2025 Subaru Legacy Base vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S
24 more hp and awd vs $3,815 less and 3 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 182 vs 158 hp, 30 vs 33 MPG.
The Legacy Base leads on 24 more hp, AWD. The Jetta S leads on $3,815 less, 3 MPG better. The spec table compares 8 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 8 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 Volkswagen Jetta S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,810 | $22,995 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 | 1.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 29 |
| Highway MPG | 35 | 39 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 33 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 13.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,450/yr | $1,350/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,492 lbs | 3,012 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 105.7" |
| Length | 191.1" | 186.5" |
| Width | 72.4" | 70.8" |
| Height | 59.1" | 57.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S?
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S starts at $22,995, $3,815 less than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base at $26,810. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $67/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 you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S?
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S is the stronger pick when you want to keep $3,815 in your pocket and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $127/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base or 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S?
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S rates 33 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base or 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base produces 182 hp, 24 more than the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S at 158 hp. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 176 lb-ft. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base, FWD on the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S.
Is the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base bigger than the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base is 4.6″ longer at 191.1″ vs 186.5″. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base has a 2.6″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD, while the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S 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?
The Subaru Legacy comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Volkswagen Jetta offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Subaru trims, Subaru Legacy trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Jetta trims
- 2025 Subaru Legacy Base Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Legacy–Jetta Decision
Shopping midsize sedans means the Legacy and Jetta will likely end up on the same test-drive day. Here is what the numbers say before you get behind the wheel. The $-3,815 gap adds up to $67/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 Subaru Legacy Base runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base has 24 more hp (182 vs 158), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD; the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S saves roughly $127/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $635.
Living With the Legacy vs the Jetta
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base weighs 480 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 Subaru Legacy Base when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted. Choose the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S when you want to keep $3,815 in your pocket and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S 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 Volkswagen or any dealership.