2025 Kia K5 vs 2025 Subaru Legacy

$27,190 · Sedan

$26,810 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia K5 and the 2025 Subaru Legacy is the base drivetrain architecture, as the K5 utilizes FWD while the Legacy standardizes on AWD. Performance figures show the K5 pulling ahead slightly with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Legacy's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. Pricing is extremely close, with the Legacy having a marginal advantage at $26,810 versus the K5's $27,190 MSRP. Fuel economy is nearly identical at 30 combined MPG for both, although the K5 ekes out better highway efficiency at 37 MPG versus the Legacy’s 35 MPG. Dimensionally, the K5 is longer at 193.1 inches versus 191.1 inches, while the Legacy is noticeably taller at 59.1 inches compared to the K5's 56.9 inches. Cargo space marginally favors the K5 at 15.6 cu ft against 15.1 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia K5

The 2025 Kia K5 is the better choice for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy rating of 37 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Legacy

The 2025 Subaru Legacy offers greater practical security with its standard All-Wheel Drive system, a crucial feature for diverse family conditions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia K5

The Kia K5 provides a small performance edge with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Legacy's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy is the slightly better value proposition, costing $380 less than the Kia K5 at the base MSRP.

Choose the Kia K5 if...

You prioritize slightly higher power figures, specifically 191 horsepower.
Maximizing highway fuel efficiency is a goal, as the K5 achieves 37 MPG highway.
You prefer the traditional feel and maintenance profile of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Subaru Legacy if...

All-Wheel Drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for traction.
You seek the lowest possible entry price, with an MSRP of $26,810.
You prefer a taller ride height, as the Legacy stands at 59.1 inches compared to 56.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia K5	Subaru Legacy
Length	193.1"	191.1"
Width	73.2"	72.4"
Height	56.9"	59.1"
Wheelbase	112.2"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable 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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	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	Kia	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	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/37 MPG	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	410.8/584.6 mi.	499.5/647.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	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	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	46.1 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.6 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
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	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	P205/65R	225/55R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia K5 and 2025 Subaru Legacy.

Which sedan offers superior traction in adverse weather conditions?

The 2025 Subaru Legacy is the superior choice for adverse weather because it comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The 2025 Kia K5 is equipped only with Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

How does the horsepower output compare between the base models?

The 2025 Kia K5 has a slight power advantage, delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Subaru Legacy produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque from its engine.

Is the difference in fuel economy significant for daily driving?

The difference is minimal, with both achieving a combined 30 MPG. However, the K5 edges out the Legacy by 2 MPG on the highway (37 MPG vs. 35 MPG), while the Legacy is marginally better in the city (27 MPG vs. 26 MPG).

What is the primary mechanical difference in the transmissions?

The Kia K5 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Subaru Legacy is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).