What To Know
- However, when it comes to making a choice between the Subaru Legacy and the Volkswagen Jetta, the decision can be a bit more challenging.
- The Subaru Legacy achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the base engine.
- With the base engine, the Jetta gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
The automotive landscape is brimming with an array of sedans, each promising comfort, style, and performance. However, when it comes to making a choice between the Subaru Legacy and the Volkswagen Jetta, the decision can be a bit more challenging. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of features and capabilities, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Subaru Legacy vs. Jetta debate, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Performance and Handling
The Subaru Legacy boasts a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. For a more spirited driving experience, the Legacy XT trim offers a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient gear changes.
The Jetta, on the other hand, comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard, generating 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim levels offer a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of handling, the Legacy has a slightly softer suspension setup that prioritizes comfort over agility. The Jetta, on the other hand, offers a more sporty suspension that provides better cornering and stability at higher speeds.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many car buyers. The Subaru Legacy achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the base engine. The Legacy XT trim gets slightly lower fuel economy at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The Jetta offers slightly better fuel economy than the Legacy. With the base engine, the Jetta gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gets 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Subaru Legacy offers a spacious and comfortable interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The front seats are supportive and provide good visibility. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The Legacy also has a large trunk with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
The Jetta has a slightly smaller interior than the Legacy, but it still offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats may be a bit cramped for taller passengers. The Jetta’s trunk is also smaller than the Legacy’s, with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Safety Features
Both the Subaru Legacy and the Jetta come with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The Legacy also comes standard with EyeSight, Subaru’s suite of advanced safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Jetta offers a similar range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. It also offers a variety of optional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology and Connectivity
The Subaru Legacy comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trim levels offer a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The Jetta comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trim levels offer an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Fender premium audio system.
Price and Value
The Subaru Legacy has a starting price of $23,945 for the base trim level. The Jetta has a starting price of $19,845 for the base trim level. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, so the final price will vary depending on the specific features and options you choose.
In terms of value, the Subaru Legacy offers a lot of features and capabilities for the price. It has a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Jetta, on the other hand, offers a more affordable starting price and a more sporty driving experience.
Which Car is Right for You?
The decision between the Subaru Legacy and the Volkswagen Jetta ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable sedan with good fuel economy and a comprehensive suite of safety features, the Subaru Legacy is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable and sporty sedan, the Volkswagen Jetta is a good option.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Legacy XT has a more powerful engine than the Volkswagen Jetta, with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Jetta’s 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which car has a better fuel economy?
A: The Volkswagen Jetta has a better fuel economy than the Subaru Legacy, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway compared to the Legacy’s 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Legacy has a more spacious interior than the Volkswagen Jetta, with more legroom, headroom, and cargo capacity.