Latest News
Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2022 Subaru Legacy vs Hyundai Sonata
Compare the 2022 Subaru Legacy vs. Hyundai Sonata and you’ll find two solid mid-size sedans, but which one suits you better? Let’s take a closer look to find out.
Which Mid-Size Sedan Should You Choose?
The 2022 Subaru Legacy and Hyundai Sonata are formidable choices that rank highly in their class. The sleek, luxurious appearance of the Sonata is appealing to many, with its quiet and comfortable cabin. On the other hand, the more affordable Legacy exceeds in safety and value, but sacrifices its sporty looks found in its WRX sibling. Today we pit the 2022 Subaru Legacy against the 2022 Hyundai Sonata to pick a winner of which mid-size sedan is right for you.
2022 Subaru Legacy vs Hyundai Sonata Specs
To start, let’s take a look at what each of these vehicles has to offer. While they are similar in their class, several definitive differences set them apart.
2022 Subaru Legacy
The 2022 Subaru Legacy offers a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission paired to that engine. Alternately, higher trim levels receive a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While the Subaru Legacy’s competition only offers a front-wheel drive drivetrain, the Legacy comes in all-wheel-drive standard like all other Subarus.
The 2022 Subaru Legacy’s fuel economy is better than the average sedan, with either powertrain option rated at 25 mpg or higher. With the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine, the base models boast EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for 30mpg combined. Turbocharged 2.4L models receive slightly lower ratings with 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for 27 mpg combined.
2022 Hyundai Sonata
2022 Hyundai Sonata base models feature a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that provides 191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque, and makes adequate acceleration to get you where you’re going. Next up, the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which comes in the SEL Plus and Limited, offers peppy low-end power with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines are paired to an continuously variable transmission.
Lastly, the Sonata N Line offers a lively 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. It makes the highest numbers between these two sedans with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
On average, the base model 2022 Hyundai Sonata receives excellent EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for 32 mpg combined. The turbocharged 1.6L engine earned ratings of 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway for 31 mpg combined, while the powerful Sonata N-Line turbocharged 2.5L comes in at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for 27 mpg combined.
Driving and Performance
The Sonata and Legacy both offer relatively average handling and performance. The 2022 Hyundai Sonata falls behind with its 191-hp 2.5L models that require more time to accelerate, but shift gears smoothly from the 8-speed CVT. The 180-hp turbocharged 1.6L offers more pep, despite the lesser horsepower quote. Although the turbo lags slightly, it accelerates quietly and smoothly and is reasonably responsive. The most fun in the segment has to be the powertrain found in the N Line model that can hit 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. The Sonata quickly provides calm, effortless handling. It easily handles winding roads with its lightly weighted steering and indiscernible shifts.
On the other hand, the 2022 Subaru Legacy does decently, offering a smooth, even ride that provides solid performance. The base models do well enough, serving up plenty of acceleration to get from point A to point B. The more powerful models with the turbo engine are perky, adequately responsive, and quickly accelerate. The Legacy’s ride is excellent too. It doesn’t lean overmuch into corners, remains well planted for optimal traction, and effortlessly absorbs pockmarks in the roads.
Between the two, the Sonata has a tighter turning radius than the Legacy, which essentially allows for easier maneuvering in and out of cramped spots. However, in terms of horsepower, the two are nearly tied (with the exception of the Sonata N Line).
Comfort and Interior
Both of these models offer seating for five passengers and decent trunk space. The 2022 Subaru Legacy has plenty of room for five adults to fit comfortably, with ample legroom to stretch out, even in the rear seats. Its trunk is 15.1 cubic feet, providing plenty of room for a few suitcases.
While the interior is well-trimmed, it isn’t overly plush. Specific trim levels, such as the Limited XT and the Touring XT, come with thicker side glass that masks even more noise for a comfortable, quiet ride.
Alternately, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata can also fit five passengers, but doesn’t have nearly as much legroom as rivals. While the back seat has 34.8 inches of legroom, which may cramp adults, the front passengers have abundant leg and headroom.
Base models aren’t particularly luxurious, but get the job done with the woven upholstery, albeit thin rear seat cushions, and manual front seats. Higher trim levels offer power seats and natural or synthetic upholstery, as well as heating and cooling. The trunk also provides ample space for multiple suitcases with 16 cubic feet of space.
Tall passengers will likely find the Sonata more appealing due to the abundant head and legroom in the driver’s seat. However, the Legacy will be a favorite for back seat riders, as they’ll have plenty of room to stretch out.
Trims and Features
Both of these models come in several different trim packages and configurations, decked out with abundant features to make the ride extra comfortable.
2022 Hyundai Sonata
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata comes in six different trim levels and configurations. Despite the approachable price, the Sonata base model offers a number of additional features, such as the Idle Stop & Go system, which shuts the engine off while idling at a stoplight in traffic. It also comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment system and can be upgraded to feature a 10.25-inch unit.
Drive Mode allows the driver to manipulate the feel of the steering, throttle response, and gearshift with several different modes. In addition, it comes standard with safety features such as lane-keep assist, lane following, high-beam assist, automatic emergency braking, Hill Assist Control, among other things.
As the trim packages climb towards the highest option, additional features are thrown in. For example, the Sonata Limited model comes with a blind-spot view monitor, remote parking assist, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers.
2022 Subaru Legacy
Like the Sonata base model, the 2022 Subaru Legacy base model is decked out with a generous list of features. For instance, it comes with power seats, remote keyless entry, dual USB ports, and a Subaru Starlink dual 7-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, it is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology is standard across the entire lineup, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane centering, pre-collision braking, and much more.
Continuing up the trim level lineup, the Legacy Touring XT features numerous additional features for ultimate comfort. It boasts premium Nappa Sierra tan leather upholstery, a 180-degree front-view mirror, a power moonroof, an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, a heated tiller, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
Both of these mid-sized sedans offer excellent base packages equipped with numerous features typically found in higher trim levels. They are both comparable in terms of bells and whistles, but it ultimately falls to the buyer and what they are looking for in additional features.
Subaru Legacy or Hyundai Sonata?
Since both of these vehicles provide excellent features, fuel economy, and the like, determining a clear-cut winner is tricky. In terms of horsepower, they are nearly tied, though the 2022 Hyundai Sonata wins out slightly with its exciting N Line trimmed models.
The 2022 Subaru Legacy clocks in with a better fuel economy, lessening the frequency of gas station trips. It is also slightly narrower than the Sonata, making getting in and out of the car in cramped parking spaces less of a squeeze. However, the Sonata can maneuver into said tight parking spaces easier, so it makes up for its somewhat bulky width in that aspect.
Both of these rigs can fit the same number of passengers, and while the Sonata is great for tall drivers, it lacks rear-seat space. On the other hand, the Legacy caters to its back seat passengers with generous head and legroom.
The Sonata is slightly more expensive than the Legacy, but it boasts a more generous basic warranty that includes 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Nevertheless, both of these vehicles are outstanding choices, so it comes down to personal preference in the end.
