Unveiling the secrets: subaru legacy vs. nissan sentra comparison
What To Know
- When it comes to midsize sedans, the Subaru Legacy and Nissan Sentra are two popular choices that offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance.
- In terms of fuel economy, the Subaru Legacy with the CVT achieves up to 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The Nissan Sentra is a more affordable option with good fuel economy and a comfortable interior, but it lacks all-wheel drive and some of the more advanced safety features.
When it comes to midsize sedans, the Subaru Legacy and Nissan Sentra are two popular choices that offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance. However, each model has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will dive into the key differences between the Subaru Legacy and Nissan Sentra to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Subaru Legacy comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual transmission. The Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, offers two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 124 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a CVT.
In terms of fuel economy, the Subaru Legacy with the CVT achieves up to 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Sentra with the 1.8-liter engine gets up to 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine offers up to 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Subaru Legacy features a standard all-wheel drive system that provides excellent traction and handling in all weather conditions. The Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, is front-wheel drive only. Both sedans offer a comfortable ride, but the Subaru Legacy has a slightly firmer suspension that provides better cornering stability.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Subaru Legacy offers more interior space than the Nissan Sentra, with more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats. The Subaru Legacy also has a larger trunk with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Nissan Sentra’s 14.3 cubic feet.
In terms of comfort, both sedans offer supportive and comfortable seats. The Subaru Legacy has a slightly more upscale interior with higher-quality materials and a more refined design.
Technology and Safety
Both the Subaru Legacy and Nissan Sentra offer a range of standard and available technology features. The Subaru Legacy comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. The Nissan Sentra offers a smaller 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it has a standard eight-speaker audio system.
In terms of safety, both sedans have received top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Subaru Legacy comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Nissan Sentra offers similar features, but some of them are only available as options.
Reliability and Maintenance Costs
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 Sentra, on the other hand, has a slightly lower score of 78 out of 100.
In terms of maintenance costs, the Subaru Legacy is slightly more expensive to maintain than the Nissan Sentra. According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for the Subaru Legacy is $480, while the Nissan Sentra costs around $430.
Price and Value
The Subaru Legacy has a starting price of $23,795, while the Nissan Sentra starts at $19,990. However, the Subaru Legacy offers more standard features and a more spacious interior. It is also the only one that offers all-wheel drive.
Verdict
The Subaru Legacy and Nissan Sentra are both solid choices in the midsize sedan segment. The Subaru Legacy offers more space, better performance, and a more comfortable ride, but it is also more expensive. The Nissan Sentra is a more affordable option with good fuel economy and a comfortable interior, but it lacks all-wheel drive and some of the more advanced safety features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, performance, and all-wheel drive, the Subaru Legacy is the better choice. If you are looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient sedan, the Nissan Sentra is a solid option.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which car has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Legacy and Nissan Sentra have received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.
Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Legacy has a more powerful engine with 182 horsepower compared to the Nissan Sentra‘s 149 horsepower engine.
Q: Which car has a larger trunk?
A: The Subaru Legacy has a larger trunk with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Nissan Sentra‘s 14.3 cubic feet.