Subaru Legacy vs. Volkswagen Passat

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat.

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

Pricing: A used 2022 Subaru Legacy ranges from $20,981 to $31,243 while a used 2022 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $17,888 to $26,226.

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 Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 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 Volkswagen Passat.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Legacy is 8.4 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Legacy being ranked 9 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Legacy is 8.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Legacy a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Legacy’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The Legacy is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 648 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the Subaru Legacy the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. 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 front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the areas of rear head room cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Legacy has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.