Sonata vs Legacy
This is a classic rivalry: the Sonata against the Legacy, Hyundai against Subaru, both in midsize sedan territory. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Sonata wins
- Space & Practicality Sonata wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
- Engine & Performance1.6
- Fuel Economy & Range0.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Sonata has better fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Sonata: 32 mpg against 30 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Sonata has 6% more cargo space
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Sonata’s 16 cu ft beats the Legacy’s 15.1 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Sonata has better highway fuel economy
The Sonata wins this narrowly, 38 mpg against 35 mpg, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Size won’t decide this one: the Sonata and the Legacy have very similar dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | Sonata | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 190.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in | 108.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on engine & performance; the numbers are close throughout. On engine & performance alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Fuel Economy & Range
Sonata leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Sonata is comfortably ahead. The Sonata stands out with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Sonata has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
Sonata: 32 mpg Legacy: 30 mpg The Sonata uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Sonata: 38 mpg Legacy: 35 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Sonata leads
The Sonata squeezes out a win in the space & practicality section. The Sonata adds 6% more cargo space. The Sonata’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. That makes the Sonata the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Sonata: 16 cu ft Legacy: 15.1 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Sonata | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 191 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Sonata | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg (winner) | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 38 mpg (winner) | 35 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Sonata | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16 cu ft (winner) | 15.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Sonata | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Sonata | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Sonata | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 190.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in | 108.3 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Sonata if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (32 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (16 cu ft vs 15.1 cu ft)
- you want better highway fuel economy (38 mpg vs 35 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Sonata or the Legacy?
On the specs compared here, the Sonata makes more sense for most buyers; the Legacy doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Sonata bigger than the Legacy?
Neither by much. The Sonata and the Legacy have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Sonata and the Legacy. What I like most about the Sonata here is better fuel economy. I also like that the Sonata brings 6% more cargo space.
Think about your week. Heavy on fuel economy & range? The Sonata. More about the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The Legacy.
My pick: the Sonata.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.