Outback vs. Legacy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 29, 2023
The Outback is a rugged Subaru crossover SUV, while the Legacy is Subaru's mid-size sedan.
Difference Between Outback and Legacy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Outback and Legacy are both models produced by Subaru, a Japanese automobile manufacturer. However, the Outback is categorized as a crossover SUV, designed with a higher ground clearance and an off-road emphasis. In contrast, the Legacy is a mid-size sedan, meant primarily for on-road use.
In terms of design and aesthetics, the Outback often showcases rugged features, reflecting its off-road capabilities. The Legacy, on the other hand, exhibits a more streamlined and traditional sedan look, prioritizing elegance and comfort.
From a performance perspective, the Outback typically boasts features like all-wheel drive and a sturdy suspension to handle rough terrains. The Legacy, while also often having all-wheel drive, focuses on smoother rides and fuel efficiency for city and highway drives.
When considering interior space, the Outback offers more cargo room, given its SUV nature, making it suitable for family trips and adventures. The Legacy, being a sedan, provides ample passenger space but might have a smaller trunk compared to the Outback.
Price points for the Outback and Legacy can vary based on features and trim levels. However, typically, given its larger size and off-road features, the Outback might come at a higher starting price than the Legacy.
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Comparison Chart
Vehicle Type
Crossover SUV
Mid-size Sedan
Design Focus
Rugged, off-road
Streamlined, on-road
Typical Performance
Off-road capability, all-wheel drive
Smooth ride, fuel efficiency
Interior Space
Larger cargo space
Ample passenger space, smaller trunk
Price Point
Typically higher
Typically lower
Compare with Definitions
Outback
Commonly comes with all-wheel drive.
Snowy conditions were no challenge for the Outback.
Legacy
Typically comes with a streamlined design.
The sleek design of the Legacy is always eye-catching.
Outback
Popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Adventurers prefer the Outback for its robust nature.
Legacy
Often equipped with all-wheel drive.
The Legacy's all-wheel drive ensured stability on wet roads.
Outback
A rugged crossover SUV model by Subaru.
We took the Outback for our mountain camping trip.
Legacy
Known for its on-road comfort and efficiency.
The Legacy provides a smooth ride on highways.
Outback
Designed with off-road capabilities.
The Outback easily handled the rough forest trails.
Legacy
Balances performance with fuel efficiency.
I save on gas with my Legacy without compromising speed.
Outback
Boasts higher ground clearance compared to sedans.
The Outback's ground clearance was useful during the floods.
Legacy
A mid-size sedan model produced by Subaru.
I commute daily in my Legacy.
Outback
The Outback is a remote, vast, sparsely populated area of Australia. The Outback is more remote than the bush, which includes any location outside the main urban areas.
Legacy
An amount of money or property left to someone in a will
My grandmother died and unexpectedly left me a small legacy
Outback
Out to or in remote rural country, especially in Australia or New Zealand.
Legacy
An applicant to a particular college or university who is regarded preferentially because a parent or other relative attended the same institution
Being a legacy increased a student's chance of being accepted to a highly selective college by up to 45 per cent
Outback
The remote rural part of a country, especially of Australia or New Zealand.
Legacy
Denoting or relating to software or hardware that has been superseded but is difficult to replace because of its wide use.
Outback
(Australia) The most remote and desolate areas of Australia; the desert and areas too arid for growing crops.
Legacy
Money or property given to another by will.
Outback
Characteristic of the most remote and desolate areas of Australia; very remote from urban areas.
Legacy
Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past
A legacy of religious freedom.
Outback
To or towards the most remote and desolate areas of Australia.
Legacy
An individual who is either an applicant to an educational institution or a matriculated student and is the child of an alumna or alumnus.
Outback
To travel or stay in the outback
Legacy
Retained under an obsolescent or discarded system, chiefly for purposes of reference
Legacy files in the old email system.
Outback
The remote bush country of Australia; as, they hunted kangaroo in the outback.
Legacy
(legal) Money or property bequeathed to someone in a will.
Outback
Same as out-of-the-way.
Legacy
Something inherited from a predecessor or the past.
John Muir left as his legacy an enduring spirit of respect for the environment.
Outback
The bush country of the interior of Australia
Legacy
(education) The descendant of an alumnus.
Because she was a legacy, her mother's sorority rushed her.
Outback
Inaccessible and sparsely populated
Legacy
Left over from the past; no longer current.
Legacy
A gift of property by will, esp. of money or personal property; a bequest. Also Fig.; as, a legacy of dishonor or disease.
Legacy
A business with which one is intrusted by another; a commission; - obsolete, except in the phrases last legacy, dying legacy, and the like.
My legacy and message wherefore I am sent into the world.
He came and told his legacy.
Legacy
(law) a gift of personal property by will
Common Curiosities
Is the Legacy a family car?
Yes, the Legacy, being a mid-size sedan, is suitable for families.
Can the Outback handle off-road conditions?
Absolutely, the Outback is designed with off-road capabilities in mind.
Is all-wheel drive standard for both models?
While it can vary by year and market, Subaru often equips both the Outback and Legacy with all-wheel drive.
Can the Outback carry more cargo than the Legacy?
Generally, yes, the Outback's design allows for more cargo space than the Legacy.
Is the Legacy's ride smoother than the Outback's?
Given its sedan design, the Legacy usually offers a smoother on-road ride compared to the rugged Outback.
Can both the Outback and Legacy handle snowy conditions?
Yes, both vehicles, especially with all-wheel drive, perform well in snowy conditions.
Is the Outback bigger than the Legacy?
Yes, the Outback generally offers more cargo space than the Legacy.
Which is more fuel-efficient: Outback or Legacy?
Typically, the Legacy, being a sedan, offers better fuel efficiency than the Outback.
Are both the Outback and Legacy suitable for long trips?
Yes, both vehicles are designed for comfort and reliability, making them suitable for long journeys.
Is the Legacy more affordable than the Outback?
Typically, the starting price for the Legacy is lower than that of the Outback.
Can the Outback tow more weight than the Legacy?
Generally, the Outback has a higher towing capacity than the Legacy.
Why might someone choose the Legacy over the Outback?
Someone might prefer the Legacy for its on-road comfort, fuel efficiency, and sedan style.
How do the safety features of the Outback compare to the Legacy?
Both vehicles come equipped with Subaru's safety features, though specifics can vary by model and year.
Which has been in production longer: Outback or Legacy?
The Legacy has been in production longer than the Outback.
Are there hybrid versions of the Outback and Legacy?
As of my last training data in 2022, Subaru has introduced hybrid versions for some models, but availability may vary by market and year.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
