Peter Banks When it comes to choosing a Subaru sedan, the Legacy and Impreza are two of the most popular options. While they share some similarities, such as Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive system and a range of engine choices, there are some key differences between the two cars, particularly when it comes to their size.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Subaru Legacy vs Impreza size comparison, examining the dimensions of each car and exploring how they stack up against each other in terms of interior space, cargo capacity, and overall comfort.
Subaru Legacy Size
Let’s start with the Subaru Legacy. This midsize sedan has been a staple of the Subaru lineup for decades, and has gained a reputation for being a spacious, comfortable, and reliable family car. So just how big is the Legacy?
Exterior Dimensions
- Length: 190.6 inches
- Width: 72.4 inches
- Height: 59.1 inches
- Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
As you can see, the Legacy is a fairly large car, with a length of almost 16 feet and a width of just over 6 feet. The wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear wheels, is over 9 feet, giving the car a stable, planted feel on the road.
Interior Space
But what about the interior of the Legacy? Here are some key dimensions to be aware of:
- Passenger volume: 105.5 cubic feet
- Headroom (front/rear): 39.4/37.2 inches
- Legroom (front/rear): 42.8/39.5 inches
- Shoulder room (front/rear): 58.1/57.4 inches
- Hip room (front/rear): 55.5/54.8 inches
These numbers show that the Legacy offers plenty of room for passengers, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats. The car’s wide body also means that there’s plenty of hip room for all passengers, which can be particularly important on longer journeys.
Cargo Capacity
Finally, let’s take a look at the Legacy’s cargo capacity. This is an important consideration for many buyers, particularly those who need a car for family trips or who frequently transport large items.
- Trunk volume: 15.1 cubic feet
- Maximum cargo volume (with seats folded): 104.6 cubic feet
The Legacy’s trunk offers a respectable 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which should be enough for most day-to-day needs. However, if you need to transport larger items, the rear seats can be folded down to create an impressive 104.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume.
Subaru Impreza Size
Now let’s turn our attention to the Subaru Impreza. This compact sedan is a popular choice for drivers who value performance, affordability, and fuel efficiency, but how does it compare with the Legacy in terms of size?
Exterior Dimensions
- Length: 182.1 inches
- Width: 70.0 inches
- Height: 57.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Compared to the Legacy, the Impreza is significantly smaller, with a length of just over 15 feet and a width of 70 inches. The wheelbase is also shorter, at just over 8.7 feet, which can make the car feel a bit more nimble and agile on the road.
Interior Space
Despite its smaller exterior dimensions, the Impreza actually offers a decent amount of interior space, particularly in the front seats. Here are some key dimensions to be aware of:
- Passenger volume: 99.8 cubic feet
- Headroom (front/rear): 39.8/37.2 inches
- Legroom (front/rear): 43.1/36.5 inches
- Shoulder room (front/rear): 56.7/55.6 inches
- Hip room (front/rear): 55.1/54.2 inches
As you can see, the Impreza offers similar headroom, legroom, and hip room to the Legacy, but shoulder room is a bit more limited, particularly in the rear seats. The car’s smaller size may also make it feel a bit more cramped for taller passengers, particularly in the back seat.
Cargo Capacity
Finally, let’s take a look at the Impreza’s cargo capacity:
- Trunk volume: 12.3 cubic feet
- Maximum cargo volume (with seats folded): 55.3 cubic feet
The Impreza’s trunk is smaller than the Legacy’s, with just 12.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. However, if you fold down the rear seats, you can create up to 55.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, which should be enough for most day-to-day needs.
Legacy vs Impreza: Which is Bigger?
So which car is bigger, the Subaru Legacy or Impreza? The answer is clear: the Legacy is physically larger than the Impreza, with a longer wheelbase, wider body, and taller height. The Legacy also has more interior space and cargo capacity than the Impreza, which can make it a better choice for families or drivers who need to transport larger items.
However, it’s worth noting that the Impreza does offer some advantages in terms of maneuverability and fuel efficiency, thanks to its smaller size and lighter weight. The car is also available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, which can be appealing to drivers who need a bit more versatility from their vehicle.
Ultimately, the choice between the Legacy and Impreza will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, comfort, and luxury features, the Legacy is likely the better choice. But if you value performance, affordability, and fuel efficiency, the Impreza may be the way to go.
