2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus vs 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT
$2,220 less and 33 more lb-ft torque vs 33 more hp and 15.5″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,220 price gap, 227 vs 260 hp, 26 vs 26 MPG.
The 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus leads on $2,220 less, 33 more lb-ft torque. The Legacy Touring XT leads on 33 more hp, 15.5″ longer. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 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 | 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $37,890 | $40,110 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.4L flat 4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 227 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 12.7 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,700/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,417 lbs | 3,787 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.3" | 108.3" |
| Length | 175.6" | 191.1" |
| Width | 70.7" | 72.4" |
| Height | 56.7" | 59.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| 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 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus and 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT?
The 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $37,890, $2,220 less than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT at $40,110. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $39/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,220 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus covers your needs; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT is the stronger pick when the extra 33 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus or 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT?
Both achieve 26 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus or 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT produces 260 hp, 33 more than the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at 227 hp. The 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus also leads in torque at 310 lb-ft vs 277 lb-ft. The 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT uses a 2.4L flat 4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus bigger than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT is 15.5″ longer at 191.1″ vs 175.6″. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT has a 1.0″ 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: Mazda trims, Mazda 3 trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Legacy trims
The 3–Legacy Decision
Shopping compact cars means the 3 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 $2,220 gap is about $39/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 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT uses a 2.4L flat 4 Turbo. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT has 33 more hp (260 vs 227), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus adds 33 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 277), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.
Living With the 3 vs the Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT is 15.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT weighs 370 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 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus when you want to keep $2,220 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT when the extra 33 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $39/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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 Mazda or Subaru or any dealership.