2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Legacy
Comparison Overview
Choosing between stellar fuel economy and robust all-weather capability often puzzles compact sedan shoppers. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid aims squarely at the budget-conscious commuter, offering an incredible 54 MPG combined, blowing past the 2025 Subaru Legacy’s 30 MPG combined rating. Priced $1,360 lower at $25,450, the Elantra emphasizes low running costs, making its 51 MPG city rating a huge win for daily driving. However, the Legacy counters with superior capability, sporting 182 hp compared to the Elantra's 139 hp, alongside standard All-Wheel Drive. While the Legacy offers slightly more space (15.1 cu ft cargo vs. 14.2 cu ft), the Elantra’s drastically lower fuel consumption and price point make it a powerhouse for keeping ownership costs down over the long haul.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Elantra Hybrid wins hands down due to its staggering 54 MPG combined fuel economy, slashing gasoline expenses for daily travel.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy offers greater security with standard All-Wheel Drive and provides slightly more room with 15.1 cu ft of cargo space.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The Legacy's 182 hp output provides noticeably quicker acceleration than the Elantra Hybrid's 139 hp rating.
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Elantra Hybrid has a lower entry price of $25,450 and superior long-term value due to its 24 MPG advantage over the Legacy.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid if...
- Your primary goal is maximizing miles per dollar, thanks to the Elantra Hybrid’s 58 MPG highway rating.
- You want the lower initial investment, with an MSRP starting at just $25,450.
- Your driving environment rarely involves severe snow or ice, as FWD is sufficient.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- You live somewhere that sees frequent snow or requires better traction in poor weather due to standard AWD.
- You prioritize brisk acceleration, utilizing the Legacy's 182 horsepower.
- You need just a bit more usable storage, as the Legacy offers 15.1 cu ft of trunk space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 191.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 59.1" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 51/58 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 54 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 561.0/638.0 mi. | 499.5/647.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | 225/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and 2025 Subaru Legacy.
How big is the MPG difference between the 2025 Elantra Hybrid and the 2025 Legacy?
The difference is substantial; the Elantra Hybrid achieves a combined 54 MPG, whereas the AWD Legacy only manages 30 MPG combined. That's a 24 MPG advantage favoring the Hyundai for fuel savings.
Which car is faster based on the published power figures?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is significantly faster, offering 182 horsepower compared to the 2025 Elantra Hybrid's 139 horsepower. This 43 hp difference translates to better passing power on the highway.
Is the AWD capability of the Legacy worth the extra cost and MPG drop?
That depends on your location; if you face regular snow or slick conditions, the Legacy's standard AWD is a major safety benefit that justifies the lower 30 MPG rating over the Elantra's FWD efficiency.
How do the interior sizes compare between these two sedans?
The Subaru Legacy is physically larger, measuring 191.1 inches long, and offers slightly more cargo room at 15.1 cubic feet versus the Elantra's 14.2 cubic feet.
Are both cars compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and the 2025 Subaru Legacy are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, keeping fueling costs straightforward for both models.
What type of transmissions do these vehicles use?
The efficiency-focused Elantra Hybrid uses a 6-speed automated manual transmission, while the Legacy opts for a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) to manage its higher power output.
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