Nissan
Altima
Subaru
Legacy
Nissan Altima vs Subaru Legacy: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Nissan Altima 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
Altima
Overall
Extremely negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, dominated by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is described as a fundamental design flaw leading to premature failure, often between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, with replacement costs cited around $4,000. This issue is so pervasive it has spawned multiple class-action lawsuits, particularly for models from the 2010-2020 period.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a consensus "best" model year or trim. Isolated positive anecdotes reference older models (e.g., 2002 Maxima, pre-2010 Altimas) with traditional automatic transmissions, but no specific Altima generation or trim receives repeated endorsement.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission failure: Catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 80,000-150,000 miles; symptoms include jerking, shuddering, loss of acceleration, lurching at low speeds, and inability to rev beyond a certain RPM.
- ⚠CVT-related problems (general): Whining noise, rubber band effect, laggy throttle response, and general concerns about long-term durability. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine issues (various): For 2019-2021 models with the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, a manufacturing defect in engine bearings can lead to catastrophic engine failure, knocking noises, loss of power, and potential fire, as detailed in a NHTSA reca…
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 Nissan Altima, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Subaru Legacy are a dealbreaker, the Nissan Altima is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru Legacy?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Subaru Legacy than the Nissan Altima. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru Legacy?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima or the Subaru Legacy?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Nissan Altima than the Subaru Legacy. See the known issues comparison above.