
Subaru has targeted the Mazda6, Altima, and Volkswagen Passat as the new Legacy's primary rivals—though the Passat is bowing out for 2011, to be replaced by a larger, more Americanized (and American-built) version for 2012.
Both the Mazda6 and Altima have a little more personality and more driving enjoyment than some of the other mid-size rivals like the Camry or Malibu.
With the CVT, the base 2.5i model gets better fuel economy with all-wheel drive than front-wheel-drive competitors.
TheCarConnection.com loves the new Mazda6's roomy interior and agile handling, but its interior isn't as well executed as in the Legacy; the same is true of the Fusion, though this Ford is an especially nice handler.
The Nissan Altima also has a smaller backseat; it has a sporty feel and handles well, but it's only offered with front-wheel drive.
Its interior is also somewhat drab on base models.
The Honda Accord is a paragon of mid-size sedan refinement, with a beautiful interior and responsive and fuel-efficient powertrains, but like most of these mid-size sedans, it's not offered with all-wheel drive.
The Camry retains one of the roomiest interiors, but it's not especially entertaining to drive and its interior materials are a step below those in most of these other models.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2011 Subaru Legacy is one of the best-handling mid-size sedans, and the only mainstream one to offer standard all-wheel drive. |
The 2011 Ford Fusion comes in a few finely developed flavors; Sport, Hybrid and base are a few of the best tastes. |
The 2011 Mazda Mazda6 is a great pick for practically-minded family-car shoppers who also value driving enjoyment. |
The 2011 Nissan Altima isn't quite as roomy as some mid-size rivals, but it's one of the sportiest-driving choices. |
The 2011 Toyota Camry isn’t at the leading edge in any way, but it remains one of the smartest mid-size sedan picks. |
MSRP From | ||||
$19,995 | $19,850 | $19,990 | $20,270 | $20,195 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas Flat 4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact | Mid-Size Sedan | Midsize | Midsize | Mid-Size |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan H4 Manual 2.5i | 4-Door Sedan S FWD | 4-Door Sedan Manual i Sport | 4-Door Sedan I4 CVT 2.5 | 4-Door Sedan I4 Manual (SE) |
Drivetrain | ||||
All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Continuously Variable | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2011 Subaru Legacy vs. 2011 Ford Fusion | 2011 Subaru Legacy vs. 2011 Mazda MAZDA6 | 2011 Subaru Legacy vs. 2011 Nissan Altima | 2011 Subaru Legacy vs. 2011 Toyota Camry |