Starting at
Starting at
| 32 | Fuel Economy (mpg) | 30 |
| 15.4 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 15.1 |
| 178-180 | Torque (lb-ft) | 176 |
The history of the automobile is one of innovation, change, and creative minds striving to be the very best at what they do. Two manufacturers who have exemplified these traits are Nissan and Subaru. The Japanese-based companies have both made unique contributions to the industry. Subaru, which started in the 1950s, has made a name for itself with its AWD drivetrains and high-performance boxer engines. Nissan, which was first marketed in America under the name Datsun, has always had a keen eye for technological innovation. From talking cars to advanced driver assistance packages, it has always had its eyes on the prize.
The competitive spirit that exists between the two rivals has continued to this very day. This contest is what we'll be examining today. While many manufacturers are turning their creative focus to developing and producing smaller and more compact SUVs, the four-door sedan is still an ideal choice for consumers, and both companies have invested a great deal of time and energy into developing models that offer their drivers more. It's a sedan showdown as we present the 2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Subaru Legacy. Only one can be declared a winner, so let's begin.
From the earliest days, the four-door sedan has always focused on practicality. The bottom line is to provide consumers with a reliable form of transportation that's cost-effective and allows for a higher quality of life. Of course, luxury and amenities are to be had as well, depending upon which make and model you decide to go with. The appraisal of any vehicle, no matter what type it might be, all comes down to the powertrain. This is where performance, fuel consumption, and reliability are all important variables for a buyer making an informed decision.
For the Subaru Legacy, two engines are available that appear to be geared toward both types of drivers. For those who favor practicality, a 2.5L four-cylinder engine is available on the base trim levels. This provides acceptable power and a fuel economy of 30 MPG combined. For those who favor a little more kick in their commute, Subaru offers a 2.4L turbocharged engine with an impressive 260 hp. This performance gap between the two engines is considerable, but there is also fuel economy to consider. The turbocharged Legacy only gets 27 MPG combined, a noticeable drop from the base powertrain.
Like its competitor, the Nissan Altima comes with two engine options. The base offering for fans of Nissan is a 2.5L four-cylinder engine capable of up to 188 hp. This outperforms the Legacy's 2.5L introductory offering, which maxes out at 182 hp. Not only does the Altima have an edge over the Legacy in terms of performance with its base offering, but the vehicle is also more conservative with its fuel consumption. Its rated fuel economy of up to 32 MPG is far more efficient than the results from the Legacy and can result in significant savings as you rack up the miles.
Much like the Legacy, the Altima has an option for those who favor performance. A turbocharged 2.0L engine generates 248 hp. While falling slightly short of the Legacy's turbocharged engine, the fuel economy of 29 MPG combined shows that Nissan has the ability to offer performance and economy in the same package. The biggest advantage that the Altima offers consumers is its variety. Nissan does offer AWD, but FWD is standard. This means that consumers can choose which drivetrain is best for them. The lack of options from Subaru certainly doesn't make for much in the way of variety.
Aside from performance, one of the other determining factors in choosing the ideal four-door sedan is its interior. Sure, a vehicle might look exquisite on the outside, but it's behind the wheel where you'll be spending most of your time. Whether your commute involves going down the street or across state lines, being comfortable and possessing a pleasing aesthetic is quite essential. While both vehicles have powertrains that are similar to one another, the interior designs are pretty different.
The interior of the Subaru Legacy operates on the thesis that style comes with a price tag. For the base models, an infotainment screen that measures seven inches serves as the anchor for an interior that appears cramped. The sloping windshield that makes the interior resemble a starfighter is undoubtedly appealing to some but does little to distract the driver from the small compartment they have to place themselves into. For those who desire to be pampered in the lap of luxury, upper trim levels roll out the red carpet. A leather interior will undoubtedly capture the aesthetic of an upscale sedan, but there's an unsightly eyesore in the form of an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Unlike other infotainment centers in the industry, the Legacy has one that's vertical and seems more like a distraction than anything else.
If the Legacy's interior is cumbersome and somewhat awkward, then the Nissan Altima is ideal, practical, and a near-perfect fit. The eight-inch infotainment screen is placed perfectly at the dashboard, allowing for easy access from the driver and passenger seats. The space someone has behind the wheel is nowhere as cramped as the Legacy but is cozy and ideal for the driver who will be driving for a considerable length of time. Pinpointing the exact origins of the Altima's interior design is unknown, but it seems to have more in common with expensive luxury models. Balancing practicality and comfort, it's quite literally the best of both worlds.
Comfort and performance are virtues to admire about any vehicle you plan on purchasing. Across the industry, manufacturers are continually striving for the latest and greatest technological innovations to ensure safety and make the driving experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Subaru and Nissan offer their respective vehicles the latest achievements in this field. Let's get technical, shall we?
Of course, the most impressive feat associated with Subaru is its symmetrical AWD system. For the 2022 model year, the brand certainly doesn't hold anything back in terms of offering a wide variety of features that are meant to make your commute much more enjoyable. The Legacy comes equipped with many features that are now standard practice across the industry. The Legacy offers compatibility with both Apple and Android systems, so you'll be available to take all of the advantages of your smartphone on the road with you. The Altima features these as well, so to have a definitive answer as to which vehicle has the better tech features, we'll be examining the suites that each manufacturer equips their vehicles with.
The 2022 Subaru Legacy comes with a suite known as Subaru EyeSight. By utilizing camera and radar systems, this suite of features offers some of the best technology for collision avoidance. Using radar and camera systems, EyeSight monitors traffic patterns and lane marking to ensure you never miss your mark when you're on the road. The statistics presented by JD Power certainly speak to its effectiveness, as it reduced pedestrian collisions by as much as 35%. Pre-collision throttle management ensures that should a collision occur or you lose control, your vehicle's momentum will be slowed by a considerable amount.
With such an impressive showing from Subaru, what does the Altima offer in return? The 2022 Nissan Altima comes equipped with Nissan ProPilot Assist. Nissan has always strived for perfection when it comes to technology, and this suite of features reaffirms this. Utilizing cameras, radar, and sensors, ProPilot Assist offers Intelligent adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the vehicle's speed according to the posted limit and makes speed changes, and keeps other vehicles at a safe distance to allow for adequate reaction time. One of the most advanced features offered by Nissan is its driver alertness technology, which is very important for drivers undertaking a long commute. By monitoring a driver's steering patterns, this technology can sound an alarm if it notices any sudden changes. By being tech-savvy with a keen eye for safety, Nissan again shows its prowess for innovation.
With its stand-out style, performance, and safety, the Nissan Altima is the ideal vehicle for those in need of a versatile four-door sedan. And when you need a dealership that's just as versatile in terms of having the best inventory and offering the best service, look no further than Newton Nissan South. As an extension of a brand with so much love and trust, we believe in adhering to the same high standards of quality that Nissan has always represented. Whether you're buying new or used or simply want to get service on your current Nissan to make sure it stays in working order, we'll gladly be of assistance. We're drivers too and also call Shelbyville our home. Our community always comes first, and we believe strongly in our bond. Come on down and see us sometime; you won't be disappointed.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
