Essential Information
- The Nissan Altima offers a wide range of features and amenities, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a Bose premium audio system, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
- The Subaru Legacy also offers a generous list of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, heated front and rear seats, and a moonroof.
- The Altima offers a more spacious cabin and a smoother CVT, while the Legacy provides more power and better fuel efficiency.
The Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy are two popular midsize sedans that offer a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and efficiency. While both vehicles share several similarities, there are also key differences that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of each vehicle to help you make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your needs.
Performance and Handling
Engine and Powertrain
The Nissan Altima offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Subaru Legacy, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a CVT.
In terms of performance, the Subaru Legacy has a slight edge over the Nissan Altima. The turbocharged engine in the Legacy provides more power and torque, resulting in quicker acceleration and a more exhilarating driving experience. However, the Altima’s CVT is generally considered to be smoother and more refined than the Legacy’s.
Handling and Ride Comfort
The Nissan Altima offers a comfortable and composed ride, with a suspension that absorbs bumps and road imperfections effectively. It also handles well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.
The Subaru Legacy also provides a comfortable ride, but it feels slightly more agile and sporty than the Altima. The Legacy’s all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction and stability, especially in slippery conditions.
Interior and Comfort
Cabin Space and Design
The Nissan Altima has a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The interior design is modern and stylish, with a clean and uncluttered layout.
The Subaru Legacy offers a similar amount of cabin space as the Altima, but it feels slightly more cramped due to its higher beltline. The interior design is more traditional, with a focus on functionality and practicality.
Features and Amenities
The Nissan Altima offers a wide range of features and amenities, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a Bose premium audio system, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Subaru Legacy also offers a generous list of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, heated front and rear seats, and a moonroof.
Safety and Reliability
Safety Features
The Nissan Altima comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
The Subaru Legacy also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Reliability
Both the Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy have a good reputation for reliability. The Altima has received above-average reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates, while the Legacy has consistently been ranked among the most reliable vehicles in its class.
Fuel Efficiency
The Nissan Altima offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Subaru Legacy. The Altima with the 2.5-liter engine is rated at 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway.
The Subaru Legacy with the 2.5-liter engine is rated at 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
Price and Value
The Nissan Altima has a starting price of $24,900, while the Subaru Legacy starts at $23,945. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and options, so the actual price you pay will depend on the specific features and options you choose.
In terms of value, the Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy are both competitive choices. The Altima offers a more spacious cabin and a smoother CVT, while the Legacy provides more power and better fuel efficiency. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
The Verdict: Nissan Altima vs Subaru Legacy
The Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy are both excellent midsize sedans that offer a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and efficiency. While both vehicles have their own strengths and weaknesses, the ultimate choice between them will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable sedan with a smooth ride and a refined CVT, the Nissan Altima is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more powerful and agile sedan with excellent traction and stability, the Subaru Legacy is a great option.
Not Sure Which One to Choose?
If you’re still not sure which vehicle is right for you, here are a few additional factors to consider:
- Budget: The Nissan Altima is slightly more expensive than the Subaru Legacy, so if you’re on a tight budget, the Legacy may be the better choice.
- Lifestyle: If you live in an area with snowy or icy winters, the Subaru Legacy’s all-wheel drive system may be a valuable asset.
- Driving Preferences: If you enjoy a sporty and engaging driving experience, the Subaru Legacy may be a better fit for you. If you prefer a comfortable and relaxed ride, the Nissan Altima may be a better choice.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru Legacy?
The Nissan Altima offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Subaru Legacy. The Altima with the 2.5-liter engine is rated at 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway. The Legacy with the 2.5-liter engine is rated at 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
2. Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru Legacy?
The Nissan Altima offers slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Legacy. The Altima has 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, while the Legacy has 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space.
3. Which vehicle has a better warranty, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru Legacy?
The Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy both offer competitive warranties. The Altima comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Legacy comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.