Subaru Legacy vs. Toyota Avalon

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Legacy and Toyota Avalon 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 Legacy and the Toyota Avalon.

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

Pricing: A used 2022 Subaru Legacy ranges from $20,981 to $31,243 while a used 2022 Toyota Avalon is priced between $24,634 to $39,000.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Legacy loses 37.2 percent of its value and the Toyota Avalon loses 42.4 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Legacy retains 5.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Toyota Avalon.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Legacy is 8.4 out of 10 while the Toyota Avalon's quality rating is 9.2 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Legacy being ranked 9 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Toyota Avalon being ranked 1 out of 8 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Legacy is 8.1 out of 10. For the Toyota Avalon the reliability rating is 9.8 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Avalon an advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Legacy.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Legacy’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Toyota Avalon base engine makes 301 horsepower. The Legacy is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 648 miles. The Avalon is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. This gives the Subaru Legacy the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Toyota Avalon. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Legacy, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The Toyota Avalon, a large car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

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