Loading

Whats the difference between a Subaru Legacy and an Outback?

The Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback are both popular midsize vehicles from the Japanese automaker, but they have some key differences. The Legacy is a traditional sedan, while the Outback is a crossover wagon with increased ground clearance and off-road capabilities.


Subaru Legacy


The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that competes with vehicles like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It features a more traditional sedan body style with a trunk for cargo storage. The Legacy is available with either front-wheel drive or Subaru's signature all-wheel drive system. It offers a comfortable ride and handling that is more oriented towards on-road performance compared to the Outback. The Legacy is available with a choice of four-cylinder or six-cylinder boxer engines.


Subaru Outback


The Subaru Outback is a midsize crossover wagon that combines elements of a sedan, wagon, and SUV. It has increased ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, making it more capable of handling light off-road conditions compared to the Legacy. The Outback offers more cargo space and a taller, more versatile body style than the Legacy. It is available with the same four-cylinder and six-cylinder boxer engines as the Legacy.


Key Differences



  • Body Style: The Legacy is a traditional sedan, while the Outback is a crossover wagon with increased ground clearance.

  • Off-Road Capability: The Outback has more off-road capability thanks to its higher ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive system.

  • Cargo Space: The Outback offers more cargo space and a taller, more versatile body style compared to the Legacy sedan.

  • Engine Options: Both models share the same four-cylinder and six-cylinder boxer engine options.


In summary, the Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan focused on on-road performance, while the Outback is a more versatile crossover wagon with increased off-road capability and cargo space. The choice between the two will depend on the buyer's needs and preferences.

What is a Subaru Legacy comparable to?


The Legacy is the only midsize sedan with standard all-wheel drive, though it's offered on both the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry hybrid. Honda's Accord is only available with front-wheel drive, but it has good steering, great styling, and an available hybrid system similar to the Hyundai Sonata.



Does Subaru Legacy last long?


Legacy: The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and durability. With proper maintenance, Legacy models can easily last well beyond 200,000 miles, providing years of dependable service.



Is a Subaru Legacy an old person car?


Subaru Legacy offers seniors on the road a smooth, comfortable ride, advanced safety technology including standard EyeSight, and impressive fuel economy for an AWD vehicle.



Why did Subaru stop making Legacy?


The reason for discontinuing is for the decrease in demand for mid-size sedans, and they want to put more energy towards EVS and SUVS.



Which is better, a Subaru Legacy or an Outback?


While the Outback is a midsize SUV, the Legacy is a sedan, and there are great advantages to both of these vehicles depending on what you're in the market for. The Legacy offers a more compact style ideal for getting around the city, while the Outback offers more versatility when it comes to cargo capacity and space.



Is a Subaru Legacy a good car to buy?


Highs Plentiful tech features, roomy cabin, all-wheel drive is standard. Lows Base engine delivers poky acceleration, CVT adds to the lazy feel, it's had an athleticism bypass. Verdict The Legacy offers good value and will serve you well as A-to-B transit, but driving enthusiasts should look elsewhere.



What are the cons of a Subaru Legacy?


There are ample Subaru Legacy pros and cons to consider. The car comes with the best safety technology, standard all-wheel drive, and tons of room in the front and back. However, it also lacks a manual transmission, a seriously underpowered entry engine option, and a troublesome driving attitude.



What is the life expectancy of a Subaru Legacy?


200,000 miles
Legacy: The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and durability. With proper maintenance, Legacy models can easily last well beyond 200,000 miles, providing years of dependable service.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.