Shopping for an AWD sedan? Compare the Nissan Altima vs. Subaru Legacy in performance, comfort, and tech to find the right match for South Texas roads.
When it comes to midsize sedans that offer extra confidence in Corpus Christi’s unpredictable weather, the Nissan Altima vs. Subaru Legacy matchup deserves a close look. Both bring confidence to everyday driving with weather-ready traction, advanced safety tech, and surprising comfort. But which one fits your South Texas lifestyle best?
Whether you’re tackling slick roads during a Gulf Coast storm or heading out on a long-haul road trip, the Altima and Legacy stand out in the AWD sedan space. Let’s take a closer look at what sets these two apart, so you can decide which is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Nissan’s Intelligent AWD system, available on several Altima trims, continuously monitors road conditions and adjusts power between the front and rear wheels in real time. This is ideal for wet roads or sudden weather changes, common realities for South Texas drivers navigating SPID or heading toward Rockport.
In comparison, the Subaru Legacy features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a full-time AWD system that delivers constant traction. While the system is great for rougher terrain, some drivers find it too rigid on smoother highways.
The takeaway: Both sedans perform well. But if you’re after efficiency and a more dynamic feel with added grip when needed, the Altima’s adaptable AWD is hard to beat.
The 2025 Nissan Altima offers a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower. A 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine is available for more responsive power. You’ll notice a quieter ride and smoother acceleration—perfect for everyday commutes or I-37 road trips.
The Legacy also comes standard with a 2.5-liter engine, and higher trims offer a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged option. However, some testers report that the Legacy’s CVT feels less responsive under heavy acceleration.
The takeaway: If you’re looking for a refined driving experience with punchy acceleration, a ride that balances sporty responsiveness with smooth daily driving, check out the Nissan Altima at Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi.
Inside, the Altima features Zero Gravity front seats for long-haul comfort, along with premium finishes on upper trims. Available heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel add year-round comfort.
The Legacy offers generous passenger space, and its cabin feels open and airy. It also has soft-touch materials and a clean dashboard layout. But its infotainment system can feel overly reliant on screen controls, which some drivers may find distracting.
Here’s how the communication systems compare:
The takeaway: If you prioritize a quieter ride, more intuitive controls, and smart tech that isn’t overwhelming, the Altima is an easy favorite for everyday comfort.
Safety is a strong suit for both sedans. The Altima comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which includes:
The Legacy offers Subaru EyeSight®, which includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist.
The takeaway: Both vehicles offer excellent safety and driver-assist features.
Fuel efficiency is a major factor in the midsize sedan category, and both vehicles perform well here, especially the Altima, one of the top fuel-efficient Nissan vehicles at Ed Hicks Nissan.
The takeaway: If you’re looking for AWD confidence without sacrificing fuel savings, the Altima makes a strong case, especially in a region where gas mileage matters on those long Texas stretches.
Both the Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy are smart choices for drivers who want sedan comfort with the added control of all-wheel drive. The Legacy brings rugged all-weather consistency, while the Altima focuses on a smoother ride, responsive power, and upscale comfort.
Compare the Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy in person at Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi. Schedule your test drive today to see why the Altima stands out for comfort, capability, and value. Or visit us at Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi to explore both vehicles side by side.
Our team can help you explore trims, financing, and incentives to make your upgrade seamless.
