Subaru Legacy vs Suzuki Kizashi
30 years ago companies like Saab, Volvo and VW all made family sedans that were considered the antidote to the mainstream family sedan blahs. Just by dint of their unique styling and manner of driving these cars gained a devoutly loyal cult following.
But then these and many other automakers all tried to move “upmarket” thereby abandoning the affordable family sedan sector altogether. With these carmakers gone we were left with few family sedan options and unsurprisingly SUV sales skyrocketed. Did you notice “upmarket vehicle” sales did not skyrocket?
Thankfully for the 2010 new car shopper there are two new models this year from Subaru and Suzuki that embody the term “affordable sports sedan.” Starting at about $20,000, both the Kizashi and Legacy are also both way cheaper than any BMW 3-series and that’s even after you add optional AWD, navigation, leather or CVT automatics (both the Suzuki and Subaru offer these as part of standalone options or option packages).
Subaru Legacy
Although Subaru has sold the Legacy sedan in the United States for many years, the 2010 model is the first time this Japanese automaker has set its sights on bored mainstream Camry drivers. Not only is the 2010 Legacy sized appropriately to compete with Camry, Accord and Altima but it has also had a number of other significant upgrades.
Standout features include a rear seat with enough legroom for an NBA basketball player, improved fuel economy with the CVT auto (23 city/31 highway for 2.5 liter 4 cylinder model and keep in mind this is with standard all-wheel drive), and a stylishly no nonsense interior that somehow feels built to withstand Armageddon (not the movie) while also appearing contemporary enough to impress your neighbors.
The 2010 Legacy is available in a number of engine flavors ranging from the highly efficient base 170 horsepower 2.5 liter variant even to a turbocharged, 265 horsepower 4 cylinder GT model which comes equipped only with a manual transmission. I guess Subaru wants to make it clear that the GT is the really sporty model. Who else but Subaru would offer this mix of very mature utility with the impish irresponsibility of a manual transmission and a turbo four? Kudos to Subaru.
But that doesn’t make the GT the best family sedan deal in the Legacy line-up. The fast revving yet powerful 3.6 liter 6 cylinder found in the top line R model not only runs on regular gas but it has a starting price under $25,000. So if you are too scared now to buy a Camry after that unintended acceleration recall Subaru has a number of flavors of Legacy to sell that just might tempt you. (Note: By picking the affordably priced Premium variants of the Legacy you can order an optional moonroof or 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. You will at least want the audio as the base system only has four speakers.)
Suzuki Kizashi
The Kizashi is the first time that Suzuki has really put its heart and soul into a family sedan and their hard work shows. Starting at $18,999, the Kizashi is sexy looking from all angles (very rare in mainstream sedans) and has an interior that is spacious enough to please North American buyers. It is also lavishly equipped as standard with 7 speaker audio, power windows/locks, cruise control, keyless-go, dual zone climate control and even sport seats. A six speed manual is also standard while a CVT auto is optional (23 city/31 highway).
Optional for the Kizashi are AWD, power seat adjustment, leather upholstery, a moonroof, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, ambient lighting, navigation and a 425 watt Harmon Kardon audio system. Most of these options are part of the four Kizashi “trim levels” which max out at with the $25,000 GLS. Personally I would specify the GTS trim which is one step below GLS and only misses out on leather, auto wipers/headlights and “rear-park assist while still giving you the moonroof, upgraded audio and Bluetooth. (The GTS is $23,345 not including tax and fees).
Power for the Kizashi comes from a 2.4 liter 185 four cylinder that is very efficient with the CVT auto and an absolute screamer that loves revs when equipped with a manual transmission. It is nice to see that Suzuki is not only chasing buyers of sporty manual transmission sports sedans but is also giving them a super-sweet 7 year/100,000 fully transferrable powertrain warranty on top of that.
Who Wins?
Although the Legacy has a very well rounded appeal thanks to myriad engine options, crash test ratings and newfound spaciousness, I prefer the simpler design and engineering philosophy of the Kizashi. I like that AWD is optional on the Suzuki (I live in Southern California so I don’t need it and all Subaru models have it) and I feel that the Kizashi has a cleaner shifting manual transmission (an absolute must for me even in SoCal). Plus, you can’t beat a nice long warranty.
