2026 Volkswagen Jetta S vs 2025 Subaru Legacy Base
$2,815 less and 4 mpg better vs 24 more hp and AWD. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,815 price gap, 158 vs 182 hp, 34 vs 30 MPG.
The Jetta S leads on $2,815 less, 4 MPG better. The Legacy Base leads on 24 more hp, AWD. 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 | 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S | 2025 Subaru Legacy Base |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $23,995 | $26,810 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 29 | 27 |
| Highway MPG | 40 | 35 |
| Combined MPG | 34 | 30 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,300/yr | $1,450/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,998 lbs | 3,492 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.7" | 108.3" |
| Length | 186.5" | 191.1" |
| Width | 70.8" | 72.4" |
| Height | 57.7" | 59.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S and 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S starts at $23,995, $2,815 less than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base at $26,810. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $49/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,815 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $165/year less on fuel.
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.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S or 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S rates 34 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S or 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base produces 182 hp, 24 more than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S at 158 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 176 lb-ft. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S, AWD on the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base.
Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S bigger than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S and 2025 Subaru Legacy Base have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD, while the 2026 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 Volkswagen Jetta comes with 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. The Subaru Legacy offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Jetta trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Legacy trims
- 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Subaru Legacy Base Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
Jetta vs Legacy: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S and 2025 Subaru Legacy Base are both compact cars competing for the same buyer. Price, fuel economy, and daily comfort are the tie-breakers. The $2,815 gap is about $49/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Under the Hood
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. 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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: Jetta vs Legacy
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S saves roughly $165/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $825. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base weighs 494 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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S when you want to keep $2,815 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted. At $49/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 Volkswagen or Subaru or any dealership.