When considering a midsize sedan, two popular choices are the Subaru Legacy and the Honda Accord. Both new vehicles are reliable, safe, and comfortable, with the Legacy offering standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and the Accord delivering a sporty front-wheel-drive experience. Each car appeals to slightly different audiences, with the Subaru Legacy prioritizing safety and all-weather performance, while the Honda Accord excels in fuel efficiency and is more fun to drive.
Both vehicles offer six trim levels, but they have subtle differences that make them suitable for different needs and preferences. In this guide, our team at Ciocca Subaru compares these two vehicles in detail to help you decide which is right for you.
Design and Interior: Comfort Meets Style
a black car parked on the side of the road by Bernard Chama is licensed with Unsplash Licence
The Subaru Legacy boasts a sleek, modern, and timeless exterior design. Inside, the spacious cabin boasts high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and excellent attention to detail. The seating is supportive for comfortable longer drives. Subaru offers more space where it counts: extra room up front for legs and hips and additional shoulder space in the back. Entering and exiting is easier, thanks to a lower step-up height of 13.5 inches, compared to the Honda Accord's 16.5 inches. Cargo space is generous, and the Legacy's split-folding rear seats provide added flexibility — something the Accord LX's one-piece rear seat lacks.
The Honda Accord features a sportier design with a bold front grille and a low stance, appealing to drivers who want a more aggressive look. While the interior of the Accord is spacious, the rear seats may feel slightly less accommodating than those in the Legacy. The materials used in the Honda are high quality, but the cabin can feel more utilitarian compared to the premium feel of the Subaru. Both cars offer comparable passenger space, but the Honda is five inches longer than the Legacy and its trunk is slightly larger.
Performance and Handling: Power and Control
The Subaru Legacy features a powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine on higher trims, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Honda Accord's base 1.5-liter turbo. The Legacy accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, significantly quicker than the Accord's 7.6-second sprint. Another key advantage of the Subaru Legacy is its standard AWD, providing superior grip in all weather conditions. The Legacy's boxer engine sits 2.8 inches lower than conventional engines, enhancing its cornering ability, as demonstrated by its impressive 0.85 g performance on the skidpad — better than the Accord's 0.81 g.
While the Honda Accord slightly edges out the Subaru in fuel efficiency (29/37 city/highway mpg vs. the Legacy's 27/35 mpg), the Subaru compensates with an 18.5-gallon gas tank, allowing for longer driving distances between fill-ups. For those seeking more power in their Honda, the Accord offers an inline-four engine that produces 204 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque. Both sedans strike a balance between comfort and sportiness. The Accord offers adjustable shocks for a customizable ride, while the Subaru's AWD and its low-set engine deliver a more dynamic and secure driving experience across all road conditions.
Technology and Safety: Staying Connected and Protected
Both the Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord excel in safety and connectivity offerings. The Legacy, though, surpasses in several key areas. It earned back-to-back Top Safety Pick ratings from the IIHS in 2023 and 2024.
The Legacy features specialized front seats designed to reduce whiplash risk, a feature not available on the Accord. It also includes pretensioners for all seat belts, whereas the Honda offers them only for the front seats. Both cars come equipped with seven-inch touchscreens as standard on base models or an 11.6-inch display on higher trims, which nearly rivals the Accord's 12.3-inch screen upgrade.
The Accord boasts the convenience of Google Built-In, while the Subaru Legacy adds a smart exterior PIN entry system. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, standard across all models, competes directly with the Honda Sensing suite, but the Legacy offers an optional 180-degree front-view monitor, which the Accord does not.
Pricing and Value: Value for Money
With a starting price of $26,015, the Subaru Legacy is more affordable than the Honda Accord's base price of $28,990. The Legacy also outperforms the Accord in fuel efficiency, and its larger 18.5-gallon gas tank means fewer stops for fuel than the Honda's 14.8-gallon capacity.
The Legacy also typically boasts lower insurance costs and cheaper repairs. Essential parts such as mufflers, starters, and fuel pumps can be more affordable to replace in the Subaru than in the Accord.
Both vehicles have a reputation for longevity and high resale value. This makes them a smart investment for buyers looking to keep their vehicle for many years. Ultimately, the Legacy offers value that extends beyond its initial price, helping drivers save money year after year.
Consumer Insights: What Drivers Are Saying
Looking at real-world performance, J.D. Power's 2023 Initial Quality Study found that Subaru did better than average, while Honda fell short with five more issues per 100 cars. The 2022 three-year study by J.D. Power proved Subaru's staying power.
Consumer Reports commends the Legacy and Accord for their overall value and driving experience, though drivers frequently note the Subaru's superior quietness — perhaps a result of its AWD system. They hear less noise when the vehicle is stationary or on the highway.
Some have noted that Subaru's basic engine could use more power for passing on highways, while Accord owners like how their vehicle turns and moves. Both cars get good marks for comfortable seats and fuel economy.
U.S. News scores show how comparable these midsize sedans are in quality. They do well overall with how they drive, interior quality, and safety. The Subaru scores a bit higher in longevity.
Experience the Subaru Legacy at Ciocca Today
With ample interior space and smooth handling, the Subaru is a versatile option for various drivers. If safety is a priority, you'll appreciate the Legacy's advanced features and top-tier ratings. Plus, the long-term savings — thanks to lower insurance and maintenance costs — make it an even better investment over time. We invite you to visit our dealership in York and take the Subaru Legacy for a test drive. Call us today to experience the Legacy's comfort and agility yourself.
