Kia
Optima
Subaru
Legacy
Kia Optima vs Subaru Legacy: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Kia Optima comes out ahead of the Subaru Legacy on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Optima
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owners of earlier models (pre-2011) report exceptionally high reliability and satisfaction, with examples reaching over 270,000 miles with minimal maintenance beyond oil changes. For the 2011-2019 generation, sentiment is sharply split.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or powertrain. Feedback is contradictory: some owners strongly recommend the V6 engine (available in earlier models) for its bulletproof reliability compared to the problematic four-cylinders, while others praise the top-tier SXL Turbo trim for its features and driving experience despite the inherent engine risk.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic engine failure (Theta II 2.4L/2.0T): Connecting rod bearing failure leading to seized engine, often around 100,000-150,000 miles; also severe oil consumption.
- ⚠Excessive oil consumption: Engine burns oil at a high rate, potentially leading to damage if not monitored closely. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Engine replacement process hardships: Long repair times (weeks to months), difficulties with dealer service departments, out-of-pocket costs for rental cars and misdiagnoses despite warranty coverage. Frequency: recurrent.
Legacy
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owner reports for older generations (pre-2010) frequently praise the 3.0R and 3.6R flat-six engines for smoothness and potential longevity, with some examples cited as reaching over 200,000 and even 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. The all-wheel-drive system is consistently highlighted as a key strength, providing excellent capability in snow and adverse conditions.
Best version to buy
3.6R models (equipped with the 3.6L flat-six engine) are most frequently recommended by knowledgeable owners. The 3.6R engine is praised for its smooth power delivery and perceived robustness compared to the standard 2.5L four-cylinder, which is often described as underpowered.
Known issues
- ⚠Poor fuel economy: described as significantly worse than EPA estimates and segment competitors, affecting all models. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠CVT transmission reliability concerns: early failures, especially in models from approximately 2014-2015; jerky behavior when cold; requires diligent fluid service. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Infotainment system problems: laggy, unresponsive touchscreen (particularly in models with large screens); system crashes; screen delamination in 2015-2019 models. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Subaru Legacy is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Kia Optima, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Subaru Legacy are a dealbreaker, the Kia Optima is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Kia Optima or the Subaru Legacy?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Subaru Legacy than the Kia Optima. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Kia Optima or the Subaru Legacy?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Kia Optima is classed as a Sedan, the Subaru Legacy as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Kia Optima or the Subaru Legacy?
The Kia Optima is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9 L/100km combined versus 10.6 L/100km for the Subaru Legacy, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Kia Optima or the Subaru Legacy?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.