2024 Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord

2024 Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord

Vying for supremacy in the midsize sedan market, the 2024 Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord each have unique advantages. Both models offer great benefits for residents in Skokie, Illinois. The Legacy  comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), giving it a firm grip on the road in any weather. The Accord counters with hybrid options that cater to fuel-conscious drivers and cutting-edge infotainment tech. Get to know more about how these two vehicles compare and which one best fits your needs.

2024 Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord: Which Sedan Leads the Segment?

The Accord performs well in the midsize sedan segment, claiming the top spot according to some publications. Its main strengths are its responsive engines, smooth ride, and great gas mileage. However, the Legacy more than holds its own. Its standard AWD system beats all others in its class for handling tough weather. Both cars are built to last, scoring 81 out of 100 in J.D. Power's tests. The Subaru gives you a comfy ride and good value, especially if you want AWD and a spacious interior.

Performance and Drivetrain

The 2024 Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord offer distinct performance features. The base Legacy trims have a 2.5-liter engine outputting 182 horsepower. The higher-end Sport and Touring XT models feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering impressive performance with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds. While not as quick, the Accord Hybrid still impresses with 204 horsepower and a zero to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. Non-hybrid Accords come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 192-horsepower engine.

For Skokie residents, the Subaru's standard Symmetrical AWD system is a significant advantage. It grips the road in all weather conditions, a big plus given the Midwest's unpredictable climate. The Honda sticks with front-wheel drive (FWD) but excels with its range of efficient powertrains. Both sedans use continuously variable transmissions for smooth power delivery.

Interior Comfort and Design

The 2024 Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord's spacious cabins feature different design philosophies. Subaru's midsize sedan impresses with its premium materials, including optional nappa leather seats to enhance its upscale feel. The 42.8 inches of front legroom gives drivers and passengers more space to stretch out. On the other hand, the Accord's sleek interior with metal mesh details gives it a more modern, upscale look.

For entertainment, the Legacy has a user-friendly system with an optional 11.6-inch vertical touch screen. While its rival's available 12.3-inch touch screen is striking, some people might find Subaru's system easier to use. Here are a few more of each car's features:

Legacy: Built-in wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as well as an optional heated steering wheel.

Accord: Available leather-trimmed seats, plus a 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback.

Front headroom: Legacy — 39.4 inches; Accord — 37.5 to 39.5 inches.

Rear legroom: Legacy — 39.5 inches; Accord — 40.8 inches.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to passenger protection, the 2024 Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord lead the pack with innovative driver-assistance technologies. Both vehicles offer similar core features in their systems: EyeSight for the Legacy and Honda Sensing for the Accord. These include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alerts. Each model also offers unique safety features.

The Legacy stands out with its DriverFocus distraction mitigation system, which uses facial recognition to spot driver fatigue or lack of attention. This advanced feature gives it an edge in the midsize sedan class. The Accord fights back with its Traffic Sign Recognition system that boosts driver awareness of speed limits and road conditions.

In crash tests, both cars shine. Both vehicles scored “Good” ratings in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests. These include small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side impact tests. The Legacy scored higher than the Accord in the front crash prevention test, showing Subaru's focus on active safety measures.

Ride Quality and Handling

Behind the wheel, the 2024 Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord present drivers with contrasting yet equally engaging experiences. Subaru's standard Symmetrical AWD provides superior grip and stability, making it ideal if you often head off the beaten track.

In tight spots, the Legacy shines with its 36.8-foot turning circle, beating its competitor's 38.4 feet. You'll notice this difference when driving through city streets.

The Accord is known for its refined ride, but the Legacy's suspension finds a sweet spot between comfort and responsiveness. Its four-wheel independent setup, with MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone in the back, softens bumps while staying composed during dynamic drives. Honda's offering has its own perks, such as better fuel efficiency and less weight, which makes it feel nimble on the road.

Pricing and Value

The Subaru Legacy  kicks off at $24,895 for the 2024 model, a significantly lower starting price point than the Honda Accord's $27,895. This gap in pricing becomes even more pronounced when you consider the Legacy's standard AWD system, a feature the Accord doesn't offer. Both cars come equipped with similar standard features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert.  One of the differences between the two is fuel efficiency. The Subaru manages up to 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, depending on the trim. In comparison, the gas-powered Honda trims deliver up to 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, which could lead to less money spent on gas over time.  

Both vehicles offer identical warranty coverage, with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain guarantee that gives you extra assurance. If you're a cost-conscious shopper living in an area where the weather can be challenging, the Legacy's lower upfront cost and AWD may be the better option. However, the Accord's better fuel economy could mean spending less at the pump as the years go by.

Visit McGrath Evanston Subaru for Your Sedan Comparison

Experience the 2024 Legacy firsthand at McGrath Evanston Subaru. When you take it for a spin, you'll experience how well the vehicle's AWD performs on the road. We also offer attractive deals  and flexible payment options. Our knowledgeable staff, well-versed in the Legacy's features, technology, and long-term ownership experience, will gladly address any questions you may have. To learn everything you need to know before deciding on your next car, contact us  to arrange a test drive.