Altima vs Legacy
In the midsize sedan class, the Altima and the Legacy are natural rivals. This is less a contest than a fine-tuning exercise: both cover the same ground, with only a few meaningful gaps.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Altima wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.4
- 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 Altima has better fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Altima: 32 mpg compared with 30 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Altima has better highway fuel economy
The Altima is slightly stronger on fuel economy (highway). The gap, 39 mpg versus 35 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
On overall dimensions, the Altima and the Legacy are separated by very little.
Dimensions
| Spec | Altima | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 190.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.9 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | 108.3 in |
| Curb weight (from) | 3,283 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the engine & performance section; the two are too close to separate. Either car will serve you equally well on engine & performance.
Fuel Economy & Range
Altima leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Altima. Point to the Altima for better fuel economy. The Altima uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. On fuel economy & range alone, the Altima gets the nod.
Fuel economy (combined)
Altima: 32 mpg Legacy: 30 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Altima: 39 mpg Legacy: 35 mpg The Altima uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Altima and the Legacy row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Altima | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 188 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | CVT (Xtronic) | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Altima | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg (winner) | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 39 mpg (winner) | 35 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 16.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Altima | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.4 cu ft | 15.1 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 35.20 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Altima | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Altima | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Nissan Safety Shield 360 | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Altima | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 190.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.9 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | 108.3 in |
| Curb weight (from) | 3,283 lb | N/A (not specified) |
“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 Altima if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (32 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (39 mpg vs 35 mpg on the highway)
- you already know your way around Nissan’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Altima or the Legacy?
On the specs compared here, the Altima makes more sense for most buyers; the Legacy doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Altima or the Legacy?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Altima and the Legacy is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
The Altima from Nissan and the Legacy from Subaru go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. Start with the headline difference (the Altima has better fuel economy), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
I’d steer fuel economy & range fans toward the Altima and the things a spec sheet can’t capture fans toward the Legacy.
My pick: the Altima.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.