2025 Subaru Legacy vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Subaru Legacy and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta rests in the $3,815 MSRP difference, with the Jetta starting at $22,995 versus the Legacy's $26,810. This cost difference accompanies varied performance profiles; the Legacy offers 24 more horsepower (182 hp vs. 158 hp) and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the Jetta counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG combined compared to the Legacy's 30 MPG combined. The Jetta also boasts higher efficiency on the highway at 39 MPG, slightly exceeding the Legacy's 35 MPG. Despite the Legacy's 1.0 cubic foot advantage in cargo space (15.1 cu ft vs. 14.1 cu ft), the Jetta utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission against the Legacy's standard CVT. Both vehicles run on regular unleaded, but their foundational architecture—AWD vs. FWD—remains the most critical mechanical separation.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, delivering 33 MPG combined versus the Legacy's 30 MPG combined.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The Legacy offers a slight advantage for families with 15.1 cu ft of cargo space and the security of standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The Legacy appeals more to driving enthusiasts with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque compared to the Jetta's 158 hp and 184 lb-ft.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta offers better baseline value with an MSRP that is $3,815 lower than the Legacy's starting price.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- Maximum all-weather traction is required due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- A higher output of 182 horsepower is preferred over the Jetta's 158 horsepower.
- You require the maximum available storage space, offering 15.1 cu ft of cargo volume.
Choose the Volkswagen Jetta if...
- Achieving the best possible fuel economy is paramount, with 39 MPG highway.
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is a priority, with an MSRP of $22,995.
- A traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Legacy | Volkswagen Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 186.5" |
| Width | 72.4" | 70.8" |
| Height | 59.1" | 57.7" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 105.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 158 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 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 | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 29/39 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 33 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 499.5/647.5 mi. | 382.8/514.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 53.0 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 51.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R | 205/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Legacy and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta.
How does the drivetrain difference affect daily driving between these two sedans?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing better traction in low-grip conditions. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta uses a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) system, which typically results in better fuel economy.
Which sedan is significantly more powerful on paper?
The Legacy holds a clear advantage in power output, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta is notably less powerful, generating only 158 horsepower, though it provides slightly more torque at 184 lb-ft.
What is the difference in long-term running costs based on fuel efficiency?
The Jetta is the clear winner in fuel efficiency, rated at 33 MPG combined (29 city/39 highway), compared to the Legacy's 30 MPG combined (27 city/35 highway).
How much larger is the Subaru Legacy physically than the Volkswagen Jetta?
The Legacy is physically larger, measuring 191.1 inches long and 72.4 inches wide, while the Jetta is shorter at 186.5 inches and narrower at 70.8 inches.
Is the Subaru Legacy significantly more expensive than the Jetta?
Yes, the starting MSRP for the 2025 Subaru Legacy is $26,810, which is $3,815 more than the Jetta's starting price of $22,995.
Do these models use the same type of automatic transmission?
No, they utilize different transmissions; the Legacy employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), whereas the Jetta uses a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic.
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