Subaru legacy vs altima: which offers more bang for your buck?
What To Know
- However, the Altima’s naturally aspirated engine provides better fuel economy, achieving up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the Legacy gets 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- The Altima, on the other hand, has a more upscale and luxurious feel, with a focus on comfort and convenience.
- The Legacy is a great choice for those who prioritize performance, handling, and all-wheel drive, while the Altima is a better fit for those who want a more luxurious and fuel-efficient vehicle.
When it comes to midsize sedans, two of the most popular choices are the Subaru Legacy and the Nissan Altima. Both vehicles offer a compelling combination of performance, comfort, and value, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Subaru Legacy vs. Nissan Altima head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Performance
Under the hood, the Subaru Legacy offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Altima, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that generates 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of acceleration, the turbocharged Legacy outperforms the Altima, going from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds compared to 7.1 seconds. However, the Altima’s naturally aspirated engine provides better fuel economy, achieving up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the Legacy gets 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Handling and Ride
The Subaru Legacy boasts a well-tuned suspension and all-wheel drive as standard, which provides excellent handling and stability in all weather conditions. The Altima, on the other hand, offers front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. While the Altima handles well, it doesn’t quite match the Legacy’s agility and off-road capabilities.
In terms of ride comfort, both the Legacy and Altima offer a comfortable and well-dampened ride. However, the Legacy’s higher ground clearance provides a better view of the road and a more commanding driving position.
Interior and Features
The interiors of both the Subaru Legacy and Nissan Altima are spacious and well-appointed. The Legacy features a clean and functional design with high-quality materials. The Altima, on the other hand, has a more upscale and luxurious feel, with a focus on comfort and convenience.
In terms of technology, both vehicles offer a range of features, including infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, navigation, and advanced safety features. However, the Altima offers a larger touchscreen display and a more intuitive user interface.
Safety
Both the Subaru Legacy and Nissan Altima have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Legacy comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Altima offers similar features, but it also includes rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring as standard.
Reliability and Cost of Ownership
The Subaru Legacy has a reputation for reliability, with J.D. Power giving it a score of 83 out of 100 for predicted reliability. The Nissan Altima also has a good reliability rating, with a score of 79 out of 100.
In terms of cost of ownership, the Subaru Legacy is slightly more expensive to maintain than the Nissan Altima. However, the Legacy’s higher resale value may offset some of the additional costs over time.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Legacy and Nissan Altima are both excellent midsize sedans that offer a lot of value for the money. The Legacy is a great choice for those who prioritize performance, handling, and all-wheel drive, while the Altima is a better fit for those who want a more luxurious and fuel-efficient vehicle.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both of them and see which one feels like a better fit.
Beyond the Comparison: The Unique Value of the Legacy and Altima
Subaru Legacy
- Standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability
- Turbocharged engine option for improved acceleration and power
- Higher ground clearance for better visibility and off-road capabilities
- Excellent predicted reliability rating
Nissan Altima
- Upscale and luxurious interior with high-quality materials
- Larger touchscreen display and more intuitive user interface
- Better fuel economy than the Legacy
- Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring are standard
Frequently Discussed Topics
Which car has a more powerful engine?
The Subaru Legacy with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Altima.
Which car has a better safety rating?
Both the Subaru Legacy and Nissan Altima have received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.
Which car has a larger touchscreen display?
The Nissan Altima has a larger touchscreen display than the Subaru Legacy.
Which car has better fuel economy?
The Nissan Altima has better fuel economy than the Subaru Legacy.
Which car is better for off-road driving?
The Subaru Legacy is better for off-road driving thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance.