2025 Subaru Legacy Base vs 2025 Honda Civic LX
32 more hp and 43 more lb-ft torque vs $2,560 less and 6 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 182 vs 150 hp, 30 vs 36 MPG.
The Legacy Base leads on 32 more hp, 43 more lb-ft torque. The Civic LX leads on $2,560 less, 6 MPG better. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2025 Subaru Legacy Base | 2025 Honda Civic LX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,810 | $24,250 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 133 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 32 |
| Highway MPG | 35 | 41 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 36 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 12.4 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,450/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,492 lbs | 2,877 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 107.7" |
| Length | 191.1" | 184.8" |
| Width | 72.4" | 70.9" |
| Height | 59.1" | 55.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base and 2025 Honda Civic LX?
The 2025 Honda Civic LX starts at $24,250, $2,560 less than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base at $26,810. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $45/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base is the stronger pick when the extra 32 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2025 Honda Civic LX?
The 2025 Honda Civic LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,560 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda Civic LX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $233/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base or 2025 Honda Civic LX?
The 2025 Honda Civic LX rates 36 combined MPG, 6 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base or 2025 Honda Civic LX?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base produces 182 hp, 32 more than the 2025 Honda Civic LX at 150 hp. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base also leads in torque at 176 lb-ft vs 133 lb-ft. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2025 Honda Civic LX uses a 2.0L I4. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base, FWD on the 2025 Honda Civic LX.
Is the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base bigger than the 2025 Honda Civic LX?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base is 6.3″ longer at 191.1″ vs 184.8″. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base has a 0.6″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base and 2025 Honda Civic LX have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD, while the 2025 Honda Civic LX uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Subaru trims, Subaru Legacy trims, Honda trims, Honda Civic trims
- 2025 Subaru Legacy Base Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Honda Civic LX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
Legacy vs Civic: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base and 2025 Honda Civic LX are both midsize sedans competing for the same buyer. Price, fuel economy, and daily comfort are the tie-breakers. The $-2,560 gap is about $45/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Under the Hood
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2025 Honda Civic LX uses a 2.0L I4. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base has 32 more hp (182 vs 150), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base adds 43 more lb-ft of torque (176 vs 133), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD; the 2025 Honda Civic LX uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: Legacy vs Civic
The 2025 Honda Civic LX saves roughly $233/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,165.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base weighs 615 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base when the extra 32 hp matters for your commute or driving style. Choose the 2025 Honda Civic LX when you want to keep $2,560 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda Civic LX covers your needs.
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 Subaru or Honda or any dealership.