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12 Cars Similar to the Subaru Legacy

Side view angle of white Subaru Legacy in display at The 30th Thailand International Motor Expo.

Best Cars Similar to the 2022 Subaru Legacy

  • Honda Accord
  • Nissan Altima
  • Hyundai Sonata

Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy has a roomy interior, great driving-assist technology, and provides an overall reliable package. While no hybrid option is currently offered,  all-wheel drive comes standard across all models.

There are six trims available, with the base trim costing $25,000 and the highest trim costing $38,000. The maximum towing is 3,000 pounds.

I recommend the Sport trim since it has a more powerful turbo engine, a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, and keyless entry. On the exterior, you get LED fog lights, a spoiler, as well as emergency braking.

The base engine is a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Higher trims come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 260-horsepower.

All models come with an all-wheel drive and a CVT transmission. Base engine configurations have a 0-60 time of 8.0 seconds, while the turbo options have a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds.

Legacy’s fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the non-turbo option. Turbo options are rated for 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. There are currently no hybrid options for the Legacy.

Cars Similar to the 2022 Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy is a great car without a doubt, but maybe it isn’t the right car for you. There are many competitors out there that offer similar, or better, fuel economy, speed, comfort, and amenities. I’ve compiled a list of cars below to help you through this car buying process.

1. Honda Accord

The all new Honda Accord in a gray colorway in display at the Honda Dealership store.

Two engine configurations are available for the Honda Accord, the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 192-horsepower, and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pushes 252-horsepower. A hybrid option is available that is paired with two electric motors. 

CVT transmission and optional 10-speed automatic are offered. Front-wheel drive is standard with no option for the. 0-60 is 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 116 mph.

Pricing starts at $27,615 up to $39,545 for the highest trim. Six trims are available, including the hybrid trim. I suggest the Sport trim because it has the optional 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0-liter engine, and the best value. The UI interface is simple to navigate, while Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard.

Hybrid Honda Accords have a fuel economy rated at 47 mpg combined, while the turbo options deliver 35 mpg combined. Compared to the Legacy, the Accord offers much better fuel economy.

2. Nissan Altima

Brand new Nissan Altima in a metallic red colorway in display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Nissan Altima is known for its stylish design, roomy interior, and overall great value. Four trims are available, ranging from $25,925 up to $35,625.

Base trims have a fuel economy estimate of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Higher trims are rated at 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Standard trims have a 188-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a CVT transmission. There is an optional 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine that also uses a CVT transmission.

Higher trims have all-wheel drive options, though front-wheel-drive is more common. 0-60 takes 7.4 seconds and the top speed is 119 mph.

While no turbo option or hybrid option is available for the Altima, fuel economy is still great overall. If you combine all the features offered by Nissan, the Altima is still an overall great package that gets the job done. 

I recommend the SR trim because of the all-wheel-drive option, 19-inch wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and so many more options.

3. Hyundai Sonata

Side view angle of a black Hyundai Sonata displayed at the Hyundai Showroom in Russia.

The Sonata has a unique, striking design with LED headlights that stretch across the front hood, and a beautiful curvy design. Pricing starts at $25,245 up to $36,795, while 8 trims are currently offered.

Hybrid models have a fuel economy of 50 mpg in the city and 54 on the highway, and standard models achieve 36 mpg combined.

A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard and does 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. The hybrid has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 192-horsepower. N-Line models have a 290-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

I would recommend the SEL Plus trim since it has an upgraded engine, 19-inch rims, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch display, and back seat air vents. 

Digital Key allows you to remotely access your car using a keycard or your smartphone. This feature allows you to leave your keyfob behind and gives you more options for operating your car.

Related: 12 Cars Similar to the Hyundai Sonata

4. Kia K5

Brand new Kia K5 in a white colorway with a ribbon in display at the Kia Showroom.

Formerly known as the Kia Optima, the K5 has a roomy cabin, loads of standard tech features, and unique orange daytime running lights.

Fuel economy for the base front-wheel-drive is 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive takes a dip at 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Five trims are available, starting at $24,845 to $32,45. I suggest the GT-Line because it has an all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, and wireless phone charging. All-wheel drive comes equipped with this model as well.

Standard is a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder making 180-horsepower that is paired with an eight-speed transmission. This comes with the option of all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, though an 8-speed transmission is not optional.

0-60 is 7.0 seconds on this model. A 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder that pushes 290-horsepower is the second option. 0-60 in 5.2 seconds and the top speed is 155 mph.

Related: 12 Cars Similar to the Kia K5

5. Toyota Camry

2020 Model Gray Toyota Camry spotted at the street of Prague.

Eight trims are available for the Toyota Camry, ranging from $26,870 to $34,445. The fuel economy is estimated to be 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

Hybrid trims offer mph of 51 in the city/53 on the highway. Zero to 60 takes you 5.1 seconds in the lowest trims and the top speed is 134 mph. 

The XLE Hybrid shines in the lineup because it offers great fuel economy, a leather interior, smooth handling, and a great list of standard tech. 

Android Auto and AppleCarplay are built into the system and come standard across all models. There is a lot of cabin room as well as cargo space in the Camry. The Entune system is easy to maneuver and has enough adequate features so you won’t feel left out.

All trims have a luxurious feel to them on the inside that closely rivals that of the Legacy. There is plenty of trunk space, as well as storage space. Long road trips are made easy with the hybrid trim since you not only get a great interior but great fuel economy.

6. Chevrolet Malibu

2016 Model of Chevrolet Malibu in display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

A pleasant design and smooth handling are what you can best expect from Malibu. Most trims come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a CVT transmission, while the higher trims have a more powerful 2.0-liter. 0-60 takes the Malibu 7.8 seconds and the top speed is 130 mph. Front-wheel drive is the only option.

Pricing begins at $24,495 up to $34,595 for the highest trims. I recommend the LT trim since it has LED taillights, remote start, blindspot assist, lane-keep assist, and so much more. A hybrid model is not available for Malibu.

Fuel economy is 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for the 1.5-liter engine, while 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway can be expected for the 2.0-liter engine.

The cabin is spacious but can come off as a little bland when compared to the Legacy’s. The interface is easy to use, though we wished they offered a bigger touchscreen display.

Related: 15 Cars Similar to the Chevy Malibu

7. Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat spotted parking at the parking area with a beautiful sky background.

While the Passat isn’t the flashiest design, it offers an ergonomic design that is known to be reliable. The cabin is spacious and comfortable and offers all the standard tech you need. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with an 8.0-inch display.

Seven trims are available with pricing starting at $25,000 to $31,570. I would suggest the SE trim, which has 7-inch wheels, heated front seats, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, lane-keep assist, and many other great features to offer.

Unlike other cars in this segment, the Passat only comes with one engine option. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 174-horsepower comes standard. This is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway is what you can expect for fuel economy in the Passat. This is pretty average but is good enough for long road trips.

8. Mazda3

Parked Mazda 3 in a red colorwat captured while parking in an indorr parking lot.

The Mazda3 has a sleek design in a compact design that rivals cars well above its price. Mazda offers eight trims with a starting price of $22,165 to $34,4665. Mazda3’s preferred to trim heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, power-adjustable seats, and a great list of standard tech.

Three four-cylinder engines are available, starting with the 2.0-liter making 155-horsepower, a 186-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, and finally, a turbocharged 250-horsepower 2.5-liter. 0-60 is done in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 134 mph.

Base engines have a fuel economy of 28/36 mpg, while the turbocharged model has a fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Mazda doesn’t offer hybrid trim at the moment.

The interior can be optioned with a heads-up display, leather, heated front seats, and more. Apple Carplay and Android Auto come standard on all models along with an 8.8-inch display. This is controlled by a rotary knob next to the shifter.

9. Honda Insight

Honda Insight in a white colorway displayed in the Honda Dealership store for sale.

Starting at $26,855 to $30,855, Honda only makes two trims for the Insight. The EX trim is recommended for its lower price and better fuel economy and it has most features offered by the more expensive trim.

All Honda Insight are hybrids, so the engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor producing 151-horsepower.

It takes the Insight 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph and the top speed is 114 mph. Honda does a great job of managing the throttle response compared to other hybrids.

Honda estimates you can get 55 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the EX for the higher trim, and 51 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway for the highest trim. 

The interior has a very modern design but isn’t quite as pleasant as the Legacy. There is plenty of leg room and more than enough space to fit all your luggage in the trunk.

There is an 8.0-inch touchscreen display that offers AppleCarplay and Android Auto, but we wish the system was easier to navigate.

10. Toyota Avalon

The all new Toyota Avalon in display at the Toyota Dealership store for sale.

Whatever trim you get with the Avalon, you’ll be well-equipped, and have a large cabin area and a slew of standard tech. Pricing starts at $37,850 to $45,175.

Six trims are available, and while we know this is a little pricier, we believe it’s worth it. A hybrid version is also available for the Avalon.

We recommend the base XLE trim since it offers heated mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. All these features come standard on the base trim.

Two powertrains are available for the Avalon. A 3.5-liter V-6 delivering 306-horsepower does 0-60 in 6.0 seconds or a 215-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. 

The first option has an 8-speed transmission with a front-wheel drive, while the second option has a CVT transmission that is also front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.

The gas engine has an estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The hybrid option is rated for 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. The hybrid outperforms the gas-only option when it comes to fuel economy.

Related: 14 Cars Similar the Toyota Avalon

11. Nissan Maxima

Brand new Nissan Maxima in a white colorway in display at the Nissan Dealership showroom open for market.

The Maxima’s beautiful and curvy design is very appealing to the eyes. The interior is just as nice, with ample leg room and a slew of tech features as well.

Three trims are available with pricing starting at $38,865 to $44,175.  The platinum trim offers rain-sensing windshield wipers, full leather seats, heated seats, wood interior finish, and a lot more.

A 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 300-horsepower is the only option for the Maxima. It’s quick enough to get you from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 133 mph. This is much quicker than most cars we’ve reviewed in this segment. 

Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 0 mpg on the highway. Nissan does not offer a hybrid trim currently. Fuel economy is a big tradeoff for the Maxima since they use a bigger V-6 engine.

An 8.0-inch display is a standard, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Remote Start, and vehicle tracking. It is well-equipped and has just about every feature you could wish for.

Related: 18 Cars Similar to Nissan Maxima

12. Acura TLX

Brand new Acura TLX in a metallic black colorway in display at the Orange County International Auto Show.

Perhaps the most eye-catching car in this segment would be the Acura TLX. With such a beautiful package comes a much higher price tag.

Pricing starts at $39,995 up to $54,795 for the Type S. I would opt for the lowest trim because it offers just about all the features of other cars and more.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 272-hp and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that does 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.

Front-wheel drive comes standard for this model, though all-wheel drive is optional. The Type S has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 producing 355-hp paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The top speed is 155 mph.

Acura’s TLX has the most sporty design and it’s highlighted on the interior as well. Wood and aluminum are combined on the interior, leather is used all around, and the sound system is one of the best in the industry. A 10.5-inch display is a standard across all models. 

Base trims have a fuel economy rated at 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models are rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Type S sees the largest dip with 9 mpg in the city and 25 for the highway. 

Subaru Legacy FAQs

Below are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions

Is the Subaru Legacy being discontinued?

2022 is the last year of production for the Subaru Legacy. All orders through June 22, 2022, will be fulfilled. Subaru is trying to focus on better selling vehicles at this point.

Is the Subaru Legacy a Good Car?

The Subaru Legacy is a great family sedan. It has a lot of great features, a good safety rating, and great fuel economy. It is also extremely affordable and reliable.

What problems does Subaru Legacy have?

The most common problem associated with the Legacy is the engine consuming a lot of oil. Owners have reported needing to refill their oil more often than other cars, and this problem is more pronounced in the winter times. 

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