Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Legacy
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester and the Subaru Legacy.
When we compare the Subaru Forester's and the Subaru Legacy's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Legacy has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the Subaru Legacy's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Subaru Legacy.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Forester ranges from $35,568 to $45,694 while a used 2025 Subaru Legacy is priced between $24,999 to $34,318. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $37,165 and $46,234, with the Subaru Legacy priced between $28,193 and $40,533.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 39.5 percent of its value and the Subaru Legacy loses 40.8 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 1.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Legacy.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.2 out of 10 while the Subaru Legacy's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 1 out of 14 Best Hybrid Small SUVs and the Subaru Legacy being ranked 3 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.0 out of 10. For the Subaru Legacy the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Legacy.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 194 horsepower, and the Subaru Legacy base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 564 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 Forester the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Subaru Legacy the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Subaru Legacy has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Legacy have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37165 - 46234
Starting MSRP:
36595
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
35699
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
28495 - 44565
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
28193 - 40533
Starting MSRP:
26810
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
26816
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
24700 - 28295
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
40574
Price Range:
35568 - 45694
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
39518
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
33748 - 52824
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
10513
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
922
# Good or Great Deals:
415
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
28843
Price Range:
24999 - 34318
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
27493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
25110 - 29237
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14536
Depreciation %:
0.39721732
Resale Value $:
22059
Residual Value %:
0.60278268
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.36835733
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.30618901 - 0.53124407
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
11029
Depreciation %:
0.41136945
Resale Value $:
15781
Residual Value %:
0.58863055
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
0.43738499
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
0.35336067 - 0.49749174
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Legacy Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
7.5 - 14.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Legacy
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
7.8 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.159
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.991300032850205
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
3.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2.2 - 19.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.447757589536007
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.6 - 7.3
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
32 out of / 36Subaru Legacy Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Limited Hybrid, Premium Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Touring Hybrid
Subaru Legacy Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring XT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
194 hp
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
35 / 34 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
581 / 564 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
500 / 648 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
27.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
120.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3873 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
183.3 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3492 lbs
Width:
81.8 inches
Height:
59.1 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R17
Exterior Colors
Beige
River Rock Pearl
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Daybreak Blue Pearl
Gold
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Autumn Green Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gold
Not available
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Gray
Not available
