Choosing between two excellent Subaru models can be a delightful dilemma. If you’re weighing the refined comfort of the sedan against the adventurous spirit of the crossover, you’re in the right place. The Subaru Legacy and the Subaru Crosstrek both offer the brand’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a host of safety features, but they cater to different driving needs and lifestyles.
The Legacy presents a more traditional sedan experience, focusing on smooth rides, spacious interiors, and advanced technology for daily commutes and longer journeys. It’s the perfect companion for those who value sophistication and comfort on paved roads. On the other hand, the Crosstrek is built for exploration, boasting higher ground clearance and a more rugged demeanor, ready to tackle dirt roads and weekend getaways with ease.
This comparison will delve into the key differences, helping you discern which of these capable Subarus aligns best with your personal preferences and practical requirements. Let’s explore what sets the Subaru Legacy and the Subaru Crosstrek apart.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Subaru Legacy | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L Boxer 4-Cylinder, 2.4L Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder | 2.0L Boxer 4-Cylinder, 2.5L Boxer 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp / 260 hp (Turbo) | 152 hp / 182 hp (2.5L) |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft / 277 lb-ft (Turbo) | 145 lb-ft / 176 lb-ft (2.5L) |
| Transmission | CVT (Lineartronic) | CVT (Lineartronic), 6-Speed Manual (2.0L) |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway MPG) | 27/35 (2.5L) | 28/33 (2.0L) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 15.1 cu ft | 55.3 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 5.1 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Infotainment Screen Sizes | 7-inch or 11.6-inch | 6.5-inch or 8-inch |
| Available Safety Features | Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine Performance
- Subaru Legacy: Offers a standard 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 182 horsepower, with an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine for 260 horsepower. This provides a more refined and powerful driving experience for highway cruising and spirited acceleration. The turbocharged option is a significant performance advantage.
- Crosstrek: Comes standard with a 2.0-liter boxer engine (152 horsepower) and offers an optional 2.5-liter boxer engine (182 horsepower). While adequate for daily driving and off-road excursions, it can feel less potent than the Legacy, especially when fully loaded or at higher altitudes.
- Winner: subaru legacy
All-Wheel Drive System
- Subaru Legacy: Features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard. It’s designed for stability and traction on paved roads and light off-road conditions, offering excellent grip in various weather.
- Crosstrek: Also comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, but with added X-MODE for enhanced off-road capability. This system is tuned for greater ground clearance and tackling more challenging terrain, making it more adventurous.
- Winner: crosstrek
Ground Clearance
- Subaru Legacy: Offers a respectable 5.1 inches of ground clearance, suitable for most everyday driving conditions and avoiding scrapes on minor obstacles.
- Crosstrek: Boasts a significantly higher 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is a major advantage for off-roading, navigating rough roads, and handling snow. This is one of its defining features.
- Winner: crosstrek
Cargo Space
- Subaru Legacy: Provides a generous 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which is ample for groceries, luggage, and everyday needs. However, it’s limited to the sedan body style.
- Crosstrek: Offers 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This versatility makes it far more practical for hauling larger items and gear.
- Winner: crosstrek
Interior Comfort & Refinement
- Subaru Legacy: Generally offers a more refined and comfortable interior, with better sound insulation and higher-quality materials. The ride is smoother, making it a better choice for long-distance travel.
- Crosstrek: The interior is functional and durable, but can be a bit noisier at higher speeds and may use more hard plastics. It prioritizes practicality and ruggedness over luxury.
- Winner: subaru legacy
Infotainment System
- Subaru Legacy: Features a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upgradable to an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen on higher trims. The larger screen is intuitive and visually appealing.
- Crosstrek: Comes with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, also with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 8-inch screen on higher trims. While functional, the screens are generally smaller than the Legacy’s top options.
- Winner: subaru legacy
Fuel Economy
- Subaru Legacy: The 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. The turbocharged engine is slightly less efficient but still competitive for its power output.
- Crosstrek: The 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, while the 2.5-liter engine is rated at 27 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. The Crosstrek offers slightly better city MPG with its base engine.
- Winner: crosstrek
Off-Road Capability
- Subaru Legacy: With its lower ground clearance and sedan body style, the Legacy is not designed for significant off-road excursions. It’s competent on gravel roads but not for trails.
- Crosstrek: Its higher ground clearance, standard AWD with X-MODE, and more rugged design make it inherently more capable for light to moderate off-roading. It’s built for adventure.
- Winner: crosstrek
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Off-Road Capability | Crosstrek |
| Highway Comfort | Subaru Legacy |
| Cargo Versatility | Crosstrek |
| Performance (Turbo Option) | Subaru Legacy |
| Fuel Efficiency (Base Models) | Crosstrek |
| Sedan Driving Dynamics | Subaru Legacy |
What They Have in Common
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Both the Subaru Legacy and Crosstrek come standard with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions and on diverse terrains. This is a core part of Subaru’s identity, ensuring confidence for drivers.
- Subaru’s Reputation for Safety: Both vehicles benefit from Subaru’s strong emphasis on safety. They are equipped with advanced safety features, including the available EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which offers a suite of functions designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants.
- Boxer Engine Technology: Subaru’s signature horizontally-opposed Boxer engines are found in both the Legacy and Crosstrek. This engine design contributes to a lower center of gravity, which can improve handling and stability.
- Interior Comfort and Practicality: Both models offer comfortable seating for five passengers and practical interior spaces. While the Legacy focuses on sedan-like refinement, the Crosstrek provides more versatile cargo solutions for active lifestyles.
- User-Friendly Infotainment Systems: Both the Legacy and Crosstrek offer intuitive infotainment systems with available touchscreen displays. These systems provide access to essential features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping drivers connected and entertained.
Subaru Legacy vs Crosstrek Buying Guide
Who is the Subaru Legacy For?
The Subaru Legacy is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize a comfortable, refined, and traditional sedan experience. If you regularly travel on highways and appreciate a smooth ride with ample passenger space and a large trunk for luggage, the Legacy excels. It’s ideal for commuters seeking a quiet cabin and families needing a reliable, all-weather vehicle for everyday use. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Those who enjoy a more car-like driving dynamic and don’t require the extra ground clearance of an SUV will find the Legacy a compelling option. Its sophisticated interior and available features cater to those who appreciate a touch of luxury in their daily driver.
Who is the Subaru Crosstrek For?
The Subaru Crosstrek is perfect for the adventurous spirit who craves versatility and the ability to venture off the beaten path. Its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and higher ground clearance make it ideal for tackling unpaved roads, light trails, and adverse weather conditions with confidence. This vehicle suits individuals or small families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or skiing.
If you desire a compact SUV that offers a commanding view of the road, practical cargo space for gear, and a more rugged aesthetic, the Crosstrek is a strong contender. It’s a go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle for those who don’t want their adventures limited by road surfaces.
Key Differences to Consider
The most significant distinction lies in their body styles and intended uses. The Legacy is a classic sedan, offering a lower center of gravity for more engaging on-road handling and a more traditional driving feel. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, is a subcompact SUV with a raised suspension, providing better off-road capability and a higher driving position, though this can sometimes lead to more body roll in corners.
Trunk space also differs, with the sedan Legacy generally offering a larger, more accessible cargo area for bulkier items, while the Crosstrek’s hatchback design is more flexible for oddly shaped gear and offers more vertical storage, especially with the rear seats folded down. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Pricing and Value Proposition
Generally, the Subaru Crosstrek starts at a slightly lower price point than the Subaru Legacy, making it a more budget-friendly entry into Subaru’s AWD lineup. However, as you move up in trim levels for both vehicles, the pricing can become more comparable, especially when considering the features and engine options available.
The value proposition hinges on your priorities. If you need the all-weather capability and versatility of an SUV, the Crosstrek offers excellent value. If you prioritize a comfortable, refined sedan for primarily on-road use, the Legacy delivers a premium experience for its price point, often with a more powerful base engine.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Subaru Legacy If…
- You prefer the traditional sedan body style for a more refined driving experience.
- You prioritize comfortable highway cruising and a quiet cabin for longer journeys.
- You need ample trunk space for everyday items but don’t require the extreme versatility of an SUV.
- You appreciate a sleeker design and a more car-like feel on the road.
Buy Crosstrek If…
- You lead an active lifestyle and need versatile cargo space for gear like bikes, camping equipment, or sports equipment.
- You frequently encounter unpaved roads, snow, or challenging weather conditions and value higher ground clearance.
- You prefer a more upright driving position and a feeling of command on the road.
- You are looking for a compact SUV that offers the practicality and capability of a larger vehicle in a smaller, more maneuverable package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for fuel economy, Legacy or Crosstrek?
In most configurations, the Subaru Legacy tends to offer slightly better fuel economy than the Crosstrek, especially in its base engine options. The sedan’s more aerodynamic profile and lower ride height contribute to this advantage. However, the difference is not drastic, and the Crosstrek’s fuel efficiency is still competitive within the subcompact SUV segment. It’s always recommended to check the specific EPA estimates for the exact model year and trim you are considering.
Which has more cargo space, Legacy or Crosstrek?
The Subaru Legacy sedan typically boasts a larger overall cargo volume in its trunk compared to the Crosstrek’s cargo area. However, the Crosstrek’s hatchback design offers more versatility for carrying larger, taller, or oddly shaped items, especially when the rear seats are folded down. The Legacy’s trunk is more suited for traditional luggage and groceries, while the Crosstrek excels at hauling sports equipment or camping gear.
Which is better for off-road or rough terrain?
The Subaru Crosstrek is unequivocally the superior choice for off-road adventures and rough terrain. Its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is enhanced by higher ground clearance (typically around 8.7 inches), allowing it to navigate uneven surfaces, gravel roads, and light trails with much greater ease and confidence than the Legacy. The Legacy, while equipped with AWD, is designed primarily for on-road performance and comfort. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Which offers a more comfortable ride?
For pure on-road comfort and refinement, the Subaru Legacy generally offers a more comfortable and quieter ride. Its longer wheelbase and sedan architecture allow for better absorption of road imperfections, resulting in a smoother experience, particularly on highways. The Crosstrek’s ride is still comfortable for its class, but its higher stance and more rugged tuning can sometimes lead to a firmer feel over bumps and road noise can be more noticeable.
Which is better for families?
Both vehicles can be suitable for families, but the choice depends on your family’s lifestyle. The Legacy offers more traditional sedan comfort and a spacious rear seat for passengers, along with a large, secure trunk. The Crosstrek, with its SUV-like versatility, higher seating position, and more flexible cargo area, might be preferred by families who are active and often transport gear for hobbies or outdoor activities. Both offer excellent safety features.
Final Verdict
The Subaru Legacy and Crosstrek cater to distinct needs within the Subaru lineup. The Legacy excels as a refined, comfortable sedan for daily commuting and long-distance travel, offering a composed ride and ample passenger space. Conversely, the Crosstrek shines as a versatile, go-anywhere subcompact SUV, ideal for those seeking adventure, higher ground clearance, and a more rugged lifestyle. Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize on-road sophistication or off-road capability and practicality.
Winner: Subaru Crosstrek