What To Know
- The turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive returns slightly lower fuel economy at 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- 6-liter engine with all-wheel drive has the lowest fuel economy in the lineup, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Legacy comes standard with a range of technology features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera.
The automotive market is brimming with an array of exceptional sedans, each promising a unique blend of performance, comfort, and style. Two such contenders in the midsize sedan segment that have garnered significant attention are the Subaru Legacy and the Mazda 6. Both vehicles boast impressive credentials and loyal followings, making the choice between them a truly challenging one. This comprehensive comparison aims to delve into the key aspects of both sedans, providing you with the insights necessary to make an informed decision.
Performance and Powertrain
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four, a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, and a 3.6-liter flat-six. The base engine delivers ample power for daily driving, while the turbocharged option provides a significant boost in acceleration. The 3.6-liter engine is the most powerful in the lineup, delivering impressive performance and smooth power delivery. All Legacy models come standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Mazda 6: The Mazda 6 offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four and a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. The base engine provides adequate power for most drivers, while the turbocharged engine offers a noticeable increase in performance. The Mazda 6 is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, giving buyers the flexibility to choose the configuration that best suits their needs.
Fuel Economy
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain combination. The base 2.5-liter engine with all-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive returns slightly lower fuel economy at 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The 3.6-liter engine with all-wheel drive has the lowest fuel economy in the lineup, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Mazda 6: The Mazda 6’s fuel economy is generally better than the Legacy’s. The base 2.5-liter engine with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive returns slightly lower fuel economy at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Interior Design and Comfort
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy’s interior is spacious and well-appointed, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing excellent lumbar support for long drives. The dashboard is laid out intuitively, with easy-to-reach controls and a clear instrument cluster.
Mazda 6: The Mazda 6’s interior is equally impressive, with a sleek and stylish design. The cabin is well-crafted, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering excellent lateral support during spirited driving. The dashboard features a minimalist design, with a large touchscreen display that dominates the center console.
Technology and Features
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy comes standard with a range of technology features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer additional features such as a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, and a navigation system. The Legacy also features a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Mazda 6: The Mazda 6 also offers a generous array of technology features. The base model comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer additional features such as a larger 12-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, and a navigation system. The Mazda 6 also features a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Safety
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy has consistently earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick++” designation from the IIHS.
Mazda 6: The Mazda 6 has also earned high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. It has received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick++” designation from the IIHS.
Price and Value
Subaru Legacy: The Legacy has a starting price of $23,945 for the base model and ranges up to $36,945 for the top-of-the-line Touring XT trim. It offers a good value for the money, with a comprehensive range of features and a high level of safety.
Mazda 6: The Mazda 6 has a starting price of $25,270 for the base model and ranges up to $38,820 for the top-of-the-line Signature trim. It offers a slightly higher starting price than the Legacy, but it also comes with a more upscale interior and a more powerful engine as standard.
Which Sedan Reigns Supreme?
The choice between the Subaru Legacy and the Mazda 6 ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you value all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and a high level of safety, the Legacy is an excellent choice. If you prioritize performance, a sleek interior, and a generous array of technology features, the Mazda 6 is a strong contender. Both sedans offer a compelling blend of attributes, making them worthy of consideration for discerning drivers.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which sedan has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Legacy’s 3.6-liter flat-six engine produces more power than the Mazda 6’s 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine.
Q: Which sedan has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Legacy offers more headroom and legroom than the Mazda 6, providing a more comfortable experience for both front and rear passengers.
Q: Which sedan has a better fuel economy?
A: The Mazda 6 generally has better fuel economy than the Legacy, particularly with the base 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive.
Q: Which sedan has a more upscale interior?
A: The Mazda 6’s interior is more stylish and well-crafted than the Legacy’s, with higher-quality materials and a more premium feel.
Q: Which sedan has a more comprehensive safety suite?
A: Both the Subaru Legacy and the Mazda 6 offer comprehensive safety suites, with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems and high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.