2021 Subaru Legacy Limited XT AWD: The Brand’s Midsized Family Sedan

Highlight:  The vehicle is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 35,370 (Base Model: $23,820)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; all-wheel drive; a radar activated cruise control system with lane centering; a pre-collision braking system; a vehicle lane departure system; a sway warning system; and rear view camera; and automatic vehicle brake hold system

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 17-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; paddle shifters on steering wheel; an automatic start/stop fuel saving system; a 7-inch infotainment screen; steering responsive LED headlights; and a rear seat reminder system

Standard Equipment (Limited XT): 18-inch wheels; 2.4-liter turbocharged, 260-horsepower engine; an 11-inch tablet-style infotainment system; a power moonroof; a heated steering wheel; a driver focused distraction mitigation system; leather seats; heated rear seats; power front seats; driver’s seat includes two-position memory and power lumbar support; keyless entry; a push button ignition starter system; a blind spot electronic detection system; a rear cross-traffic alert system; and a leather wrapped heated steering wheel

Options:  None

Other Trim Levels:

Premium

Sport

Touring XT

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: 4-speakers

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/182-hp

Recommended Fuel: Unleaded

Standard Fuel Mileage: 27-city/35-hwy

What’s New: Being that the current generation Legacy made its arrival during the 2020 model year, the changes to the sedan for the 2021 model year is limited to a rear seat reminder system.

Why: 

The optional 4-cylinder turbo engine that pushes out 260-horsepower

11-inch touchscreen swipe-like, Ipad-like infotainment center

Manual driver’s seat extender

A 360-degree camera is available on the top of the line Touring trim

A premium Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system on higher trim models

Nappa leather is available on the top of the line Touring trim

Driver's side leg extension on higher level trims

Standard all-wheel drive system

Ability to use Subaru’s Starlink Safety and Security to control select features via one’s smartphone

Base engine has a 555-miles driving range, according to fueleconomy.gov

 

But: 

The exterior styling reminds of us the 2012 model year Camry

Base engine is underpowered

No hybrid model

Verdict: While the Legacy has been a solid family sedan for Subaru, the exterior styling seems like a throwback Camry from 2012. However, that’s not a bad thing. Overall the Legacy is seemingly a well built road vehicle, which is available in a variety of trims, ranging from a base model to well-equipped Touring model. The vehicle also offers to powertrains too. If one can swing it, we recommend the upgraded engine, which pushes out a whopping 260-horsepower and offers a 500-mile driving range, according to fueleconomy.gov.

Up until a few years ago, the Legacy was the lone ranger in the midsize segment, offering an all-wheel drive capability. Since that time, both Kia and Nissan have gotten on the bandwagon, offering both front wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations in their midsized sedans.

Competition: Chevy Malibu; Mazda6; Honda Accord; Hyundai Sonata; Kia K5; Nissan Altima; Toyota Camry; and Volkswagen Passat