The automotive world is filled with long-standing rivalries, and when it comes to sedans, the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy have been going toe-to-toe for quite some time.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and these two are on your radar, read on to learn the nitty-gritty details.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature/Aspect | Honda Accord | Subaru Legacy |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Standard All-Wheel Drive |
| Base Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder | 2.5L BOXER 4-cylinder |
| Available Engines | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, Hybrid | 2.4L turbo BOXER 4-cylinder |
| Fuel Economy (Estimated MPG) | 30 city / 38 hwy (varies by model) | 27 city / 35 hwy (varies by model) |
| Standard Safety Tech | Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology |
| Infotainment | 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Interior Space | Spacious with upscale materials | Comfort-focused and functional |
| Starting Price | Varies based on year and market, typically competitive | Usually slightly less than Accord |
| Resale Value | High | Moderate |
Honda Accord: Pros
- Reliability
Honda has earned its reputation for building cars that last, and the Accord is no exception. Many owners report that their Accords have gone well past the 200,000-mile mark with minimal issues.
- Fuel Efficiency
With hybrid models available, the Honda Accord offers impressive fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for those looking to save at the pump.
- Interior Quality and Space
The Accord boasts a spacious interior with quality materials, providing a touch of luxury at a fraction of the price. The rear legroom is also commendable.
- Resale Value
Honda Accords tend to retain their value well, which is a bonus when it’s time to trade-in or sell.
Honda Accord: Cons
- Price
The Accord can get pricey as you climb the trim levels, especially when you add optional features.
- No All-Wheel Drive
Unlike the Subaru Legacy, the Accord doesn’t offer an all-wheel-drive option.
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Subaru Legacy: Pros
- All-Wheel Drive Standard
One of the most significant advantages of the Subaru Legacy is its standard all-wheel-drive, making it a preferable choice for those who frequently drive in inclement weather.
- Safety Features
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, comes standard on most Legacy models.
- Comfortable Ride
The Legacy’s suspension offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it perfect for long drives.
- Unique Character
For those who like to drive something a bit different, the Legacy offers unique styling cues and the distinctive Subaru Boxer engine.
Subaru Legacy: Cons
- Lower Resale Value
Compared to the Honda Accord, the Subaru Legacy may not hold its value as well over time.
- Fuel Efficiency
While not terrible, the Legacy doesn’t quite match the fuel efficiency of the Honda Accord, especially the hybrid versions.
The choice between the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy really boils down to personal preferences and needs. If you value reliability, fuel efficiency, and resale value, the Accord is a solid choice.
However, if all-wheel drive and safety features are at the top of your list, the Subaru Legacy may be the way to go.
Key Differences Between Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy
Both the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy are staples in the sedan market, each having a loyal following of fans. However, when diving deeper, several key differences set them apart.
- Drivetrain
Arguably the most prominent difference is the drivetrain.
- Subaru Legacy: One of Subaru’s hallmarks is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Legacy comes standard with AWD, which delivers power to all four wheels simultaneously. This provides enhanced traction, making it especially useful in wet or snowy conditions.
- Honda Accord: In contrast, the Accord offers Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) as its standard. While this might be a drawback for those in snow-prone regions, FWD vehicles typically offer better fuel efficiency and are less complex, which can translate to lower maintenance costs in the long run.
- Engine Options and Performance
- Subaru Legacy: The Legacy offers a BOXER engine, which has horizontally opposed pistons. This design results in a lower center of gravity, which can improve handling. Subaru also offers a turbocharged variant for those who crave more power.
- Honda Accord: The Accord provides a variety of engine options, from efficient 4-cylinders to a more potent turbocharged version and even a hybrid option. The hybrid model, in particular, offers impressive fuel economy numbers that the Legacy can’t match.
- Safety Tech
Both brands emphasize safety, but they approach it somewhat differently.
- Subaru Legacy: Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver assistance technologies is notable. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, and pre-collision braking. These features come standard on most of the Legacy trims.
- Honda Accord: The Honda Sensing suite, available in the Accord, is Honda’s answer to EyeSight. It includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. However, the availability might vary based on the trim level.
- Interior and Comfort
- Subaru Legacy: Legacy’s interiors are functional and built for comfort, with a focus on driver ergonomics. The infotainment system in recent models has been lauded for its ease of use.
- Honda Accord: The Accord, especially in its higher trims, feels almost luxury-like. The materials used are of high quality, and the design feels more upscale. Space, both in the front and the rear, is abundant, which makes it a good choice for families.
- Resale Value
- Honda Accord: Hondas, in general, tend to have an excellent resale value, and the Accord is no exception. This makes it a financially sound choice for those who might want to sell or trade-in down the road.
- Subaru Legacy: While the Legacy doesn’t hold its value as well as the Accord, it’s still competitive within its segment, especially given its standard AWD.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
“Better” is subjective. The Accord has the edge in fuel efficiency and resale value, while the Legacy boasts standard all-wheel drive and impressive safety features.
The Subaru Legacy is often compared to other mid-size sedans like the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, and, of course, the Honda Accord.
The Honda Civic is a compact car, whereas the Subaru Legacy is a mid-size sedan. Both are excellent in their respective categories, but the right choice depends on your priorities, like size and performance.
“Better” varies based on individual needs. Some might consider luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 better in terms of performance and luxury. Still, they come at a higher price point.
Both brands have their strengths. Hondas are known for reliability and resale value, while Subarus are renowned for their all-wheel drive and safety features.
Both Honda and Subaru have an excellent reputation for safety. Subaru’s standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology offers some advantages, but Honda’s Sensing Suite is also comprehensive. It’s essential to check individual model years for specific safety ratings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you lean towards the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy, both are excellent choices in the sedan market.
Your decision will likely hinge on specific priorities, whether that be all-wheel drive, fuel efficiency, or brand loyalty. Happy car hunting!
