2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT vs 2026 Subaru Impreza RS

80 more hp and 99 more lb-ft torque vs $10,615 less and 3 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 260 vs 180 hp, 26 vs 29 MPG.

The short answer

The Legacy Touring XT leads on 80 more hp, 99 more lb-ft torque. The Impreza RS leads on $10,615 less, 3 MPG better. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
80 HP
HP Diff
3 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT
Starts at $40,110
VS
Vehicle B
2026 Subaru Impreza RS
Starts at $29,495

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.4L flat 4 Turbo
vs
2.5L flat 4
Horsepower
260 hp
vs
180 hp
Torque
277 lb-ft
vs
178 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
29 MPG combined
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,700/yr
vs
$1,500/yr

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.

MSRP
$40,110Legacy Touring XT
$29,495Impreza RS
Engine
2.4L flat 4 TurboLegacy Touring XT
2.5L flat 4Impreza RS
Horsepower
260 hpLegacy Touring XT
180 hpImpreza RS
Torque
277 lb-ftLegacy Touring XT
178 lb-ftImpreza RS
City MPG
23Legacy Touring XT
26Impreza RS
Highway MPG
31Legacy Touring XT
33Impreza RS
Combined MPG
26Legacy Touring XT
29Impreza RS
Fuel Tank
18.5 galLegacy Touring XT
16.6 galImpreza RS
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)
$1,700/yrLegacy Touring XT
$1,500/yrImpreza RS
Curb Weight
3,787 lbsLegacy Touring XT
3,275 lbsImpreza RS
Wheelbase
108.3"Legacy Touring XT
105.1"Impreza RS
Length
191.1"Legacy Touring XT
176.2"Impreza RS
Width
72.4"Legacy Touring XT
70.1"Impreza RS
Height
59.1"Legacy Touring XT
58.3"Impreza RS

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 Subaru Legacy Touring XT2026 Subaru Impreza RS
Pricing
MSRP$40,110$29,495
Powertrain
Engine2.4L flat 4 Turbo2.5L flat 4
Horsepower260 hp180 hp
Torque277 lb-ft178 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2326
Highway MPG3133
Combined MPG2629
Fuel Tank18.5 gal16.6 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yr$1,500/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,787 lbs3,275 lbs
Wheelbase108.3"105.1"
Length191.1"176.2"
Width72.4"70.1"
Height59.1"58.3"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 starsNo published data
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 Subaru Legacy Touring XT and 2026 Subaru Impreza RS?

The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS starts at $29,495, $10,615 less than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT at $40,110. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $187/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT?

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT is the stronger pick when the extra 80 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Who should choose the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS?

The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS is the stronger pick when you want to keep $10,615 in your pocket and the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $167/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT or 2026 Subaru Impreza RS?

The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS rates 29 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT or 2026 Subaru Impreza RS?

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT produces 260 hp, 80 more than the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS at 180 hp. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT also leads in torque at 277 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT runs a 2.4L flat 4 Turbo; the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS uses a 2.5L flat 4.

Is the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT bigger than the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS?

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT is 14.9″ longer at 191.1″ vs 176.2″. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT has a 3.2″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Explore more: Subaru trims, Subaru Legacy trims, Subaru Impreza trims

Official sources

The Legacy–Impreza Decision

Shopping midsize sedans means the Legacy and Impreza will likely end up on the same test-drive day. Here is what the numbers say before you get behind the wheel. The $-10,615 gap adds up to $187/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 Touring XT runs a 2.4L flat 4 Turbo; the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT has 80 more hp (260 vs 180). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT 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 2026 Subaru Impreza RS saves roughly $167/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $835.

Living With the Legacy vs the Impreza

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT is 14.9″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT weighs 512 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 Touring XT when the extra 80 hp matters for your commute or driving style. Choose the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS when you want to keep $10,615 in your pocket and the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS 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 any dealership.

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