2019 Subaru Legacy vs Honda Accord

Despite the rising popularity of crossovers, midsize sedans still appeal to American families. While shopping for a new sedan, the Honda Accord is often one of the first names that come to mind. Not only is the new Accord a great family car, but it’s engaging to drive. Although the Subaru Legacy may not be a big seller like the Accord, it’s a worthy choice nonetheless. In this comparison, we’ll see if the 2019 Honda Accord is really better than the 2019 Subaru Legacy.

The Powertrain

In the eyes of some people, the 2019 Honda Accord offers more fun than any other car in the segment. Honda allows you to choose from a pair of turbo four-cylinder engines. Its base 1.5-liter engine cranks out 192 horsepower and more than 190 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, opting for the larger 2.0-liter engine increases production to 252 ponies and 273 lb-ft of torque.

The 2019 Subaru Legacy also has two available powertrains. Subaru rates the base four-cylinder to generate 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Drivers seeking a more forceful performance will want the six-cylinder engine, which produces 256 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque.

When it comes to overall performance, the 2019 Honda Accord is a few strides ahead of the 2019 Subaru Legacy. It’s definitely quicker off the line. Test drivers have clocked the Accord 2.0T with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. By comparison, the Legacy can reach 60 mph in around 7.0 seconds. Legacy models equipped with a four-cylinder engine have a rather slow 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds.

Honda also offers the most engaging transmissions. While its base engine uses an automatic CVT, the stronger engine is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. You can also get the Accord Sport with a six-speed manual, which is quite fun to shift. Every Legacy receives an automatic CVT.

The new Accord is a fuel saver. When equipped with an automatic CVT, it can return a combined 33 mpg. Meanwhile, expect the four-cylinder Legacy to average a combined 29 mpg. Despite giving up some fuel economy to the Accord, the Legacy is efficient for an AWD-equipped family sedan.

Wet-weather traction is one area where the Subaru Legacy clearly outclasses the Honda Accord. Every trim in the lineup comes standard with Symmetrical all-wheel drive. When traveling on snowy roads, the Legacy will be able to maintain the best traction. Front-wheel drive is standard on every new Accord. Drivers facing a rough winter should definitely consider the Legacy.

In terms of braking performance, the Accord has an advantage over the Legacy. Its brakes inspire a great deal of confidence during emergencies. While the Legacy’s brakes are smooth, they do not feel as strong.

Honda takes pride in producing dependable vehicles. Based on the latest predicted reliability scores, the new Accord will have fewer problems than the Legacy. This is especially true for drivers who plan to keep their car for at least a few years. Subpar reliability ratings make the Legacy a less rewarding choice in the long run.

When comparing the Accord and the Legacy, car shoppers will notice these sedans offer the same warranty protection. This includes a 60,000-mile warranty for the powertrain and a 36,000-mile limited warranty.

Drivability

Like the majority of cars in this segment, the 2019 Honda Accord and the 2019 Subaru Legacy are easy to drive. Although the Legacy may not have the Accord’s fun factor, its overall drivability is solid. A tighter turning circle actually makes the Legacy a bit easier to operate in tight spots.

Around curves, the Honda Accord immediately showcases its superior road handling. It almost feels as nimble as a sports sedan. Honda equips the Touring trim with an adaptive suspension, which features a sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. This is a family sedan that driving enthusiasts will love. Although the Subaru Legacy may not be a pure athlete like the Accord, it still handles well for a family car. Most drivers will find the Legacy to be easy to control.

In regard to ride comfort, these sedans are neck and neck. Like the Accord, the Legacy is a very smooth performer on the highway. It excels at soaking up battered city streets as well. There’s also not a great deal of road noise heard inside the cabin. Although these are not full-blown luxury cars, they are nearly just as comfy.

Expect the Subaru Legacy to offer amazing seat comfort. Excellent cushioning and impressive lateral support help every driver to feel at ease. Even on long drives, the Legacy never feels stiff. Drivers will also enjoy being behind the wheel of the Honda Accord. While its seats are nice, they are not as plush as those found in the Legacy. However, only the new Accord offers the coolness of ventilated front seats.

Both cars provide outstanding forward visibility. Drivers will have a wide, unobstructed view of the street. However, the Subaru Legacy does have fewer blind spots from the rear. Its slim roof pillars help drivers to better see vehicles approaching from behind.

Most families will not complain about the spaciousness of either of these sedans. However, the Honda Accord does offer an extra 2.3 inches of legroom for folks sitting in the rear. This may catch the attention of tall families. There’s also more space in the Accord’s trunk.

While behind the wheel of the new Subaru Legacy, drivers will grow to appreciate its excellent Starlink touchscreen. Large buttons and a bright display make it a joy to use. While the standard 6.5-inch touchscreen may be a bit too small for some people, a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen is found on most trim. The Honda Accord’s Display Audio infotainment system is also very satisfying. However, its voice controls don’t work the best.

Despite its superb infotainment system, the Subaru Legacy doesn’t offer certain features. Only the Honda Accord offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and a head-up driving display. These niceties promote a more luxurious driving experience. Both cars are available with a premium sound system.

Safety

These sedans excel in the safety department. Like its counterpart, the 2019 Subaru Legacy received the NHTSA’s highest safety rating. However, a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS gives the Legacy a slight edge over the Accord. Testers found the Legacy to deliver the best headlight performance. Available turn-adapting headlights help drivers to better spot obstacles in the dark.

Valuable safety technologies come standard on both the Accord and the Legacy. Drivers will enjoy automatic collision braking, intelligent cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Honda also adds Road Departure Mitigation to the Accord’s list of standard accident-avoidance technologies. This system helps prevent you from driving off the paved road.

While blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on both cars, only Subaru offers reverse automatic emergency braking. The system intervenes when approaching unseen obstacles, which makes backing up a safer experience.

Drivers also shouldn’t ignore the potential benefits of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system. The extra grip will lower the driver’s stress levels on snowy days. It’ll also help ensure better traction in the rain.

Which Has the Best Value?

Prices for the new Subaru Legacy start at an estimated $22,545. This isn’t a bad price for a feature-packed family car. Meanwhile, Honda lists the Accord with a starting MSRP of $23,720. Some car shoppers may find the Legacy to be a better value. They stand to save more than $1,000.

Let’s examine what the base Legacy brings to the table. Its standard infotainment system provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone support. Other highlights include satellite radio, a backup camera, and four USB ports. Don’t forget about Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive system.

The Accord also gives buyers a good amount of standard equipment for the money. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto do not come standard. Satellite radio is also not found on the base Accord. Furthermore, there’s only a single USB port in the Accord. You’ll find two USB ports in the front of the Legacy and two in the rear. This is a big plus for families.

While both sedans have a sport trim in the lineup, the Accord Sport is a tad less expensive. However, blind-spot monitoring does come standard on the Legacy Sport.

Drivers who demand more luxury will be deciding between the Accord Touring and Legacy Limited. While the Accord Touring starts at slightly less than $36,000, the Legacy Limited has a sticker price of $29,245. Opting for the Legacy Limited’s stronger six-cylinder engine increases the sedan’s cost to $31,500.

Although there’s no overlooking the Legacy Limited’s affordability, the Accord offers more creature comforts. Some of the Accord Touring goodies include ventilated seat cushions, built-in Wi-Fi, and a head-up display.

Remember, the Honda Accord is among today’s most affordable sedans to own. Its yearly cost of maintenance is very affordable. Because of the Subaru Legacy’s lower predicted reliability ratings, drivers may have to spend more money on repairs in the long run.

Which is Better?

Before we pick the best car, let’s first recap what they have to offer. When it comes to driving fun, the 2019 Honda Accord is a major step above the 2019 Subaru Legacy. Slower acceleration and less responsive handling put the Legacy at a disadvantage. Furthermore, only the Accord offers an engaging manual transmission. On the plus side, Subaru equips the Legacy with a confidence-inspiring AWD system. Whether creeping through the snow or driving down a rain-soaked a highway, drivers will have extra peace of mind.

Styling will also factor into a car shopper’s decision. While some drivers will like the Subaru Legacy’s reserved exterior appearance, others will desire more flair. Even the Legacy Sport still doesn’t look very aggressive. The Honda Accord’s fastback roof and sleeker profile may favor younger buyers. A slick set of 19-inch alloy wheels and chrome exhaust tips help the Accord Sport to stand out.

Although the base Legacy does not cost as much money, its reliability falls short. Nevertheless, some people will not be able to ignore the Legacy’s more rewarding list of standard equipment. Drivers will especially enjoy its smartphone-friendly infotainment system and satellite radio. To get these popular goodies, Accord buyers must step up to the more expensive Accord Sport.

In terms of accommodating families, both cars are worthy of a long road trip. While the Honda Accord’s extra rear-seat legroom may entice some people, don’t overlook the Subaru Legacy’s extremely comfortable seats.

Now comes the moment of truth. After evaluating the pros and cons of both sedans, the 2019 Honda Accord tops the 2019 Subaru Legacy. It offers a more engaging performance, better reliability, and packs more luxury.