Volkswagen passat vs subaru legacy: the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect midsize sedan

The Volkswagen Passat and Subaru Legacy are two well-established midsize sedans that offer a blend of comfort, performance, and practicality. When choosing between these two vehicles, it’s essential to consider their strengths and weaknesses to determine which one best aligns with your needs and preferences.

Performance and Handling

Engine Options

The Passat offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 with 174 horsepower, a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 with 184 horsepower, and a 3.6L V6 with 280 horsepower. The Legacy, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 182 horsepower. A 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 with 260 horsepower is available for the higher trims.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Both vehicles offer a choice between a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. The Passat is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Interior and Comfort

Space and Versatility

The Passat and Legacy offer comparable interior space. Both sedans have ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The Passat has a slightly larger trunk than the Legacy, with a capacity of 15.9 cubic feet compared to 15.0 cubic feet.

Features and Amenities

The Passat comes with a standard 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Legacy features an 11.6-inch touchscreen. Both systems offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Passat offers a more extensive range of standard features, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system.

Safety and Reliability

Safety Ratings

The Passat and Legacy have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Reliability

The Passat has a slightly lower reliability rating than the Legacy, according to J.D. Power. However, both vehicles are generally considered to be reliable midsize sedans.

Fuel Efficiency and Cost

Fuel Economy

The Passat and Legacy have similar fuel economy ratings. The Passat gets an average of 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the 2.0L engine, while the Legacy gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the 2.5L engine.

Price

The Passat has a lower starting price than the Legacy, with the base model starting at around $24,000. The Legacy starts at around $25,000 for the base model.

Which One Is Right for You?

The Volkswagen Passat and Subaru Legacy are both excellent midsize sedans with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Passat offers a more powerful engine lineup, a lower starting price, and a more extensive range of standard features. The Legacy, on the other hand, has a slightly better fuel economy rating, a higher reliability rating, and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Passat and Legacy depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, features, and affordability, the Passat may be a better option. If you value fuel efficiency, reliability, and all-wheel drive, the Legacy is an excellent choice.

Alternatives to Consider

In addition to the Passat and Legacy, there are several other midsize sedans worth considering:

• Toyota Camry
• Honda Accord
• Mazda6
• Nissan Altima

Top Questions Asked

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Volkswagen Passat has a more powerful engine lineup, with options up to 280 horsepower.

Q: Which vehicle has a higher fuel economy rating?
A: The Subaru Legacy has a slightly better fuel economy rating than the Passat, with 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the 2.5L engine.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Passat and Legacy offer comparable interior space, with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.