Kia Optima vs Subaru Legacy
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2025 Subaru Legacy
Overview
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru LegacyLegacy Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | Legacy Sedan |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2025 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru LegacyLegacy Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,390 (best) | $26,810 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru LegacyLegacy Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 35 MPG | 35 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru LegacyLegacy Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 185 hp (best) | 182 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft (best) | 176 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.4 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru LegacyLegacy Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.9 cu ft (best) | 15.1 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,230 lbs (best) | 3,492 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 110.4 in (best) | 108.3 in |
| Length | 191.1 in | 191.1 in |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 72.4 in |
| Height | 57.7 in | 59.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Subaru LegacyLegacy Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Optima | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Legacy Sedan $26,810 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $24,890 MSRP | Premium $29,110 MSRP |
| 3 | SE $26,390 MSRP | Limited $35,920 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $27,190 MSRP | Sport $36,410 MSRP |
| 5 | EX $29,310 MSRP | Touring XT $40,110 MSRP |
| 6 | EX Premium $30,190 MSRP | — |
| 7 | SX $32,190 MSRP | — |
| 8 | EX $36,090 MSRP | — |
Kia Optima vs Subaru Legacy FAQ
- Which is better: 2020 Kia Optima or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Kia Optima vs 2025 Subaru Legacy on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2020 Kia Optima or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Kia Optima starts lower at $23,390.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Kia Optima or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,390).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Kia Optima or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (42).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2020 Kia Optima or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2020 Kia Optima or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- The 2025 Subaru Legacy leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Kia Optima vs 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Optima (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Legacy (5/5 NHTSA overall).