Honda Civic Vs Subaru Legacy: Which One Wins In 2023? Unleash The Power Of Compact Cars!

What To Know

The Civic excels in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the 2.
The Legacy trails slightly behind in fuel economy, delivering an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the CVT.
The Legacy comes equipped with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, offering a more intuitive interface and a wider range of features.

In the realm of compact sedans, two names stand tall: the Honda Civic and the Subaru Legacy. These stalwarts of the automotive industry have carved a niche for themselves with their distinct personalities, offering a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and value. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two rivals, scrutinizing their strengths, weaknesses, and unique attributes to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next compact sedan.

Performance and Power: Efficiency Meets Responsiveness

1. Engine and Powertrain:

Honda Civic: The Civic offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder generating 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy boasts a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a CVT, but a six-speed manual transmission is available as an option.

2. Driving Dynamics:

Honda Civic: The Civic impresses with its agile handling and responsive steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The CVT provides smooth and seamless gear changes, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy offers composed handling and a comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for long road trips. The standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system ensures excellent traction in various conditions.

Fuel Efficiency: A Battle of MPGs

1. City/Highway MPG:

Honda Civic: The Civic excels in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT. The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine returns 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy trails slightly behind in fuel economy, delivering an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the CVT. Choosing the manual transmission improves efficiency to 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Clash of Styles

1. Cabin Space and Comfort:

Honda Civic: The Civic provides ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, making it a comfortable choice for families and taller individuals. The seats offer good support and bolstering, ensuring a pleasant ride.
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy offers a spacious cabin with generous legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and provide excellent support, enhancing long-distance comfort.

2. Infotainment and Technology:

Honda Civic: The Civic features a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. It also includes a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy comes equipped with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, offering a more intuitive interface and a wider range of features. It also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Safety and Reliability: A Promise of Peace of Mind

1. Safety Ratings:

Honda Civic: The Civic has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a range of airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera.
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy has also received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a crash-avoidance system, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

2. Reliability and Maintenance:

Honda Civic: The Civic has a reputation for exceptional reliability and low maintenance costs. It consistently ranks highly in various reliability surveys and is known for its durability and longevity.
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy is also known for its reliability and dependability. It offers a comprehensive warranty package and has consistently performed well in long-term reliability studies.

Price and Value: Striking a Balance

1. Starting MSRP:

Honda Civic: The Civic has a starting MSRP of $22,695 for the LX trim and goes up to $29,595 for the top-of-the-line Touring trim.
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $23,945 for the base trim and reaches $33,945 for the fully loaded Limited XT trim.

2. Value Proposition:

Honda Civic: The Civic offers excellent value for money, providing a well-rounded package of performance, efficiency, and features at an affordable price.
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy offers a higher level of standard equipment and a more spacious cabin, but it comes with a slightly higher price tag.

Which One is Right for You? The Ultimate Decision

Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Civic and the Subaru Legacy depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, agility, and affordability, the Civic is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you seek a more spacious cabin, standard AWD, and a higher level of standard features, the Legacy is a compelling option. Both vehicles offer exceptional safety ratings, reliability, and a rewarding ownership experience.

Wrap-Up: A Symphony of Compact Sedan Excellence

The Honda Civic and Subaru Legacy stand as shining examples of compact sedan excellence, each offering a unique blend of strengths and attributes. The Civic captivates with its fuel efficiency, agile handling, and affordability, while the Legacy entices with its spacious cabin, standard AWD, and comprehensive safety features. Whether you seek a nimble city commuter or a versatile long-distance companion, these two rivals are sure to impress. The final decision rests upon your individual preferences and priorities, ensuring a satisfying and rewarding ownership experience.