2025 Hyundai Sonata vs 2025 Subaru Legacy
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the redesigned 2025 Hyundai Sonata and the dependable 2025 Subaru Legacy often boils down to efficiency versus capability. If your main concern is minimizing stops at the gas station, the Sonata leads with a better combined MPG of 32 versus the Legacy’s 30 MPG, achieving an impressive 38 MPG on the highway. The Sonata also boasts slightly more power, delivering 191 hp compared to the Legacy’s 182 hp, and it comes with a slightly lower starting MSRP at $26,900 versus the Legacy’s $26,810. However, the Legacy offers standard All-Wheel Drive, a huge benefit for traction, though it sacrifices a little interior volume, offering 15.1 cu ft of cargo space against the Sonata's 15.6 cu ft. For buyers prioritizing fuel economy in their daily drive, the Sonata has a measurable edge in efficiency.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Sonata
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, offering 32 combined MPG compared to the Legacy's 30 MPG.
2025 Subaru Legacy
Families focused on all-weather security will prefer the standard All-Wheel Drive system offered by the 2025 Subaru Legacy.
2025 Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata appeals more to performance-minded drivers with slightly higher output, generating 191 hp versus the Legacy's 182 hp.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy offers better inherent value by including All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment for only $90 less than the Sonata’s MSRP.
Choose the Hyundai Sonata if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the Sonata achieves 38 Highway MPG.
- You prefer the slightly roomier trunk, providing 15.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want a minor edge in responsiveness from the 191 hp engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- You regularly drive in adverse weather conditions that demand standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a slightly taller seating position, as the Legacy is 2.2 inches taller at 59.1 inches.
- You are looking for the lowest entry price point, as the Legacy starts $90 cheaper at $26,810.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Sonata | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.3" | 191.1" |
| Width | 73.2" | 72.4" |
| Height | 56.9" | 59.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 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) | 28/38 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 499.5/647.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 46.1 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 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 | 6-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.8 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.4 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/65R16 | 225/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
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. |
| 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 Sonata and 2025 Subaru Legacy.
Is the fuel economy difference significant between the 2025 Sonata and Legacy?
Yes, the Sonata has a distinct advantage here, achieving 32 combined MPG compared to the Legacy’s 30 combined MPG. This extra 2 MPG translates into fewer trips to the pump over the year, especially for high-mileage drivers.
Which sedan is better equipped for snowy or slippery roads?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is the clear winner for poor conditions because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The Hyundai Sonata is FWD only, which is generally less capable when traction is scarce.
How do the physical sizes of these two sedans compare?
The Sonata is slightly longer at 193.3 inches versus the Legacy’s 191.1 inches, giving it a marginal edge in overall presence. However, the Legacy is noticeably taller by over two inches, which might benefit headroom.
Is there a noticeable power difference between the standard engines?
The Sonata offers a slight performance advantage with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, beating the Legacy’s 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. While minor, this extra 9 hp could be felt during passing maneuvers.
How does the starting price compare for the base models?
The pricing is almost identical, but the Legacy squeaks in as the cheaper option at $26,810 compared to the Sonata’s $26,900 MSRP. This difference is essentially the price of gaining standard AWD capability.
Do these vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Hyundai Sonata and the 2025 Subaru Legacy are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping ownership costs predictable.
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