Kia Optima vs. Subaru Legacy

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and Subaru Legacy contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Optima and the Subaru Legacy.

When comparing the Kia Optima's and the Subaru Legacy's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Legacy has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Subaru Legacy's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Legacy is a better car than the Kia Optima.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $13,949 to $22,944 while a used 2020 Subaru Legacy is priced between $16,933 to $27,332.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value and the Subaru Legacy loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Legacy retains 5.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Subaru Legacy's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Subaru Legacy being ranked 9 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Subaru Legacy the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Legacy a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the Subaru Legacy base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Legacy is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 648 miles. This gives the Subaru Legacy the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Optima. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Subaru Legacy has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Kia Optima and Subaru Legacy are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Kia Optima and the Subaru Legacy have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.