What car is comparable to the Subaru Legacy?

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are the closest mainstream rivals to the Subaru Legacy, with Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Nissan Altima offering strong competition in the midsize-sedan class. A key differentiator for the Legacy is its standard all-wheel drive across many trims.

Comparable midsize sedans in 2024–25

Below are the main rivals buyers typically compare with the Legacy in terms of size, pricing, and features.

• Toyota Camry


• Honda Accord


• Hyundai Sonata


• Kia K5


• Nissan Altima

These models form the core competition in the current market. While none match Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive across every trim, several offer AWD on select trims or years, and others are primarily front-wheel-drive. This mix means shoppers should weigh drivetrain preference alongside price, space, and tech content when comparing them to the Legacy.

How the Legacy compares on key fronts

The following points summarize how the Legacy stacks up against its main rivals in common buying criteria.

• Drivetrain: The Legacy’s defining feature is standard symmetric all-wheel drive, a rarity in this class. Most rivals offer front-wheel drive with AWD available only on certain trims or models.


• Powertrains: The Legacy uses a traditional 2.5-liter four-cylinder in base form (with a turbocharged option in historical XT variants). Rivals offer a mix of turbocharged engines and hybrids, with various efficiency and performance profiles.


• Interior space and comfort: All of these sedans aim to maximize rear-seat room and trunk/cargo capacity, with the Accord and Camry often highlighted for spacious cabins and usability.


• Technology and safety: Each model packs advanced driver-assistance tech; Subaru’s EyeSight suite is a standout, while rivals offer their own comprehensive safety and infotainment packages.


• Pricing and value: Entry prices sit in the mid-$20,000s to mid-$30,000s, with top trims climbing higher. The Legacy often emphasizes standard AWD as added value, while rivals compete on horsepower, efficiency, or feature density.

In sum, the Legacy remains distinctive for its standard all-wheel drive and safety features, while the other midsize sedans compete on refinement, efficiency, and value. Your best match will depend on whether you prioritize all-weather capability, interior space, or a particular engine and tech package.

Spotlight on individual rivals

Toyota Camry

The Camry is a staple of the segment, known for reliability and a broad engine lineup that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a hybrid option. AWD is available on several trims, boosting traction in inclement weather. The Camry tends to emphasize ride comfort, solid resale value, and broad dealer support, making it a practical, long-term choice that often sits close to the Legacy on price and space, though it may lack the Legacy’s standard AWD perk in base configurations.

Honda Accord

The Accord is celebrated for interior room, driving dynamics, and strong turbocharged/hybrid powertrains. It remains front-wheel drive across most years, which can be a drawback for buyers who want optional AWD. It often leads in cabin quality and efficiency, delivering a refined experience with similar passenger space to the Legacy, but with a different drivetrain proposition.

Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata blends bold styling with a long list of features and competitive pricing. It is typically front-wheel drive with multiple engine choices, including turbocharged options and hybrids in some years. It offers strong value and technology, though AWD is not a universal option, which can influence overall capability versus the Legacy.

Kia K5

The K5 pairs stylish design with strong equipment lists and competitive pricing. Like the Sonata, it is generally front-wheel drive, with AWD not universally available across all configurations. It presents a compelling value proposition for buyers who prioritize technology and value, but AWD availability may be a deciding factor for customers comparing it to the Legacy.

Nissan Altima

The Altima is known for spacious seating and the practical option of all-wheel drive across many trims, which helps it stand out among some rivals. It also offers a choice of powertrains, including turbocharged variants and a CVT. If AWD and interior practicality are priorities, the Altima remains a strong competitor to the Legacy, though some buyers may find interior refinement or ride feel to be less polished in certain trims.

How to choose based on your needs

Consider what matters most: drivetrain confidence (standard AWD vs. front-wheel drive with optional AWD), fuel efficiency, interior space, tech content, and price. If all-weather capability and a robust safety suite are top priorities, the Legacy remains a compelling pick. If you prioritize interior ergonomics, driver engagement, or value for money, the Camry, Accord, Sonata, or K5 may better suit your needs. A test drive across two or three models is the best way to determine which car aligns with your daily routine and climate.

Summary

In today’s midsize-sedan market, the Subaru Legacy stands out with standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable interior, and strong safety tech. Its main rivals—the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Nissan Altima—compete on attributes like engine options, efficiency, and feature content, while drivetrain availability varies by model and year. Shoppers should weigh AWD preference, interior space, technology packages, and price to find the best match for their needs.

Why is Subaru discontinuing the Legacy?

Subaru is discontinuing the Legacy sedan because of a market shift from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers, combined with the company's own strategic pivot to developing more electrified and electric vehicles. Lower sales for the midsize sedan, especially compared to Subaru's popular SUVs like the Outback and Crosstrek, also played a major role in the decision.
 
Market shifts and sales performance

• Declining sedan popularity: The overall midsize sedan market has shrunk significantly, and the Legacy's sales figures have been dwarfed by Subaru's own SUV sales. For example, in 2023, Subaru sold about 25,500 Legacies compared to over 161,000 Outbacks and 159,000 Crosstreks. 
• Consumer preference: Shoppers are increasingly opting for SUVs and crossovers, a trend reflected in sales numbers across the industry. 

Strategic shift to EVs

• Focus on electrification: Subaru is transitioning its lineup towards electrified and fully electric vehicles, with a goal of having eight EV models by 2028. 
• Resource allocation: Discontinuing the Legacy frees up resources and production line space at the Indiana plant for more in-demand and strategically important models, such as the next-generation Forester, notes Torque News. 

Which is better, Toyota Camry or Subaru Legacy?

The Subaru Legacy is a better choice for drivers prioritizing standard all-wheel drive and a more spacious, refined interior with superior sound insulation. The Toyota Camry offers a sportier design, a more budget-friendly starting price (for its base model), and a wider array of standard safety features on some trims, like Road Sign Assist. The best choice depends on your needs for performance, space, and specific features.
 
This video compares the features and performance of the Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry: 55sMorrie's Brooklyn Park NissanYouTube · Jul 21, 2014
Subaru Legacy advantages

• Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD): AWD is standard on all Legacy trims, providing better traction and grip in various conditions. 
• More interior space: The Legacy has more passenger volume, legroom, and shoulder room than the Camry. 
• Quieter cabin: The Legacy is designed for a quieter ride with features like sound-damping windshields and thick side windows on certain trims. 
• Larger infotainment screen option: Higher trims offer an available 11.6-inch touchscreen, which is larger than the Camry's maximum 9-inch display. 
• More cargo space: The Legacy provides a slightly larger trunk. 
• Lower starting price: The base model Legacy may have a lower starting price compared to the base Camry. 

Toyota Camry advantages

• Sportier design: The Camry is known for a more dynamic and sporty exterior appearance. 
• More standard safety features: Some Camry trims come standard with features not always available on the Legacy, like the Road Sign Assist system. 
• Potentially lower cost for optional features: It can be more affordable to add some optional features like heated steering wheels or ventilated front seats. 
• Wider availability of AWD: While standard on the Legacy, AWD can be optioned on more Camry trims, and it is available on the base engine. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the Subaru Legacy if: You need standard AWD, want more interior space, a quieter ride, and prefer a more luxurious feel, especially on higher trims. 
• Choose the Toyota Camry if: You prefer a sportier design, need access to a wider variety of optional features at a lower cost, or want specific standard safety features like Road Sign Assist. 

Which is better, Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy?

The Subaru Legacy is a better choice for those who prioritize standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and potential for higher engine horsepower, while the Honda Accord excels with more passenger and cargo space and a generally sharper, more refined driving experience in many configurations. Your decision depends on your needs: the Subaru is a capable all-weather sedan, whereas the Honda is often the preferred choice for its superior handling and larger cabin.
 
This video compares the performance and features of the Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord: 1mAutoNationYouTube · Oct 2, 2019
Subaru Legacy

• Standard all-wheel drive: Comes standard on all trims, providing better traction in adverse weather conditions like snow and rain. 
• Engine options: Offers a standard 2.5-liter engine and an available, more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with up to 260 horsepower. 
• Passenger and cargo space: Generally offers more passenger space, especially in the rear seat, but has slightly less cargo space compared to the Accord. 
• Ride and handling: The ride is often described as more cushioned, and handling is geared towards comfort rather than sharp, sporty performance. 

Honda Accord

• Engine options: Offers a range of engines, including a 201-horsepower hybrid option. 
• Passenger and cargo space: Typically provides more legroom for rear passengers and a larger trunk for more cargo capacity. 
• Ride and handling: Often praised for its sharp, responsive handling and balanced ride, making it a more engaging car to drive on twisty roads. 
• Drivetrain: Limited to front-wheel drive only, so it lacks the AWD capability of the Subaru Legacy. 

What car is comparable to Subaru Legacy?

We're going to compare the ones that compete the most with the Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium: The Honda Accord LX, Toyota Camry LE, Ford Fusion SE, and the Nissan Altima 2.5 SR.