Performance
It's not every midsize sedan that offers all-wheel-drive in addition to a reliable, fuel-sipping four-cylinder engine that combine to get you where you need to go with relative ease and thriftiness. And its rarer still to find all that in a midsize car that costs less than $23,000. But that's what the Legacy offers. Also boasting an available 3.6-liter V6 engine, the Legacy is as quick as you desire, depending on which engine you choose. The Hyundai Sonata, in contrast, offers several engine choices, but they're all four-cylinder models. The upgraded "Eco" trim offers power that's very similar to the base engine in the Legacy.
Technology & Infotainment
A Subaru STARLINK™ infotainment system takes center-stage in the dashboard of every new Subaru Legacy sedan. Boasting a large 6.5-inch touch screen with standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, you're always connected when you drive this Subaru sedan. The Sonata, however, also gets a competent 7-inch touchscreen system with smartphone integration.
Safety Features
Both the Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy are very safe vehicles, earning the highest marks possible from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Both sedans also come equipped with rearview cameras to make backing up a breeze. Want more safety features? You can choose several available active safety features with either vehicle. The Sonata does offer some features standard.
Interior Accommodations
The Subaru and Hyundai midsize sedans in question both offer you and your family plenty of space for long trips and short jaunts around town alike. As for cargo space, these sedans are similarly neck-in-neck.
Price
The Hyundai Sonata's pricing slightly undercuts that of the Subaru Legacy. Having said that, the Legacy appeals to a buyer with different needs. For one thing, the Sonata doesn't even offer all-wheel-drive - a necessity at times around here in Sandy and South Jordan, UT. Plus, Subaru is the top brand for residual value in 2018, according to ALG*. That means when it comes time to sell your car (if you don't run it to the ground - a viable option with the reliable Legacy), you'll likely enjoy a higher resale price and lower depreciation.
*ALG named Subaru the 2018 Top Mainstream Brand for Residual Value. ALG is the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data (www.alg.com).