What To Know
- The Elantra’s suspension provides a balanced blend of comfort and responsiveness, while the Legacy’s suspension leans towards a more composed and stable feel, especially on winding roads.
- It boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin with plush seats and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers.
- The Hyundai Elantra offers a competitive starting price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Choosing the right sedan can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular contenders like the Hyundai Elantra vs Subaru Legacy. Both offer a compelling blend of style, practicality, and value, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each vehicle, helping you determine which one aligns better with your driving style and lifestyle.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Engines
The Hyundai Elantra boasts a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 147 horsepower, paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. While the Elantra delivers decent acceleration for daily driving, it lacks the punchier performance of the Legacy.
The Subaru Legacy comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower, mated to a CVT. This engine provides a more spirited driving experience, offering smoother acceleration and better passing power. For those seeking even more power, the Legacy offers an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 260 horsepower. This engine delivers exhilarating performance, making the Legacy a true standout in the segment.
When it comes to handling, both cars offer a comfortable ride. The Elantra’s suspension provides a balanced blend of comfort and responsiveness, while the Legacy’s suspension leans towards a more composed and stable feel, especially on winding roads.
Fuel Efficiency: A Close Race
The Hyundai Elantra boasts impressive fuel economy figures, achieving an estimated 33 mpg combined. This makes it a fuel-efficient option for daily commuting and longer road trips.
The Subaru Legacy also delivers respectable fuel economy, with the standard engine achieving an estimated 30 mpg combined. The optional turbocharged engine, while offering more power, sacrifices some fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 27 mpg combined.
Interior Comfort and Features: Spaciousness and Technology
The Hyundai Elantra offers a comfortable and well-designed interior. The front seats provide ample support, and the rear seats offer enough space for adults. The cabin features a user-friendly infotainment system with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.
The Subaru Legacy takes interior comfort and features to a new level. It boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin with plush seats and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The infotainment system comes standard with a 11.6-inch touchscreen, offering a larger display for navigation and multimedia functions. The Legacy also includes a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Safety and Reliability: A Focus on Peace of Mind
Both the Hyundai Elantra and **Subaru Legacy** excel in safety. The Elantra has earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to its standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
The Subaru Legacy has also consistently achieved top safety ratings. It comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The Legacy’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system provides added stability and control in challenging weather conditions.
In terms of reliability, both brands have a solid track record. Hyundai has made significant strides in improving its reliability in recent years, while Subaru continues to be known for its durable and dependable vehicles.
Price and Value: A Competitive Landscape
The Hyundai Elantra offers a competitive starting price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The base model starts at around $20,000, while higher trims can reach the mid-$20,000 range.
The Subaru Legacy has a slightly higher starting price, with the base model starting at around $23,000. The top-of-the-line trims can reach the mid-$30,000 range. However, the Legacy offers more standard features and a more luxurious interior, justifying its higher price tag.
The Verdict: Finding the Perfect Fit
Ultimately, the best choice between the Hyundai Elantra vs Subaru Legacy depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if you’re looking for:
- A fuel-efficient and affordable sedan
- A comfortable and well-designed interior
- A balance of comfort and handling
Choose the Subaru Legacy if you’re looking for:
- More power and a sportier driving experience
- A spacious and luxurious interior
- Advanced safety features and a reliable reputation
- All-wheel drive for added traction and stability
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Hyundai Elantra and Subaru Legacy are excellent choices, it’s worth considering other options in the same segment. Some notable competitors include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3. These cars offer similar features and benefits, providing you with a wider range of options to choose from.
The Final Chapter: Finding Your Ideal Sedan
The choice between the Hyundai Elantra and Subaru Legacy boils down to your individual priorities and driving needs. Both cars offer a compelling blend of style, practicality, and value, making them worthy contenders in the competitive sedan market. By carefully considering your preferences and budget, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect sedan for your daily adventures.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the difference in cargo space between the Elantra and Legacy?
A: The Subaru Legacy offers significantly more cargo space with 17.4 cubic feet compared to the Hyundai Elantra‘s 14.2 cubic feet.
Q: Which car is better for families?
A: The Subaru Legacy is generally considered better for families due to its spacious interior, ample cargo space, and comprehensive safety features.
Q: Does the Elantra offer all-wheel drive?
A: No, the Hyundai Elantra is only available with front-wheel drive.
Q: Which car has a better warranty?
A: Both Hyundai and Subaru offer competitive warranties, with Hyundai offering a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and Subaru offering a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Q: Which car is better for driving in snowy conditions?
A: The Subaru Legacy, with its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system, is better suited for driving in snowy conditions.
