2025 Nissan Altima vs 2025 Subaru Legacy

$27,000 · Sedan

$26,810 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Nissan Altima and the 2025 Subaru Legacy often boils down to whether you prioritize fuel savings or all-weather security. The Altima starts slightly higher at an MSRP of $27,000 compared to the Legacy's $26,810, but it claws back efficiency points, achieving 32 combined MPG versus the Legacy's 30 combined MPG. Power seekers might note the Altima's marginally higher output with 188 horsepower versus the Legacy’s 182 hp, although both utilize CVT automatics. Where they fundamentally diverge is the drivetrain; the Altima sticks to front-wheel drive, while the Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive. Cargo space is nearly identical, with the Altima offering 15.4 cu ft to the Legacy's 15.1 cu ft. For snowy climates or slick roads, that standard AWD on the Legacy is a major factor overriding the Altima's slightly better fuel economy numbers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Altima

The 2025 Nissan Altima wins for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy of 39 MPG, saving money over long daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Legacy

The 2025 Subaru Legacy is better suited for families needing reliable traction in varied conditions because it comes standard with all-wheel drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Altima

Enthusiasts will marginally prefer the Altima as it offers slightly more peak output with 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Legacy

The 2025 Subaru Legacy provides better inherent value by including standard all-wheel drive for $190 less than the Altima's starting MSRP.

Choose the Nissan Altima if...

You are a highway commuter focused purely on maximizing miles per gallon, targeting the Altima's 39 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a slightly more responsive feel, thanks to the Altima having 188 horsepower versus the Legacy's 182 hp.
You need the smallest exterior footprint, as the Altima is nearly 2 inches shorter in overall length (192.9 inches vs 191.1 inches).

Choose the Subaru Legacy if...

You live in an area with frequent snow, ice, or poor road conditions, making the standard all-wheel drive crucial.
You want to save upfront, as the Legacy starts $190 cheaper at $26,810 MSRP.
You prefer a slightly taller ride height, given the Legacy's 59.1-inch height compared to the Altima's 56.7 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Altima	Subaru Legacy
Length	192.9"	191.1"
Width	72.9"	72.4"
Height	56.7"	59.1"
Wheelbase	111.2"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	188 hp @ 6000 rpm	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	180 lb-ft @ 3600 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	Nissan	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/39 MPG	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	32 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	437.4/631.8 mi.	499.5/647.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.2 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	43.8 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 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

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.5 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R16	225/55R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Altima and 2025 Subaru Legacy.

Is the Nissan Altima more fuel-efficient than the Subaru Legacy?

Yes, the 2025 Nissan Altima edges out the Legacy in overall efficiency, boasting a combined 32 MPG versus the Legacy’s 30 combined MPG. The Altima specifically offers 39 MPG on the highway, while the Legacy manages 35 MPG on the highway.

Does the standard drivetrain make a difference between these two sedans?

Absolutely; the Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), which is a significant advantage for grip in poor weather. The Altima utilizes a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup for its base model.

How close are the starting prices for the 2025 models?

The prices are very competitive, with the 2025 Subaru Legacy starting slightly lower at $26,810 compared to the 2025 Nissan Altima's MSRP of $27,000.

Which sedan offers more power under the hood?

The 2025 Nissan Altima has a slight performance edge, delivering 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Subaru Legacy produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Is there a noticeable difference in trunk space?

The cargo capacities are very similar, making either a good choice for groceries or weekend gear. The Altima offers 15.4 cubic feet, which is just marginally larger than the Legacy’s 15.1 cubic feet.