Subaru has long enjoyed a unique position in the automotive market, often seen as unchallenged, especially when it comes to all-wheel-drive (AWD) sedans outside of the STI versus EVO rivalry. However, Suzuki, while less known in the US sedan market, dared to step into this territory with a compelling offering: the Kizashi Sedan. For those in the know, the Kizashi presented a distinctive alternative, challenging the Subaru Legacy in ways that might surprise you.
While the Subaru Legacy boasts a broader range, including an optional 6-cylinder engine and more rugged trims, and starts with the advantage of available manual transmission with AWD in its 4-cylinder variant, along with larger dimensions and a stronger aftermarket presence, the Suzuki Kizashi sedan carved its own niche. The Kizashi offered fewer configurations, lacking a manual AWD option and presenting a more compact size with a single engine choice. Interestingly, its dimensions positioned it neatly between the Subaru Legacy and the smaller Impreza, suggesting a sweet spot for some drivers.
Front profile view of a silver Suzuki Kizashi sedan
This comparison focuses on the AWD Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium, equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the Suzuki Kizashi SE, also featuring a CVT and AWD. Remarkably, these models were priced within a close range when similarly equipped, with the Subaru holding a slight price edge. Both sedans utilized a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine and were built with a focus on quality, competing in a similar segment of the market.
Side profile view of a dark gray Subaru Legacy sedan
Why the Kizashi Sedan Surprises: A Closer Look
The Suzuki Kizashi sedan often catches people off guard. Examining its standard features, build quality, sporty driving dynamics, and arguably more attractive styling, the Kizashi emerges as a surprisingly strong contender. It’s a vehicle that delivers a more engaging experience than one might initially expect.
Front three quarter view of a white Suzuki Kizashi sedan showcasing its sporty design
In contrast, the Subaru Legacy prioritizes comfort, offering a significantly improved interior compared to previous generations. It excels as a comfortable and fuel-efficient commuter car, with a CVT that feels more responsive than the Kizashi’s. The Legacy also provides good visibility and a reputation for safety, making it a solid choice for drivers prioritizing practicality and all-weather capability. It’s undoubtedly a well-built, safe, and comfortable vehicle.
Interior view of a Subaru Legacy dashboard and front seats highlighting its comfortable design
The Deciding Factors: Looks and Driving Fun
So, what gives the Suzuki Kizashi sedan an edge in this comparison? The primary reasons boil down to aesthetics and driving enjoyment. The Kizashi simply presents a more visually appealing package and delivers a more engaging driving experience, particularly when tackling corners. Suzuki’s design philosophy, also evident in models like the SX4, translates to a vehicle that is genuinely good-looking and capable of competing with other stylish compact sedans.
Rear three quarter view of a silver Suzuki Kizashi sedan emphasizing its sleek styling
On paper, the AWD, CVT-equipped versions of both the Kizashi and Legacy offer similar power and fuel economy. The Legacy achieves impressive fuel efficiency, around 27 mpg combined, while the Kizashi manages a respectable 25 mpg. Their 0-60 mph acceleration times are also nearly identical, averaging around 9.4 seconds. The Subaru, however, feels and sounds smoother throughout the rev range, especially at higher speeds. Manual transmissions improve the performance of both cars, but the Kizashi sedan, being lighter and less burdened by AWD drag in manual configuration (though not offered), would likely be quicker in a theoretical manual AWD comparison.
Action shot of a Suzuki Kizashi sedan cornering on a road demonstrating its handling capabilities
When pushed through winding roads, the Kizashi sedan truly shines. While the Subaru Legacy offers a comfortable ride and adequate grip, it exhibits more body roll and a less dynamic feel, somewhat akin to larger, comfort-focused sedans. The Kizashi, in contrast, navigates corners with greater agility, offering better control and a touch of genuine road feel. It presents itself as a more balanced and subtly fun-to-drive vehicle.
Styling Standout: Kizashi’s Visual Appeal
Having spent considerable time with various Subaru Legacy models, the styling has often been a point of contention. While the somewhat awkward wheel arch design might be acceptable on the SUV-inspired Outback, it appears less cohesive on the Legacy sedan, making it look bulkier. These arches can also make the wheels appear smaller, further contributing to a somewhat heavy visual impression. The headlight and taillight designs also lack synergy, resulting in an overall unbalanced aesthetic.
Front view of a Subaru Legacy sedan highlighting its front styling and wheel arch design
Conversely, the Suzuki Kizashi sedan boasts a sporty, handsome, and sleek design. Its styling cues are reminiscent of the contemporary Volkswagen Jetta, which is generally considered a visually appealing sedan. One minor styling detail, common among many automakers, is the faux chrome exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper. While they look stylish from certain angles, the smaller, actual exhaust pipes tucked inside become noticeable from directly behind.
CVT Considerations and Overall Value
The CVT in the Kizashi sedan is noted to be somewhat louder and less responsive compared to the Subaru’s CVT, particularly for long-distance driving. For highway cruising, the Subaru Legacy’s CVT is arguably the superior choice. In fact, in many aspects, the Subaru Legacy 2.5i matches or surpasses the Kizashi, except for the CVT’s performance.
However, the Suzuki Kizashi sedan presents a compelling value proposition, especially considering its generous (transferable) 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, comprehensive standard equipment list, enjoyable handling, and attractive styling.
While the Subaru Legacy remains a capable and well-rounded vehicle, certain aspects, particularly its styling and less engaging driving dynamics, give the Suzuki Kizashi sedan a distinct advantage for drivers prioritizing looks and a more spirited driving experience in an AWD sedan. Ultimately, subjective factors like styling can heavily influence purchasing decisions, and in this regard, the Kizashi sedan certainly makes a strong statement.
