2021 Subaru Legacy review
Subaru Legacy highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- High levels of comfort
- Powerful turbocharged engine
Cons
- Some tech features need improvement
- Weak base engine
- Rough engine stop-start system
Mileage (EPA estimate)
24 city, 32 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2021 Subaru Legacy is the sure-footed family sedan
Even though shoppers may be flocking to SUVs, the traditional midsize family sedan still has a lot to offer. Not only are sedans more affordable and fuel-efficient, but they also handle better and come with many of the same features. The 2021 Subaru Legacy drives that point home with standard all-wheel drive that is typically an option on SUVs and not offered at all on some sedans. That makes it a great choice for those who live in regions prone to inclement weather and who want increased traction and stability.
After a full redesign in 2020, the 2021 Legacy has only a few minor changes. Adaptive headlights have been added to the standard features list, as has a new rear-seat reminder feature.
While we like the assurance that comes with all-wheel drive and the Legacy's potent turbo engine, we recommend that shoppers pay close attention to the infotainment system, which has a reputation for being glitchy. We'd also compare it against the top sedans in its class, including the Kia K5, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata.
All Subaru Legacy years
What is new for the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
- The Limited trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
- The Premium trim now comes with Leather Seats as standard equipment.
- The Limited XT trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The Touring XT trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
2021 Subaru Legacy trims
Base:
- 182-hp, 176-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Rear View Camera
- Traction Control
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Automated Cruise Control
- View our Subaru Legacy inventory
Premium:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Alloy Wheels
- Android Auto
- View our Subaru Legacy Premium inventory
Limited:
- Includes all features available on the Premium
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Memory Seats
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Smart Key
- Harman Kardon Sound
- View our Subaru Legacy Limited inventory
Limited XT:
- Includes all features available on the Limited
- 260-hp, 277-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
- Sunroofs
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Navigation System
- View our Subaru Legacy Limited XT inventory
Touring XT:
- Includes all features available on the Limited XT
- A/C Seats
- CD Audio
Sport:
- Includes all features available on the Touring XT
- Rear Spoiler
- View our Subaru Legacy Sport inventory
Subaru Legacy photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Subaru Legacy
What We Like
Standard all-wheel drive: Subarus have become the de facto cars of choice in the Pacific Northwest and New England for good reason. They can handle rain-slicked and snowy roads better than more conventional vehicles. The Legacy is no different—it comes standard with all-wheel drive when rivals either charge more for it or don't offer it at all.
Comfortable ride and seats: The Subaru Legacy deserves praise for its high levels of overall comfort. The ride quality is pleasantly smooth without feeling floaty and disconnected. The front seats are well shaped and generously padded for long-distance comfort, and the side bolsters do a good job of keeping you in place when cornering.
Powerful turbo option: With 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is worth stepping up to the XT trims for. It has enough power to accelerate the Legacy to 60 mph in 6 seconds, which is quick for the class and noticeably more accomplished than the base engine. The turbo engine also returns decent fuel economy estimates for the power.
What Needs Improvement
Technology issues: The Legacy's infotainment system can be a source of frustration. Frequent glitches and system crashes seem to plague some vehicles, even when using Apple CarPlay®. While we're glad the Legacy comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, the forward collision warning is prone to false alarms and the adaptive cruise control is too abrupt with throttle and brake applications.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 Subaru Legacy is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Subaru Legacy an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Subaru Legacy 12th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru LegacySubaru Legacy features and specs
Base 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- CD Audio
- Rear Spoiler
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
182
Torque (ft-lbs)
176
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
108.3"
Overall length
190.6"
Width
72.4"
Height
59.1"
Leg room
F 42.8"/R 39.5"
Head room
F 39.4"/R 37.2"
Front tires
P225/55VR17
Rear tires
P225/55VR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Subaru Legacy FAQ
The 2021 Subaru Legacy is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base : 27 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Limited : 27 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Premium : 27 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Sport : 27 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Touring XT : 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The Subaru Legacy received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Subaru Legacy as 11 out of 28 among Midsize Car
Here is what's new for the 2021 Subaru Legacy:
- Cloth Seats
- Leather Seats
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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