Legacy vs Camry
In the midsize sedan class, the Legacy and the Camry are natural rivals. If you only read one line, make it this: the Camry takes 2 of 4 compared areas, and the fuel economy & range gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Camry wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Camry wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range0.1
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
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
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The Camry has better fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Camry makes its strongest case: 51 mpg against 30 mpg. The Camry uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Camry has 43 hp more power
The Camry clearly leads on total system output, and 225 hp versus 182 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Camry has better city fuel economy
On fuel economy (city), the Camry posts 53 mpg against 27 mpg for the Legacy, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Camry has the better rating here.
-
The Camry has better highway fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 50 mpg for the Camry versus 35 mpg for the Legacy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Legacy | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Camry leads
In the engine & performance category, the Camry isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Camry gives you 43 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Camry.
Total system output
Legacy: 182 hp Camry: 225 hp The Camry’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Camry leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Camry. In its favor, the Camry has better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. In short, the Camry is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Legacy: 30 mpg Camry: 51 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Legacy: 27 mpg Camry: 53 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Camry starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The Legacy and the Camry match each other closely in this area. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Legacy | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L flat-4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 182 hp | 225 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft Least torque in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Legacy | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 51 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | 53 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | 50 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Legacy | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.1 cu ft | 15.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Legacy | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Legacy | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Subaru EyeSight | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Legacy | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Legacy | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $28,400 |
“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 Camry if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (51 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (225 hp vs 182 hp)
- you want better city fuel economy (53 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (50 mpg vs 35 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Legacy or the Camry?
On the specs compared here, the Camry makes more sense for most buyers; the Legacy doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Legacy’s and the Camry’s) so you don’t have to. To me, the standout is that the Camry offers better fuel economy. There’s more, too: the Camry offers 43 hp more power.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Legacy fits better. For engine & performance, the Camry is the better match.
My pick: the Camry.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.