DecodedCarsHonda Civic vs Subaru Legacy
2025 Honda Civic vs 2025 Subaru Legacy — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Honda Civic is more fuel-efficient: 49 vs 30 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $900 a year less in fuel for the Honda Civic (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Subaru Legacy is the bigger car, about 12 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru Legacy has had fewer recall campaigns (12 vs 43).
The two cars
The 2025 Honda Civic is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,067 lb (1.5l 4dr Sedan).
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 191 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,541 lb (4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2024 Civic and the 2024 Legacy have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Civic and the 2020 Legacy.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Honda Civic if…
- You want lower fuel bills (49 vs 30 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (12 in shorter)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Choose the Subaru Legacy if…
- You want more power (up to 260 vs 200 hp)
- You want more room (12 in longer)
- You need AWD or 4WD
- You put reliability history first (12 vs 43 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2025 Honda Civic
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 49 MPG combined — 63% better than the average 2025 midsize car (30 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Many owner complaints106 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the steering.
2025 Subaru Legacy
- Strong performanceUp to 260 hp, versus about 200 hp for similar 2025 models.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Full 2025 Honda Civic specs →Full 2025 Subaru Legacy specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →