Subaru vs. volkswagen: which sedan delivers the most bang for your buck?
What To Know
- In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Legacy with CVT achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The Subaru Legacy starts at a price of $23,295, while the Volkswagen Jetta starts at a price of $20,495.
- The Legacy offers more standard features, including all-wheel drive, while the Jetta offers a wider range of engine options and a slightly lower starting price.
When searching for a reliable and well-rounded sedan, the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Jetta stand out as top contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling combination of practicality, performance, and technology. However, understanding their key differences can help you make an informed decision that best aligns with your needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the core aspects of the Subaru Legacy vs. Jetta to provide you with a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Legacy comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offers all-wheel drive as standard. The Jetta, on the other hand, is available with a range of engine options, including a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The base engine produces 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the higher-output engines offer more power and torque. The Jetta is also available with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Legacy with CVT achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Jetta with the 1.4-liter engine and automatic transmission delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Features
The Subaru Legacy offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with ample room for five passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard is laid out in a logical and user-friendly manner. Standard features include an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker audio system.
The Jetta’s interior is also spacious and well-designed, but it may feel a bit more cramped than the Legacy’s. The seats are comfortable, and the dashboard is sleek and modern. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a four-speaker audio system.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Jetta have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Legacy received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, while the Jetta received a four-star overall safety rating. Both vehicles also received “Good” ratings in all IIHS crash tests.
In terms of reliability, both the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Jetta have a good reputation. The Legacy has been ranked highly in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, while the Jetta has been ranked highly in Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey.
Value for Money
The Subaru Legacy starts at a price of $23,295, while the Volkswagen Jetta starts at a price of $20,495. However, the Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is a feature that is not available on the base Jetta. When comparing similar trim levels, the Legacy and Jetta are priced similarly.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Jetta are both excellent choices for those seeking a reliable and well-rounded sedan. The Legacy offers more standard features, including all-wheel drive, while the Jetta offers a wider range of engine options and a slightly lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Legacy has a slightly more spacious interior than the Volkswagen Jetta.
Q2: Which vehicle offers a more powerful engine?
A: The Volkswagen Jetta offers a wider range of engine options, including more powerful engines than the Subaru Legacy.
Q3: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Volkswagen Jetta with the 1.4-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Subaru Legacy with CVT.
Q4: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Jetta have earned high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
Q5: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: Both the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Jetta have a good reputation for reliability.