Hicks Family Subaru
See why the 2025 Subaru Legacy outshines the Honda Accord with standard AWD, competitive MPG, advanced safety tech, and standout value.
When shopping for a midsize sedan, two names almost always rise to the top: the Subaru Legacy and the Honda Accord. Both are known for comfort, reliability, and value. But if you want all-weather confidence without giving up fuel efficiency or paying extra, the Subaru Legacy holds some clear advantages.
From standard all-wheel drive to advanced safety tech and a competitive price tag, the Legacy is built for drivers who want sedan comfort and SUV-like capability. Let’s see how the Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord stack up in the areas that matter most.
| 2025 Subaru Legacy vs. 2025 Honda Accord | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | 2025 Subaru Legacy | 2025 Honda Accord |
| Starting MSRP | $26,810 | $28,295 |
| Standard Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| AWD Availability | Standard on all trims | Not available |
| Base Engine | 2.5L Boxer 4-Cyl, 182 hp | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl, 192 hp |
| Available Upgrade Engine | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl, 260 hp | Hybrid (2.0L + electric), 204 hp |
| EPA MPG (Base Engine) | 27 City / 35 Hwy / 30 Combined | 29 City / 37 Hwy / 32 Combined |
| Max MPG Available | 30 Combined (gas only) | 48 Combined (hybrid) |
| Rear Legroom | 39.5 in | 40.8 in |
| Trunk Space | 15.1 cu. ft. | 16.7 cu. ft. |
| Notable Strengths | Standard AWD, competitive price, safety tech | Spacious rear seat, large trunk, premium cabin feel |
Here’s the big one: every 2025 Subaru Legacy comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. That means extra traction and stability, whether you’re driving on a clear day, on gravel, or through a surprise Texas downpour.
The Legacy is the only midsize sedan in its class to include AWD on every trim. The Honda Accord? Front-wheel drive only, with no AWD option at all. For daily commuting, FWD works fine. But if you travel rural roads, face heavy rain, or simply want more control, the Legacy’s AWD advantage is hard to beat.
AWD systems usually have a fuel economy trade-off, but Subaru has engineered the Legacy to stay impressively efficient.
That’s only about a 2 MPG difference in combined ratings, a small change for the added capability of AWD.
The Accord’s base turbo engine is slightly more powerful, at 192 hp, compared to the Legacy’s 182 hp. Still, the Legacy fights back with a 2.4L turbo option producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque—far more than anything available in the Accord lineup.
If maximum fuel economy is your goal, the Accord Hybrid takes the lead at up to 48 MPG combined. But it’s still FWD-only and comes at a higher price point. For many drivers, the Legacy’s ability to balance efficiency with AWD traction is the real sweet spot.
Both sedans come loaded with advanced safety features, but Subaru gives you EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard on every trim. That includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking.
The Legacy also offers available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation on higher trims, which helps keep you alert behind the wheel. Plus, 94% of Legacy models sold in the past 10 years are still on the road today.
Inside, both sedans offer spacious seating for five and refined ride quality. The Accord wins on maximum rear legroom at 40.8 inches (vs. the Legacy’s still-generous 39.5 inches) and on trunk space at 16.7 cubic feet (vs. 15.1 in the Legacy).
The Legacy counters with flexible cargo capability thanks to standard split-folding rear seats and smart packaging that hides the AWD hardware without cutting into passenger space.
In terms of tech, the Legacy Premium trim and above include a striking 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen with Subaru Starlink® multimedia, while the Accord offers up to a 12.3-inch display in higher trims. Both come with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, but Subaru offers extra touches like available heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel for cold-weather comfort.
When comparing the Honda Accord vs. Subaru Legacy, here’s where the numbers speak for themselves:
That’s roughly $1,500–$2,000 saved right from the start—and the Legacy includes AWD at no extra cost.
Both sedans pack in standard safety and tech, but when you factor in AWD, available turbo power, and Subaru’s strong reputation for longevity, the Legacy delivers more features per dollar. The Accord still holds an edge in resale value, but Subaru’s durability and lower entry price make it an exceptional long-term investment.
The 2025 Subaru Legacy and 2025 Honda Accord are both excellent midsize sedans with loyal followings. The Accord is a great choice if you want the roomiest back seat or the absolute highest MPG in hybrid form.
But if you’re looking for all-weather confidence, advanced safety, available high-horsepower performance, and a lower starting price, the Legacy takes the lead. It’s the sedan built to handle not just your daily drive, but whatever the road throws your way.
Shop new Subaru Legacy models or browse our full Subaru inventory at Hicks Family Subaru. Then visit us in Corpus Christi for a test drive and see why the AWD sedan that beats the Accord where it counts is ready for your next adventure.
