K5 vs Legacy
This is a classic rivalry: the K5 against the Legacy, Kia against Subaru, both in midsize sedan territory. Expect a close race. The K5 and the Legacy trade small edges rather than knockout blows.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range K5 wins
- Space & Practicality K5 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.4
- 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 K5 has 6% more cargo space
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the K5 (16 cu ft versus 15.1 cu ft). Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The K5 has better highway fuel economy
The K5 gets a small bonus on fuel economy (highway), with 37 mpg against the Legacy’s 35 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh.
Dimensions
| Spec | K5 | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.1 in | 190.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 108.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the engine & performance section. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Fuel Economy & Range
K5 leads
Slight edge to the K5 on fuel economy & range. Most buyers could live happily with either. The K5 wins here with better highway fuel economy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds. That makes the K5 the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (highway)
K5: 37 mpg Legacy: 35 mpg The K5 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
K5 leads
By a small margin, the K5 is the stronger of the two in this area. In its favor, the K5 has 6% more cargo space. The K5’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. In short, the K5 is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
K5: 16 cu ft Legacy: 15.1 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The K5 and the Legacy match each other closely in this area. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the K5 and the Legacy part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | K5 | 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 | K5 | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg (winner) | 35 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | K5 | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16 cu ft (winner) | 15.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | K5 | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | K5 | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Kia Drive Wise | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | K5 | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.1 in | 190.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 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 K5 if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (16 cu ft vs 15.1 cu ft)
- you cover long highway distances (37 mpg vs 35 mpg on the highway)
- you’re loyal to Kia and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the K5 or the Legacy?
On the specs compared here, the K5 makes more sense for most buyers; the Legacy doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the K5 bigger than the Legacy?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the K5 and the Legacy is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
The K5 against the Legacy: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. Practically speaking, the K5’s biggest advantage is 6% more cargo space. Beyond that, better highway fuel economy gives the K5 another edge.
Match the strength to your habits (fuel economy & range for the K5, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Legacy), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the K5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.