Subaru legacy vs honda civic: epic showdown of midsize sedan legends
What To Know
- The Civic Si variant, with its more powerful engine, sees a slight decrease in fuel efficiency to 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
- The Subaru Legacy has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- The Honda Civic has also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
In the automotive realm, the Subaru Legacy and Honda Civic stand as two formidable contenders in the sedan segment. Both vehicles boast a loyal following, with drivers praising their unique blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality. However, with each offering its own distinct strengths and weaknesses, choosing between the Subaru Legacy vs Honda Civic can be a challenging task. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive guide will delve into the key aspects of these two exceptional sedans.
Performance and Handling
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is renowned for its impressive performance capabilities. Equipped with a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a spirited and responsive driving experience. For those seeking more power, the Legacy offers an optional 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This potent powertrain propels the Legacy from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 6.3 seconds.
The Legacy’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides exceptional traction and stability in all weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for drivers who live in areas with challenging terrain or frequent precipitation. The suspension system is tuned for a comfortable ride, while the steering offers precise and responsive handling.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is known for its exceptional handling and agility. Its standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and spirited maneuvers. For those who desire even more performance, the Civic Si variant features a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that generates 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque.
The Civic’s front-wheel drive system provides predictable and composed handling, while the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. The steering system is precise and communicative, offering a reassuring sense of control.
Fuel Efficiency
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy offers impressive fuel efficiency for its size and performance. The base 2.4-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine slightly reduces fuel efficiency to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is renowned for its exceptional fuel economy. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The Civic Si variant, with its more powerful engine, sees a slight decrease in fuel efficiency to 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy offers a spacious and comfortable interior. The front seats provide ample legroom and headroom, while the rear seats offer generous legroom for passengers. The interior materials are of high quality, and the overall design is both stylish and functional.
The Legacy comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trim levels offer a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen with additional features such as navigation and a premium audio system.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic provides a well-designed and comfortable interior. The front seats are supportive and offer good visibility, while the rear seats offer ample legroom for passengers. The interior materials are of high quality, and the overall design is modern and appealing.
The Civic comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trim levels offer a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen with additional features such as navigation and a premium audio system.
Safety Features
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It comes standard with a similar suite of safety features as the Subaru Legacy, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Value for Money
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy offers a competitive value for money. The base model starts at around $23,000, while the top-of-the-line Touring XT trim starts at around $37,000. For what it offers, including its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, impressive performance, and generous safety features, the Legacy represents a solid investment.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is slightly more affordable than the Subaru Legacy. The base model starts at around $22,000, while the top-of-the-line Touring trim starts at around $31,000. The Civic also offers a strong value for money, with its exceptional fuel efficiency, impressive handling, and comprehensive safety features.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Subaru Legacy and Honda Civic ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, all-wheel drive capability, and a spacious interior, the Subaru Legacy is an excellent choice. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, sharp handling, and a lower price point, the Honda Civic is the better option.
Summary:
The Subaru Legacy and Honda Civic are both exceptional sedans that offer unique strengths and appeal to different types of drivers. By carefully considering the aspects discussed in this comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you choose the Subaru Legacy for its all-weather performance and spacious interior or the Honda Civic for its fuel efficiency and agile handling, you can rest assured that you are selecting a sedan that will provide years of reliable and enjoyable driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which car has better fuel efficiency, the Subaru Legacy or Honda Civic?
The Honda Civic has better fuel efficiency than the Subaru Legacy. The Civic’s standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Legacy’s base 2.4-liter engine achieves 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
2. Which car has a more powerful engine, the Subaru Legacy or Honda Civic?
The Subaru Legacy has a more powerful engine than the Honda Civic. The Legacy’s optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, while the Civic’s most powerful engine, found in the Si variant, produces 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque.
3. Which car has a better safety rating, the Subaru Legacy or Honda Civic?
Both the Subaru Legacy and Honda Civic have earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).