2025 Subaru Legacy vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Legacy rockets into the ring boasting a spirited 182 horsepower from its standard Boxer engine, offering predictable, confidence-inspiring grip via its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive—a true all-weather warrior starting at $26,810. Conversely, the slicker, more agile 2026 Hyundai Elantra captivates with pure efficiency, delivering an outstanding 35 MPG combined while commanding a lower MSRP of just $22,625. The Legacy's footprint is marginally larger at 191.1 inches long, yet it sacrifices efficiency, achieving only 30 MPG combined compared to the Elantra's significant 5 MPG advantage. While the Elantra prioritizes economy with 147 hp, the Legacy’s 35 horsepower advantage promises a more engaging drive, even if both feature a CVT. The difference boils down to capability versus economy in this sedan showdown.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Elantra
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra wins for daily commutes due to its superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy and lower running costs.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy offers marginally more interior space and the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for family safety.
2025 Subaru Legacy
With 182 hp and standard AWD, the Subaru Legacy delivers a demonstrably more robust and engaging performance experience than the Elantra's 147 hp FWD setup.
2026 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra offers superior value, costing $4,185 less upfront while providing better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- You prioritize year-round driving security provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You need the slightly superior power output of 182 hp for highway merging.
- You prefer a larger exterior presence, with a total length of 191.1 inches.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- Your primary goal is maximizing fuel economy, hitting 40 MPG on the highway.
- You want the lowest possible entry price point at $22,625.
- You prefer a slightly smaller, more maneuverable footprint with a height of 55.7 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Legacy | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 185.4" |
| Width | 72.4" | 71.9" |
| Height | 59.1" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 31/40 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 499.5/647.5 mi. | 384.4/496.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| 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 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 53.4 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 50.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 15 x 6.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R | 195/65R15 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Legacy and 2026 Hyundai Elantra.
How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Legacy and the 2026 Elantra?
The difference is quite noticeable; the Legacy puts out 182 hp, which is a substantial 35 hp advantage over the Elantra's 147 hp rating. While both utilize a CVT, the Legacy will feel noticeably punchier, especially when accelerating onto busy roads.
Is the Subaru Legacy’s standard AWD worth the higher price over the FWD Elantra?
For drivers in snowy climates or challenging road conditions, the All-Wheel Drive is invaluable for enhanced traction. However, you pay $4,185 more upfront for this feature, compared to the Elantra's FWD layout.
Which sedan saves more money at the pump over the course of a year?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra clearly wins on fuel savings, achieving 35 MPG combined versus the Legacy’s 30 MPG combined. This 5 MPG difference accumulates quickly over extended driving.
How does the cargo capacity compare for weekend trips?
The Legacy offers a slight edge in cargo space, providing 15.1 cubic feet compared to the Elantra's 14.2 cubic feet. While both are modest, the Legacy offers nearly an extra cubic foot for luggage.
Are the driving dynamics drastically different due to the size disparity?
Yes, the Legacy is longer (191.1 inches) and taller (59.1 inches), suggesting a more planted, traditionally sized sedan feel. The Elantra is shorter (185.4 inches) and lower (55.7 inches), which often translates to a nimbler, more eager feeling in tight turns.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Subaru Legacy and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra are specified to run perfectly well on regular unleaded gasoline, keeping ownership costs predictable.
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