels. You’ll start by prying out the screw cover behind the door release handle and removing the exposed Phillips screw. Next, pry open the screw cover inside the door pull cup, then remove another exposed Phillips screw.

Pry out the sides and bottom of the door panel to release nine clips, then disconnect the harnesses and door lock and door release cables, then remove the door panel and store it someplace clean and dry. Remove the four Phillips screws securing the speaker to the door steel, then disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

You can choose from a nice selection of same-size, 6-1/2", and 6-3/4" aftermarket speakers. You'll need mounting brackets to install your new speakers, and we’ll include them with your Crutchfield purchase. If you choose 6-3/4" speakers, you'll need to remove the inner tabs on the aftermarket speaker brackets. That’s not hard to do, but you’ll want to work carefully.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver

The factory rear door speakers are 6-3/4" models (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the rear door speakers

The Legacy’s rear doors house 6-3/4" full-range speakers and there are plenty of 6-3/4" or 6-1/2" aftermarket speakers that will fit. We’ll include the necessary mounting brackets, of course.

As for getting to them, you’ll need to remove these door panels, too. That process is remarkably similar to what you do on the front doors, so we’ll save some time and space here. All the step-by-step details will be in your Crutchfield ResearchNotes, so you’ll be fine.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver

Getting to the Harman Kardon system's rear deck subwoofer will take some work (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the rear deck subwoofer (Harman Kardon only)

The Legacy’s Harman Kardon system includes a single 6”x9” subwoofer that’s mounted in the center of the rear deck. This speaker can be replaced with a variety of aftermarket 6”x9” speakers, but since the factory amp only sends bass frequencies, whatever you put here will only play bass. That’s probably what you have in mind anyway, but we figured we’d mention it.

It’ll take some effort to access this speaker, but none of the individual tasks are all that difficult. There are quite a few of them, though, and you’ll be removing a fair number of trim bits and hardware (including the entire rear deck panel), so it’ll take some time. You can do this, but you’ll need to work carefully, stay organized, and remain patient while you work. You also might want to have a helper around to assist with some of the more awkward parts.

You’ll need to use self-tapping screws to secure your new subwoofer to the rear deck steel, so if you don’t have any in the garage, a trip to the hardware store might be in order. We also recommend acquiring a set of foam baffles to go with your new speaker. A baffle will help to seal in sound, plus they’ll provide a bit of protection for the speaker. And you don’t even have to go to the hardware store, since you can order your baffles from us.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 10mm and 12mm sockets, ratchet and extension

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Subaru Legacy

There's a nice amount of space for bass in the Legacy's trunk (Crutchfield Research Photo)

More bass in your Legacy

If you also love big bass, there is some room for a subwoofer enclosure in the Legacy's trunk. You'll want to measure yourself, but the space is going to be roughly 42" wide and reasonably tall, so you can probably fit a decent sub box into your Legacy.

If you'd rather have the majority of the trunk free for actual cargo, you might want to look into a more compact powered subwoofer.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

Protect your car's carpeting with a set of custom-fit WeatherTech FloorLiners

Other options for your Legacy

The Legacy is a pretty nice car to begin with, but there are still plenty of ways to upgrade your in-car experience. Here are some of the ways Crutchfield can help.

Upgrade your floor mats

No matter how careful you try to be, it's easier than you think to mess up your car's comfy interior while going about your daily business. Floor mats from WeatherTech will help protect your floors from dirt and damage.

Add an amplifier

If you want to improve the sound in your Legacy, adding an amplifier is a great way to add power and clarity to your music. You might need to access the factory tuner/amp combo as part of this audio upgrade, and you'll find step-by-step disassembly info in the vehicle-specific instructions included with your Crutchfield car audio purchase. Note: Adding an amp is not possible in vehicles equipped with the Starlink system.

Security

Installing a security system in your Legacy isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's less complicated than it could be. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional security system installer.

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