What To Know
- The front end features a bold grille, slim headlights, and a prominent lower air intake, while the rear boasts sleek taillights and a subtle spoiler.
- The front end features a familiar Subaru grille, sharp headlights, and a sculpted hood, while the rear is characterized by simple taillights and a modest trunk.
- While the system is user-friendly, it lacks some of the advanced features found in the Crown, such as wireless charging and a head-up display.
Choosing the right sedan can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two compelling options like the Toyota Crown and the Subaru Legacy. Both vehicles offer a blend of comfort, practicality, and reliability, but their distinct personalities and strengths cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the Toyota Crown vs Subaru Legacy, exploring their key features, performance, fuel efficiency, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Styling: A Tale of Two Approaches
The 2023 Toyota Crown marks a significant departure from its predecessor, adopting a sleek and modern design language. The fastback silhouette, sharp lines, and a low-slung stance give it a sporty and sophisticated appearance. The front end features a bold grille, slim headlights, and a prominent lower air intake, while the rear boasts sleek taillights and a subtle spoiler.
The Subaru Legacy, on the other hand, maintains a more traditional and understated design. Its boxier shape, conservative lines, and upright stance exude a sense of practicality and reliability. The front end features a familiar Subaru grille, sharp headlights, and a sculpted hood, while the rear is characterized by simple taillights and a modest trunk.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Focus on Functionality
The Toyota Crown‘s interior is a testament to modern luxury. It boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard is driver-focused, featuring a large digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is intuitive and responsive, offering seamless integration with smartphone apps and advanced features like wireless charging and a premium sound system.
The Subaru Legacy’s interior is equally comfortable and practical, prioritizing functionality over flashy features. It offers generous space for passengers and cargo, with durable materials and comfortable seats. The dashboard is straightforward and easy to navigate, featuring a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the system is user-friendly, it lacks some of the advanced features found in the Crown, such as wireless charging and a head-up display.
Performance and Handling: Power and Efficiency
The Toyota Crown offers a choice of two powertrains, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, delivering a smooth and efficient driving experience. For those seeking more power, the optional hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a combined output of 240 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
The Subaru Legacy is available with two engine options, both mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The base model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, delivering a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride. The optional 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers a more spirited performance with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Efficiency: A Close Call
Both the Toyota Crown and Subaru Legacy offer impressive fuel economy ratings. The Crown’s base model achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The hybrid powertrain further enhances fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 43 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined.
The Subaru Legacy‘s base model boasts a slightly better fuel economy rating of 30 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine delivers a more spirited performance but sacrifices some fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.
Safety and Technology: A Focus on Peace of Mind
Both the Toyota Crown and Subaru Legacy prioritize safety, boasting an array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Both vehicles come standard with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
The Toyota Crown offers additional safety features like a driver attention monitor, road sign assist, and a front-collision warning system with pedestrian detection. The Subaru Legacy also includes a driver attention monitor, a rear cross-traffic alert system, and a reverse automatic braking system.
The Verdict: Crown for Luxury, Legacy for Value
Choosing between the Toyota Crown and Subaru Legacy ultimately depends on your individual priorities. If you seek a stylish and luxurious sedan with advanced technology and a comfortable ride, the Toyota Crown is an excellent choice. It offers a premium experience, a smooth and efficient powertrain, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
However, if you prioritize practicality, value, and a spacious and functional interior, the Subaru Legacy might be a better fit. It offers a comfortable ride, a reliable powertrain, and impressive fuel economy at a more affordable price point.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Toyota Crown and Subaru Legacy are excellent options, the automotive market offers a diverse range of sedans to suit different needs and preferences. Consider exploring other contenders like the Honda Accord, the Mazda6, or the Hyundai Sonata, which offer unique strengths and features.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What is the starting price for the Toyota Crown and Subaru Legacy?
A: The starting price for the 2023 Toyota Crown is around $40,000, while the 2023 Subaru Legacy starts around $27,000.
Q: Which car is better for a family?
A: Both vehicles offer ample space for passengers and cargo, making them suitable for families. The Subaru Legacy might be a better choice for families who prioritize practicality and value, while the Toyota Crown offers a more luxurious and technologically advanced experience.
Q: Which car is better for a daily commute?
A: Both the Toyota Crown and Subaru Legacy are comfortable and fuel-efficient, making them ideal for daily commutes. The Crown’s hybrid powertrain offers even better fuel economy, while the Legacy’s standard engine delivers a smooth and efficient ride.
Q: Which car offers better off-road capabilities?
A: The Subaru Legacy, with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, offers better off-road capabilities compared to the Toyota Crown, which only offers front-wheel drive.
Q: Which car is more reliable?
A: Both Toyota and Subaru are known for their reliability and durability. However, based on J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, the Subaru Legacy consistently ranks higher than the Toyota Crown.
