2012 Subaru Legacy vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

With the Legacy's somewhat larger size and refocused, more value-driven presentation, it now has mainstream models like the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry in its sights.

But the Mazda Mazda6 is probably its most direct rival.

Like the Legacy, the Mazda6 is a little more exciting to drive yet has a roomy interior.

However, none of these other mid-size models comes with all-wheel drive.

The Volkswagen Passat is one rival; but in its present version, it's a more conventional, value-oriented model.

Simply put, the Legacy offers 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.

Against, the new Camry, the Legacy has a comparable package and feature set, but the all-wheel drive can again be a deal-breaker.

The Camry's interior appointments are also no better.

The Nissan Altima 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.