2025 Nissan Versa vs 2025 Subaru Legacy
Comparison Overview
Deciding between affordability and capability is a classic struggle, and the 2025 Nissan Versa ($17,390 MSRP) versus the 2025 Subaru Legacy ($26,810 MSRP) perfectly illustrates this trade-off. The $9,420 price gap is substantial, positioning the Versa as a budget champion. While both sedans share an identical 30 MPG combined fuel economy, the Legacy compensates for its higher entry cost with a significantly more potent powertrain, offering 182 hp compared to the Versa's 122 hp, giving it a 60 hp advantage. The Legacy is also a larger vehicle overall, measuring 191.1 inches long versus the Versa's 177.0 inches, which translates to marginally more passenger/cargo space, though both offer nearly identical trunk sizes at 15.1 cu ft and 14.7 cu ft, respectively. For drivers prioritizing rock-bottom ownership costs, the Versa is the clear entry point, while those needing all-weather assurance and more muscle lean toward the AWD-equipped Legacy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Versa
The 2025 Nissan Versa wins for commuters due to its dramatically lower $17,390 MSRP, making the entry point to daily driving significantly cheaper.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is better for families because its larger dimensions (191.1 inches long) and standard All-Wheel Drive offer greater security and presence on the road.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is the choice for enthusiasts, delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, a massive jump over the Versa's 122 hp.
2025 Nissan Versa
The 2025 Nissan Versa offers superior pure value by delivering the same 30 MPG combined efficiency for nearly $9,420 less.
Choose the Nissan Versa if...
- You must keep the initial purchase price under $18,000, as the MSRP starts at just $17,390.
- You prioritize efficiency above all else and don't need All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer the engagement of a traditional 5-speed manual transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for your climate or driving style.
- You desire significantly more passing power, with 182 hp readily available.
- You need a slightly larger footprint, as the Legacy is 191.1 inches long compared to the Versa's 177.0 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Versa | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.0" | 191.1" |
| Width | 68.5" | 72.4" |
| Height | 57.3" | 59.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.1" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Drum Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 114 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 | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 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) | 27/35 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 291.6/378.0 mi. | 499.5/647.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.8 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 50.9 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 | 36.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 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 Dimensions | 15 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P195/65R15 | 225/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Versa and 2025 Subaru Legacy.
Is the huge price difference between the 2025 Versa and Legacy justified by the fuel economy?
No, based on the provided data, both cars achieve an identical 30 MPG combined. The $9,420 price difference is purely for the Legacy's additional power, size, and standard All-Wheel Drive system.
How does the performance gap between these two sedans affect highway driving?
The 2025 Legacy is significantly stronger, packing 182 hp versus the Versa's 122 hp. This 60 hp advantage means the Legacy will accelerate and merge much more comfortably than the smaller Versa, especially when fully loaded.
Since both cars get 30 MPG combined, why choose the Versa's manual transmission?
The manual transmission in the Versa is primarily an enthusiast or budget choice; while both achieve the same 30 MPG combined, the Legacy uses a CVT to optimize its fuel use with its more powerful engine.
Which car is genuinely better for winter driving conditions?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is the better choice for winter due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system, offering superior traction compared to the front-wheel drive configuration of the Nissan Versa.
Do I lose much cargo space by choosing the more affordable Versa?
Not really; the 2025 Versa offers 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is just shy of the Legacy's 15.1 cubic feet. The difference is negligible for typical daily errands and grocery runs.
What is the primary tradeoff for paying $26,810 for the Legacy over the $17,390 Versa?
You are paying roughly $9,420 more for the substantial gains in performance (182 hp vs. 122 hp) and the security provided by the All-Wheel Drive system, features the Versa lacks.
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