2025 Subaru Legacy vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Subaru Legacy and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is fuel economy, with the Jetta achieving a 34 MPG combined versus the Legacy’s 30 MPG combined, translating to an annual difference of approximately 4 MPG. Conversely, the Legacy provides 24 more horsepower (182 hp vs. 158 hp) and utilizes standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the Jetta's Front-Wheel Drive configuration. Pricewise, the Jetta holds a substantial advantage, starting at an MSRP of $23,995 compared to the Legacy’s $26,810. While the Legacy offers slightly better torque at 176 lb-ft versus the Jetta's 164 lb-ft (Note: Jetta spec provided 184 lb-ft, Legacy spec provided 176 lb-ft), the Jetta counters with superior highway mileage at 40 MPG. Dimensionally, the Legacy is larger, measuring 191.1 inches long, while the Jetta offers a smaller footprint at 186.5 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
The 2026 Jetta wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG combined versus the Legacy's 30 MPG.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The 2025 Legacy is preferred for families because its standard All-Wheel Drive offers enhanced stability in varied weather conditions.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The Legacy appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, significantly more power than the Jetta's 158 hp.
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
The 2026 Jetta provides better objective value with a substantially lower MSRP of $23,995 compared to the Legacy's $26,810.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- All-weather traction is non-negotiable due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You require a more powerful engine setup, evidenced by its 182 hp output.
- You prefer a larger vehicle footprint, as the Legacy is 4.6 inches longer than the Jetta.
Choose the Volkswagen Jetta if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is the top priority, with a projected 40 MPG on the highway.
- Adhering to a stricter budget is necessary, given its $2,815 lower starting MSRP.
- You prefer the shiftable 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.
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 | 29/40 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 499.5/647.5 mi. | 382.8/528.0 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 | — |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| 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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta.
Which sedan offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is the clear efficiency leader, posting a 34 MPG combined rating compared to the 2025 Subaru Legacy’s 30 MPG combined. This 4 MPG advantage is most notable on the highway, where the Jetta reaches 40 MPG.
How does the power output compare between the two models?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy holds the performance advantage in horsepower, generating 182 hp, which is 24 hp more than the 2026 Jetta’s 158 hp. However, the Jetta surprisingly generates higher peak torque at 184 lb-ft against the Legacy's 176 lb-ft.
Is the AWD system in the Legacy worth the extra cost over the Jetta?
The Legacy includes standard All-Wheel Drive, appealing to drivers in snowy or low-traction environments, whereas the Jetta utilizes a standard Front-Wheel Drive setup. This AWD capability is a primary reason for the Legacy’s higher $26,810 MSRP.
What are the differences in price and cargo volume?
The Jetta is significantly more accessible at $23,995 MSRP, while the Legacy starts at $26,810. In terms of hauling space, the larger Legacy offers 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, slightly beating the Jetta's 14.1 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles use similar types of transmissions?
No, they employ different transmissions; the 2025 Legacy uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the 2026 Jetta utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Which car is physically larger overall?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is the larger vehicle in all external dimensions, measuring 191.1 inches in length and 72.4 inches in width. The 2026 Jetta is more compact at 186.5 inches long and 70.8 inches wide.
More Budget Sedans Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool