2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV vs 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport

$7,480 less and 2 mpg better vs 78 more hp and 99 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $7,480 price gap, 182 vs 260 hp, 28 vs 26 MPG.

The short answer

The Altima 2.5 SV leads on $7,480 less, 2 MPG better. The Legacy Sport leads on 78 more hp, 99 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.

$7,480
Price Gap
78 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV
Starts at $28,930
VS
Higher price
2025 Subaru Legacy Sport
Starts at $36,410

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
2.4L flat 4 Turbo
Horsepower
182 hp
vs
260 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
277 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
28 MPG combined
vs
26 MPG combined
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,550/yr
vs
$1,700/yr

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.

MSRP
$28,930Altima 2.5 SV
$36,410Legacy Sport
Engine
2.5L I4Altima 2.5 SV
2.4L flat 4 TurboLegacy Sport
Horsepower
182 hpAltima 2.5 SV
260 hpLegacy Sport
Torque
178 lb-ftAltima 2.5 SV
277 lb-ftLegacy Sport
City MPG
25Altima 2.5 SV
23Legacy Sport
Highway MPG
34Altima 2.5 SV
31Legacy Sport
Combined MPG
28Altima 2.5 SV
26Legacy Sport
Fuel Tank
16.0 galAltima 2.5 SV
18.5 galLegacy Sport
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)
$1,550/yrAltima 2.5 SV
$1,700/yrLegacy Sport
Curb Weight
3,401 lbsAltima 2.5 SV
3,764 lbsLegacy Sport
Wheelbase
111.2"Altima 2.5 SV
108.3"Legacy Sport
Length
192.9"Altima 2.5 SV
191.1"Legacy Sport
Width
72.9"Altima 2.5 SV
72.4"Legacy Sport
Height
57.3"Altima 2.5 SV
59.1"Legacy Sport

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV2025 Subaru Legacy Sport
Pricing
MSRP$28,930$36,410
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I42.4L flat 4 Turbo
Horsepower182 hp260 hp
Torque178 lb-ft277 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2523
Highway MPG3431
Combined MPG2826
Fuel Tank16.0 gal18.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,550/yr$1,700/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,401 lbs3,764 lbs
Wheelbase111.2"108.3"
Length192.9"191.1"
Width72.9"72.4"
Height57.3"59.1"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV and 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport?

The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV starts at $28,930, $7,480 less than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport at $36,410. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $132/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV?

The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV is the stronger pick when you want to keep $7,480 in your pocket and the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $115/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport?

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport is the stronger pick when the extra 78 hp matters for your commute or driving style.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV or 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport?

The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV rates 28 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV or 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport?

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport produces 260 hp, 78 more than the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV at 182 hp. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport also leads in torque at 277 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport uses a 2.4L flat 4 Turbo.

Is the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV bigger than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport?

The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV is 1.8″ longer at 192.9″ vs 191.1″. The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV has a 2.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.

Explore more: Nissan trims, Nissan Altima trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Legacy trims

Official sources

The Altima–Legacy Decision

Shopping midsize sedans means the Altima and Legacy will likely end up on the same test-drive day. Here is what the numbers say before you get behind the wheel. The $7,480 gap adds up to $132/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport uses a 2.4L flat 4 Turbo. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport has 78 more hp (260 vs 182). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport adds 99 more lb-ft of torque (277 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

The Ownership Math

The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV saves roughly $115/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $575. The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Living With the Altima vs the Legacy

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport weighs 363 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

The Decision

Choose the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV when you want to keep $7,480 in your pocket and the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport when the extra 78 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $132/month more, the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Nissan or Subaru or any dealership.

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