26 MPG combined makes the 2025 Subaru Legacy AWD 2.4L 4-cyl an efficient choice for buyers prioritizing all-weather capability and Subaru’s signature blend of practicality and safety in a mainstream sedan. This isn’t a sports car, nor is it a massive SUV; it’s a sensible, unflappable vehicle designed for daily American life, and its fuel economy reflects an engineering approach balancing power with parsimony. The Legacy caters to a demographic that values dependability above all else: families needing a reliable commuter, retirees seeking comfort and safety for long hauls, or anyone living where inclement weather is a regular fact of life. They aren’t chasing segment-leading horsepower figures or flash-in-the-pan trends; they want a car that starts every morning, handles snow, and doesn’t demand excessive attention at the gas station. For these buyers, 26 combined MPG is not just acceptable, it’s a strong selling point for a full-time all-wheel-drive sedan packing a potent turbocharged engine.

City and highway performance

Delving into the specific EPA ratings, the 2025 Legacy 2.4L delivers 23 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway. The city figure, 23 MPG, reflects the inherent friction of moving a nearly 3,700-pound sedan with constant stop-and-go. Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, here designated AV-S8, is efficient, but even it can’t entirely negate the energy demands of urban congestion and a reliable all-wheel-drive system. Where the Legacy truly shines is on the open road. The 31 MPG highway rating is critical for the long-distance comfort and sensibility that characterizes the Legacy. This is a car built for road trips, for daily commutes that aren’t exclusively urban, and its highway efficiency makes those journeys affordable. Cruising at consistent speeds, the 2.4L boxer engine works gracefully with the CVT to keep RPMs low, maximizing fuel economy without sacrificing the responsiveness needed for confident passing maneuvers. For a vehicle with its level of standard all-wheel-drive commitment, these numbers are highly competitive.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of exactly $1,700 for the 2025 Subaru Legacy AWD 2.4L 4-cyl. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an assumed mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. It represents a straightforward, easy-to-understand benchmark for prospective owners to gauge their potential yearly expenditure on gasoline. This $1,700 projection positions the Legacy as an economically sound choice in its class, especially considering its standard all-wheel drive, which often incurs a fuel economy penalty in other vehicles. For the drivers who choose a Legacy, this predictable and relatively modest annual fuel outlay contributes significantly to the overall value, reinforcing the sedan’s reputation for pragmatic ownership.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, owners of the 2025 Legacy 2.4L can generally expect to meet or even slightly exceed the EPA estimates, provided they practice disciplined driving habits. Subaru’s EPA ratings tend to be quite achievable. We often see drivers pushing past 31 MPG on extended highway runs when adhering to moderate speeds and avoiding aggressive acceleration. Conversely, prolonged periods of heavy city traffic, steep grades, or consistently brisk driving will naturally bring the combined average closer to the lower end of the spectrum, perhaps even dipping slightly below the 23 MPG city rating. The turbocharged 2.4L engine, while providing excellent power when needed, also has the potential to consume extra fuel if its capabilities are frequently exploited. However, for the typical Legacy driver, one who values a smooth, controlled driving experience over jackrabbit starts, the stated 26 MPG combined figure is a realistic expectation for daily use.

How it compares

Comparing the 2025 Subaru Legacy 2.4L’s fuel economy against its primary competitors highlights its unique value, particularly given its standard all-wheel drive. A key rival is the Honda Accord, a perennial benchmark for efficiency. A 2025 Honda Accord EX, with its 1.5L turbo engine and FWD, achieves a superior 32 MPG combined (29 city / 37 highway). For a buyer who has no need for AWD, the Accord represents a more fuel-efficient choice. Similarly, the 2025 Toyota Camry SE (FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) manages 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway). However, the moment you add all-wheel drive to the Camry LE or SE, its combined MPG drops to 29 MPG (25 city / 34 highway), still outperforming the Legacy, but the gap narrows. The Legacy’s closest direct AWD competitor is often considered to be the Nissan Altima. A 2025 Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo AWD clocks in at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 35 highway), placing it slightly ahead of the Legacy’s 26 combined, though its powertrain characteristics are quite different from the Subaru’s. The decision then often hinges on brand preference, interior comfort, and driving dynamics, rather than a significant difference in fuel economy. For those specifically seeking a full-time AWD sedan, the Legacy’s 26 combined MPG is entirely respectable and represents an acceptable compromise for its inherent capabilities and the additional traction it provides in all conditions. You can find more Subaru fuel economy data for other models and years on our site, and specifically explore LEGACY MPG across all years to see its evolution.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To get the most out of your 2025 Subaru Legacy 2.4L, practice smooth and consistent acceleration. The turbocharged engine can be thirsty under heavy throttle, so gradually increase speed and let the CVT find its optimal ratio rather than flooring it from a stop.

Maintain consistent highway speeds and use cruise control whenever possible. The 2.4L engine paired with the Lineartronic CVT is extremely efficient at steady highway cruising, and avoiding speed fluctuations will significantly preserve fuel.

Regularly check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and directly impacting your fuel economy, especially noticeable in city driving.

Avoid unnecessary weight in the trunk or roof racks. The extra mass requires more energy to move and accelerates wear, thus reducing efficiency over time. Remove roof boxes or carriers when not in active use.

Stick to the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual. A well-tuned engine with clean air filters, fresh spark plugs, and appropriate fluid levels will always operate at its peak efficiency, ensuring the 2.4L engine performs as intended.