Legacy vs. mazda 6: the ultimate midsize sedan showdown
What To Know
- The midsize sedan segment is a fiercely competitive battleground, with established players like the Subaru Legacy and the Mazda 6 vying for market share.
- The Mazda 6, on the other hand, exudes a more sleek and sophisticated appearance, featuring a flowing roofline, elegant curves, and a striking front fascia.
- The Legacy achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Mazda 6 delivers 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
The midsize sedan segment is a fiercely competitive battleground, with established players like the Subaru Legacy and the Mazda 6 vying for market share. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and technology, but which one emerges as the superior choice? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Styling
The Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 present contrasting design philosophies. The Legacy adopts a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with a prominent grille, muscular lines, and ample ground clearance. The Mazda 6, on the other hand, exudes a more sleek and sophisticated appearance, featuring a flowing roofline, elegant curves, and a striking front fascia. Both vehicles offer distinctive styling cues that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, the Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 provide spacious and well-appointed cabins. The Legacy offers generous headroom and legroom in both rows, along with a user-friendly infotainment system and comfortable seating. The Mazda 6 boasts a more premium interior with high-quality materials, a sleek dashboard design, and a driver-oriented cockpit. While both vehicles offer a comfortable ride, the Mazda 6 edges out the Legacy in terms of overall interior ambiance and refinement.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Subaru Legacy comes standard with a 2.5-liter boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower. The Mazda 6 offers a more powerful 2.5-liter inline-four engine that generates 187 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the Subaru Legacy provides a smooth and predictable driving experience, the Mazda 6 offers more spirited performance, especially when equipped with the optional turbocharged engine.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is an important consideration for midsize sedan buyers. The Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 both offer competitive fuel efficiency ratings. The Legacy achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Mazda 6 delivers 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline, making them cost-effective to operate.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Mazda. The Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Mazda 6 also offers a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility. Both vehicles have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Technology and Connectivity
In today’s digital age, technology and connectivity play a crucial role in vehicle ownership. The Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 offer advanced infotainment systems with user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of features. The Legacy features a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen display, while the Mazda 6 offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a more intuitive menu structure. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
Price and Value
Pricing for the Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 is competitive within the midsize sedan segment. The Legacy starts at $24,895, while the Mazda 6 starts at $24,710. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets and preferences. Ultimately, the best value proposition depends on the specific features and configurations desired by the buyer.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 are both excellent midsize sedans with strengths and weaknesses. The Legacy excels in terms of ruggedness, spaciousness, and fuel efficiency. The Mazda 6 offers a more premium interior, spirited performance, and advanced technology. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities and preferences.
If you value ruggedness, practicality, and fuel efficiency, the Subaru Legacy is a compelling option. If you seek a more premium interior, spirited driving experience, and cutting-edge technology, the Mazda 6 is the better choice.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Mazda 6 offers a more powerful engine with 187 horsepower, compared to the Subaru Legacy‘s 182 horsepower.
Q: Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
A: Both the Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6 achieve similar fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Legacy offers a more spacious interior with generous headroom and legroom in both rows.
Q: Which vehicle has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The Mazda 6 offers a more advanced infotainment system with a user-friendly interface and a wider range of features.
Q: Which vehicle is more affordable?
A: The Mazda 6 has a slightly lower starting price than the Subaru Legacy. However, both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets.