Subaru showdown: crosstrek vs legacy – which is the ultimate adventure companion?
What To Know
- The Legacy, on the other hand, exudes a more refined and sophisticated demeanor, with a lower ride height and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
- Subaru is renowned for its commitment to safety, and both the Crosstrek and Legacy come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features.
- However, the Legacy offers more features and a higher level of refinement, making it a more compelling choice for those seeking a more premium experience.
The Subaru Crosstrek and Legacy are two of Subaru’s most popular models, each catering to a distinct set of drivers. Whether you crave adventure or prioritize family comfort, choosing between the Crosstrek and Legacy can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two Subaru stalwarts, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and needs.
Body Styles and Dimensions
The Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV, while the Legacy is a midsize sedan. The Crosstrek offers a more rugged and adventurous appearance, with a higher ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. The Legacy, on the other hand, exudes a more refined and sophisticated demeanor, with a lower ride height and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Interior Space and Comfort
When it comes to interior space, the Legacy takes the lead. Its longer wheelbase and wider stance translate into more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for passengers. The Crosstrek, while smaller, still offers a comfortable interior with ample room for four adults. Both vehicles feature high-quality materials and a user-friendly cabin layout.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility
The Crosstrek’s hatchback design provides greater cargo capacity than the Legacy’s sedan body. With the rear seats folded down, the Crosstrek offers up to 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Legacy’s 15.8 cubic feet. The Crosstrek’s versatile interior also includes a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat, allowing you to configure the cargo area to accommodate various items.
Power and Performance
The Crosstrek and Legacy offer a range of engine options. The Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Legacy offers a choice of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles are available with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing excellent traction and stability in all driving conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many drivers. The Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Legacy with the 2.5-liter engine gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the 3.6-liter engine gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Subaru is renowned for its commitment to safety, and both the Crosstrek and Legacy come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Technology and Connectivity
The Crosstrek and Legacy offer a range of advanced technology features. The Crosstrek features an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Legacy comes with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen that includes built-in navigation and a premium audio system. Both vehicles also offer a variety of driver assistance systems, such as lane keep assist and adaptive headlights.
Price and Value
The Crosstrek has a lower starting price than the Legacy, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Legacy offers more features and a higher level of refinement, making it a more compelling choice for those seeking a more premium experience.
The Verdict: Which Subaru is Right for You?
The choice between the Subaru Crosstrek and Legacy ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize adventure and versatility, the Crosstrek is the clear winner with its rugged design, spacious cargo area, and excellent all-wheel drive system. If you value comfort, interior space, and a more sophisticated demeanor, the Legacy is the better option.
For Adventure-Seekers: The Crosstrek’s rugged capabilities and spacious interior make it the perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts and those who crave spontaneity.
For Family-Oriented Drivers: The Legacy’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features make it an ideal choice for families looking for a reliable and practical sedan.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which Subaru has a higher ground clearance?
A: The Crosstrek has a higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches compared to the Legacy’s 5.9 inches.
Q: Which Subaru offers more cargo space?
A: The Crosstrek offers more cargo space with 55.3 cubic feet compared to the Legacy’s 15.8 cubic feet.
Q: Which Subaru is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Legacy, with 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which Subaru has a larger touchscreen display?
A: The Legacy has a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen display compared to the Crosstrek’s 8-inch display.
Q: Which Subaru is more expensive?
A: The Legacy has a higher starting price than the Crosstrek.