Which awd dominates? nissan altima vs subaru legacy: a head-to-head comparison

The Nissan Altima AWD and the Subaru Legacy are two of the most popular all-wheel drive sedans on the market. Both offer a combination of performance, comfort, and versatility, making them ideal for families and commuters alike. But which one is the right choice for you? Let’s compare the Nissan Altima AWD vs. Subaru Legacy to find out.

Performance

Engine and Power

The 2023 Nissan Altima AWD comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Legacy, on the other hand, offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of power, the Subaru Legacy has a clear advantage, especially with the turbocharged engine. However, the Nissan Altima AWD is more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway compared to the Legacy’s 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the 2.5-liter engine and 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway with the turbocharged engine.

Handling and Ride

Both the Nissan Altima AWD and the Subaru Legacy offer excellent handling and a comfortable ride. The Altima has a slightly sportier feel, with responsive steering and a well-controlled suspension. The Legacy, on the other hand, has a more plush ride, with a softer suspension that absorbs bumps well.

Interior

Space and Comfort

The Nissan Altima AWD and Subaru Legacy offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Altima has a slightly larger trunk, with 15.4 cubic feet of space compared to the Legacy’s 15.1 cubic feet. However, the Legacy has more legroom in both the front and rear seats.

Features and Technology

Both the Nissan Altima AWD and the Subaru Legacy come well-equipped with a variety of features and technologies. The Altima’s standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera. The Legacy comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera.

The Legacy offers more advanced safety features as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Altima offers these features as options.

Safety

Both the Nissan Altima AWD and the Subaru Legacy have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all crash tests from the IIHS. The Legacy received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.

Price

The 2023 Nissan Altima AWD has a starting price of $28,390. The 2023 Subaru Legacy has a starting price of $23,945 for the base model with the 2.5-liter engine and $32,495 for the top-of-the-line Touring XT model with the turbocharged engine.

Which One is Right for You?

The Nissan Altima AWD and the Subaru Legacy are both excellent all-wheel drive sedans. The Altima is more fuel-efficient and has a slightly sportier feel, while the Legacy has more power, more interior space, and more advanced safety features.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient sedan with a sporty feel, the Nissan Altima AWD is a great option. If you’re looking for a powerful sedan with a spacious interior and advanced safety features, the Subaru Legacy is a great choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which car has a better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Altima AWD has a better fuel economy than the Subaru Legacy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway compared to the Legacy’s 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the 2.5-liter engine and 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway with the turbocharged engine.

Q: Which car has more interior space?
A: The Subaru Legacy has more interior space than the Nissan Altima AWD, with more legroom in both the front and rear seats. The Legacy also has a slightly larger trunk, with 15.1 cubic feet of space compared to the Altima’s 15.4 cubic feet.

Q: Which car has more advanced safety features?
A: The Subaru Legacy has more advanced safety features as standard than the Nissan Altima AWD, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Altima offers these features as options.