Dependability defined: subaru legacy vs. honda accord – your guide to peace of mind
What To Know
- The 2023 Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Survey gives the Accord a score of 87 out of 100, while the Legacy receives a score of 78.
- According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for a Subaru Legacy is $486, while the average for a Honda Accord is $456.
- The Honda Accord has a slight edge over the Subaru Legacy in terms of reliability based on ratings from J.
The Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord are two of the most popular midsize sedans on the market, renowned for their reliability, performance, and value. If you’re in the market for a reliable sedan, it’s essential to compare the reliability records of these two formidable competitors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the reliability ratings, common issues, and maintenance costs of the Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord to help you make an informed decision.
Reliability Ratings: J.D. Power and Consumer Reports
J.D. Power and Consumer Reports are two leading organizations that provide automotive reliability ratings. According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Honda Accord ranks higher than the Subaru Legacy in overall reliability. The Accord received a score of 84 out of 100, while the Legacy scored 80.
Consumer Reports also rates the Accord higher than the Legacy in reliability. The 2023 Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Survey gives the Accord a score of 87 out of 100, while the Legacy receives a score of 78.
Common Issues: Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord
Subaru Legacy:
- Head gasket failures (pre-2010 models)
- CVT transmission problems (2010-2014 models)
- Electrical issues (various model years)
Honda Accord:
- Transmission problems (2013-2015 models)
- Fuel injector issues (2008-2012 models)
- Brake rotor warping (various model years)
Maintenance Costs: Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord
According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for a Subaru Legacy is $486, while the average for a Honda Accord is $456. This difference is relatively minor, indicating that both vehicles are comparable in terms of maintenance expenses.
Safety Features: Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord
Both the Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Performance and Fuel Economy: Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord
The Subaru Legacy is available with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The Honda Accord offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine or a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine.
In terms of fuel economy, the Honda Accord has a slight edge over the Subaru Legacy. The Accord’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine achieves up to 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the Legacy’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine gets up to 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort: Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord
The Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord both offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Legacy has a slightly larger interior than the Accord, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The Accord, however, has a more upscale interior with higher-quality materials.
Which Vehicle Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize reliability, the Honda Accord is the better option based on J.D. Power and Consumer Reports ratings. If you’re looking for a more spacious interior or prefer all-wheel drive, the Subaru Legacy may be a better fit. Both vehicles offer excellent performance, fuel economy, and safety features, so you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Beyond Reliability: Value and Resale Value
In addition to reliability, it’s also important to consider the value and resale value of these two vehicles. The Subaru Legacy typically has a lower starting price than the Honda Accord, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Accord tends to hold its value better over time, so you may get more money back when you sell it.
Key Points: Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord Reliability
The Honda Accord has a slight edge over the Subaru Legacy in terms of reliability based on ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. However, both vehicles offer excellent reliability, so you can be confident in either choice. Ultimately, the best decision for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a better overall reliability rating?
A: The Honda Accord has a slightly better overall reliability rating than the Subaru Legacy according to J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.
Q: What are some common issues with the Subaru Legacy?
A: Some common issues with the Subaru Legacy include head gasket failures (pre-2010 models), CVT transmission problems (2010-2014 models), and electrical issues (various model years).
Q: What are some common issues with the Honda Accord?
A: Some common issues with the Honda Accord include transmission problems (2013-2015 models), fuel injector issues (2008-2012 models), and brake rotor warping (various model years).
Q: Which vehicle has lower maintenance costs?
A: The Honda Accord has slightly lower average annual maintenance costs than the Subaru Legacy, according to RepairPal.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Legacy has a slightly larger interior than the Honda Accord, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.