Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Which rules the premium mid-sized sedans segment?

Updated Sep 15, 2022

Scouting for a good mid-size executive sedan to buy? This in-depth comparison of Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy will help you have a better choice.

In this article...

  1. 1.Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Overview
  2. 2.Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Dimensions
  3. 3. Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Engine & Performance
  4. 4.Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Interior & Safety Features
  5. 5.Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Exterior
  6. 6. Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Final thought

1.Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Overview

When it comes to features and performance, these mid-sized sedans have either a 2.5 or 3.5-liter engine for powerful and spritely performance. Compared to smaller cars, these have everything that any driver could want in a car. There is no shortage of pampering features that are good for comfort and convenience too! When weighing in these two excellent executive cars; then it only shows why these options were chosen in the first place.

Both the Toyota Camry and the Subaru Legacy have huge bumps in everything and these are cars are next to large cars, in all and everything that matters. These two options are stacked differently; sorting out and looking at it with a fine-toothed comb should be helpful but both are the best options. Another something that is of interest about the Legacy is it’s All Wheel Drive (AWD) which is a distinct feature of most Subaru cars especially their crossovers. But, the Camry features advanced safety features that Toyota generously gives to their expensive cars.

2019 Toyota Camry - Full review

2019 Subaru Legacy - Review & Road Test

2.Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Dimensions

The Subaru is bigger in two dimensions but is smaller in length, compared to the Camry. Although the Camry has the greater length that creates greater volume for extra space. As an option, the Legacy has the edge over the Camry

Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Dimensions
Toyota Camry  Subaru Legacy
Length (mm)  4,825 4,795
Width (mm) 1,825 1,840
Height (mm) 1,480 1,500

3. Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Engine & Performance

Verdict: Looking at the performance specs, the main advantage of the Toyota Camry is its horsepower, and its suspension but the numbers of horsepower and torque is close to the Subaru Legacy. Compared to the Camry; the Legacy has better displacement, torque with an AWD differential to boot! But, despite the edge, each has over the other option. Both are symmetrical in performance. Neither will get the upper hand and it’s a draw.

 Toyota Camry 2019 is armed with a 2.0L engine

 Most Legacy models will be equipped with the sedan's 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine

Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Engine & Performance
 Toyota Camry Subaru Legacy
Displacement 1,193 cc 1,329 cc
Transmission Type 6-Speed Automatic with Super ECT/ Continuously variable transmission (CVT) Lineartronic Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Drive Train Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Max Output (HP) 277-178 173-257
Max Torque (Nm) 231-341 235-350
Brake
  • Front: Ventilated Disk Brakes
  • Rear: Solid disk
  • Front: Ventilated Disk Brakes
  • Rear: Ventilated Disk Brakes
  • Tire size  215 / 55R17 225/50 R18
    Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
    Passenger capacity 5 5

    4.Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Interior & Safety Features

    Verdict: Now, the Camry gets the point for one option, which the Subaru isn’t equipped with. The point goes to the Camry, but all it takes is one feature to get on over another option.

    Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Interior
    Toyota Camry  Subaru Legacy
    Power feature Yes Yes
    Din head unit Yes Yes
    Bluetooth Yes Yes
    Navigation Yes Yes
    Auto door locks  Yes Yes
    Immobilizer Yes -
    Speed sensing locks Yes Yes
    Power side view mirror  Yes Yes
    Steering wheel control Yes Yes
    Cup holders Yes Yes
    Side pockets Yes  Yes 
    Automatic AC  Yes Yes
    Multi-zone Yes Yes

    Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Safety Features
    Toyota Camry  Subaru Legacy
    3-pt. ELR seatbelt Yes Yes
    Side Airbag Yes Yes
    Curtain Airbag Yes Yes
    Knee Airbag Yes Yes
    ABS Yes Yes
    AEB No No
    With Load Limiter Yes Yes
    Pretensioner Yes Yes
    Isofix mounts Yes Yes
    Rear camera Yes Yes
    Cruise control Yes Yes

    5.Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Exterior

    Verdict: Here’s another draw between two excellent executive options, both have the same exterior equipment, and that speaks a lot for their overall quality. None gets the better again, and this is a case of having too many similar features.

    Toyota Camry Suzuki Legacy
    Head lamp Halogen/ Led/ HiD Yes Yes
    Fog lamp Yes Yes
    Third brake light Yes Yes
    Auto adjust head lamp Yes Yes
    Auto wiper Yes Yes
    Daytime Running Lights Yes Yes

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    6. Toyota Camry vs Subaru Legacy: Final thought

    Both Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy is the option to look up to in the mid-sized sedan category. Although both are excellent; only one will prevail, and the Camry has that distinction!
    In this case, both are all equal; but the AWD of the Subaru is a plus, but the Camry comes out by adding some features that the Legacy doesn’t have. Proportionally; their performance is at par and with good engines packages as well. The Toyota Camry is the better options as defined by the parameters of this car showdown.

    But, the Legacy does have advantages with its AWD sedan, although other similar options are going to be equipped with AWD too. Just take note that everything is based on personal preference, so everything is fair game!

    Toyota Camry seems to win the crown for this competion! 

    Norjan Ismail Abbas

    Author

    Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.