2026 Honda Accord LX vs 2025 Subaru Legacy Base

3 mpg better vs $1,585 less and AWD. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 192 vs 182 hp, 33 vs 30 MPG.

The short answer

The Accord LX leads on 3 MPG better. The Legacy Base leads on $1,585 less, AWD. The spec table compares 8 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
10 HP
HP Diff
3 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2026 Honda Accord LX
Starts at $28,395
VS
Vehicle B
2025 Subaru Legacy Base
Starts at $26,810

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I4 Turbo
vs
2.5L flat 4
Horsepower
192 hp
vs
182 hp
Torque
192 lb-ft
vs
176 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
vs
AWD
Fuel Economy
33 MPG combined
vs
30 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 8 specifications.

MSRP
$28,395Accord LX
$26,810Legacy Base
Engine
1.5L I4 TurboAccord LX
2.5L flat 4Legacy Base
Horsepower
192 hpAccord LX
182 hpLegacy Base
Torque
192 lb-ftAccord LX
176 lb-ftLegacy Base
Drivetrain
FWDAccord LX
AWDLegacy Base
City MPG
30Accord LX
27Legacy Base
Highway MPG
38Accord LX
35Legacy Base
Combined MPG
33Accord LX
30Legacy Base
Fuel Tank
14.8 galAccord LX
18.5 galLegacy Base
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)
$1,350/yrAccord LX
$1,450/yrLegacy Base
Curb Weight
3,239 lbsAccord LX
3,492 lbsLegacy Base
Wheelbase
111.4"Accord LX
108.3"Legacy Base
Length
195.7"Accord LX
191.1"Legacy Base
Width
73.3"Accord LX
72.4"Legacy Base
Height
57.1"Accord LX
59.1"Legacy Base

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.

Spec2026 Honda Accord LX2025 Subaru Legacy Base
Pricing
MSRP$28,395$26,810
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I4 Turbo2.5L flat 4
Horsepower192 hp182 hp
Torque192 lb-ft176 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainFWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG3027
Highway MPG3835
Combined MPG3330
Fuel Tank14.8 gal18.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,350/yr$1,450/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,239 lbs3,492 lbs
Wheelbase111.4"108.3"
Length195.7"191.1"
Width73.3"72.4"
Height57.1"59.1"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+No 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 2026 Honda Accord LX and 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base starts at $26,810, $1,585 less than the 2026 Honda Accord LX at $28,395. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $28/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Honda Accord LX?

The 2026 Honda Accord LX is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $127/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,585 in your pocket and the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base covers your needs; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Honda Accord LX or 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?

The 2026 Honda Accord LX rates 33 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Honda Accord LX or 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?

The 2026 Honda Accord LX produces 192 hp, 10 more than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base at 182 hp. The 2026 Honda Accord LX also leads in torque at 192 lb-ft vs 176 lb-ft. The 2026 Honda Accord LX runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2026 Honda Accord LX, AWD on the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base.

Is the 2026 Honda Accord LX bigger than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?

The 2026 Honda Accord LX is 4.6″ longer at 195.7″ vs 191.1″. The 2026 Honda Accord LX has a 3.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2026 Honda Accord LX and 2025 Subaru Legacy Base have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD, while the 2026 Honda Accord 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: Honda trims, Honda Accord trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Legacy trims

Official sources

The Accord–Legacy Decision

Shopping midsize sedans means the Accord 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 $-1,585 gap is about $28/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2026 Honda Accord LX runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 10 hp difference (192 vs 182) is marginal in daily driving. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD; the 2026 Honda Accord LX uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

The Ownership Math

The 2026 Honda Accord LX saves roughly $127/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $635.

The Decision

Choose the 2026 Honda Accord LX when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $127/year less on fuel. Choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base when you want to keep $1,585 in your pocket and the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base 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 Honda or Subaru or any dealership.

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