2025 Legacy Sport or Nissan Altima: Which Midsize Car Fits Dayton Better?

For Dayton, Ohio drivers seeking a reliable, stylish, and fuel-efficient midsize sedan, the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport and Nissan Altima both emerge as top contenders. These two vehicles offer comparable size, price, and power—but key differences in performance, safety, and technology can make all the difference depending on your priorities.

At Ken Ganley Subaru East, we understand the unique demands of Ohio drivers—from snowy winters to highway-heavy commutes. That’s why we’ve crafted this detailed comparison to help you decide whether the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport or the Nissan Altima is the better fit for life in Dayton.

Performance & Drivetrain: Subaru’s AWD Advantage

When it comes to power and handling, the 2025 Legacy Sport brings more capability straight out of the gate. Equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER® engine, it delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system—standard on every trim.

The Nissan Altima, on the other hand, offers a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower or a turbocharged VC-Turbo option producing 248 horsepower. However, front-wheel drive is standard, and AWD is only available on select trims, typically at a higher cost.

Dayton Drivers’ Verdict:
For those dealing with snowy roads or wanting superior traction on Ohio’s rainy highways, the Legacy Sport’s standard AWD and higher horsepower make it a more performance-ready and weather-capable choice.

Fuel Efficiency: Efficiency with Power

Despite its powerful turbo engine and AWD system, the 2025 Legacy Sport maintains competitive fuel economy:

• 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
   

Meanwhile, the Nissan Altima with its standard engine achieves:

• 27 MPG city / 39 MPG highway

 

Though the Altima has a fuel efficiency edge, the difference comes at the cost of performance and AWD reliability. If MPG is your absolute priority and you rarely face adverse road conditions, the Altima could slightly edge out the Legacy. However, for many Ohio drivers who value balanced capability, the difference is negligible.

Interior Comfort & Space

Inside, both sedans offer modern, comfortable cabins—but the Subaru Legacy Sport leans into premium, athletic styling. It features:

• Sporty two-tone interior with red stitching
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• 11.6-inch STARLINK® touchscreen system

The Altima also provides a spacious interior, with an 8-inch touchscreen, available leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control on higher trims. However, the Subaru’s larger infotainment system and sportier design offer a more immersive experience for the driver.

Interior Dimensions Comparison:

• Legacy Cargo Space: 15.1 cu ft
• Altima Cargo Space: 15.4 cu ft

 

Very close in numbers, but Subaru gains an edge with more intuitive cabin layout and standard infotainment tech.

Safety Technology: Subaru EyeSight® Leads

When it comes to safety, Subaru has long been a leader. The 2025 Legacy Sport comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
• Pre-Collision Braking System
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning
• Automatic Emergency Steering

Nissan Altima also includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offers similar features like blind spot monitoring and automatic braking. However, Subaru’s EyeSight has been praised for its smoother operation and seamless integration with driving controls.

Learn more about how EyeSight enhances safety during daily drives and road trips alike.

Infotainment & Connectivity: Subaru STARLINK® Wins

The 11.6-inch STARLINK® Multimedia Plus system in the Legacy Sport offers a portrait-style touchscreen, giving it a tablet-like feel that drivers find intuitive and modern. It also includes:

• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• SiriusXM® and HD Radio™
• Over-the-air software updates

The Altima, in comparison, features an 8-inch screen and optional connectivity. While it's functional, it doesn’t match the visual clarity and integration of Subaru’s STARLINK system.

Need to keep kids entertained during family road trips? Explore ideas like our car scavenger hunt for kids to make the most of your sedan's technology on the go.

Pricing & Value

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport starts at a competitive MSRP and includes performance and safety upgrades that would cost extra on the Altima. The Nissan Altima’s price starts lower but requires trim upgrades to match the Legacy’s features.

Looking to stretch your budget even further? Browse used vehicle deals or get ahead with our pre-approval form to discover what fits your financing plan.

Environmental Edge: Consider Hybrid Alternatives

If you're thinking about long-term efficiency or greener options, Subaru also offers hybrid models like the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid—great for eco-conscious Dayton drivers. View our Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid inventory to explore additional options beyond the midsize sedan category.

Ken Ganley Subaru East: Your Subaru Experts

At Ken Ganley Subaru East, we pride ourselves on delivering a personalized car-buying experience tailored to your lifestyle. From helping you compare vehicles to offering expert service after the sale, we’re the trusted Subaru destination for Dayton and Wickliffe drivers.

• Transparent pricing
• Wide inventory of new and used Subarus
• Friendly, Subaru-certified staff
• Flexible financing and pre-approval options

 

We invite you to experience the Legacy Sport in person—because sometimes, a test drive tells you more than a spec sheet ever could.

Final Verdict: Which Midsize Sedan is Best for Dayton?

If you want fuel efficiency and basic tech at a lower price point, the Nissan Altima offers a solid package.

However, if you're looking for:

• Better all-weather handling
• More horsepower and torque
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Superior tech and safety integration

…the 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport is the clear choice for Dayton’s real-world driving conditions.

Visit Ken Ganley Subaru East to explore current Legacy Sport models, speak with a Subaru specialist, or schedule your test drive today.