Mazda
6
Subaru
Legacy
Mazda 6 vs Subaru Legacy: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mazda 6 comes out ahead of the Subaru Legacy on 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
6
Overall
Sentiment is broadly positive, with the Mazda 6 consistently praised for its reliability, longevity, and driving dynamics. Long-term owner reports frequently highlight the vehicle's ability to reach high mileages (e.g., 250,000 miles, 377,000 miles) with minimal major issues when properly maintained. The car is commended for its handsome design, well-regarded interior quality in its class, and a driving experience often described as more engaging than key competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" trim or version across all generations. Feedback is divided by powertrain preference.
Known issues
- ⚠Thin paint / paint chipping and fading: noted on multiple generations, particularly older models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Rust issues: especially on heat shields and exhaust components, causing rattles; mentioned on pre-2014 models and some later examples. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Steering wheel vibration / shake at highway speeds (55-65 mph / 89-105 km/h): often attributed to tire balance rather than mechanical fault. Frequency: isolated.
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 Mazda 6, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Subaru Legacy are a dealbreaker, the Mazda 6 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mazda 6 or the Subaru Legacy?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Subaru Legacy than the Mazda 6. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Mazda 6 or the Subaru Legacy?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6 or the Subaru Legacy?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda 6 or the Subaru Legacy?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mazda 6 than the Subaru Legacy. See the known issues comparison above.