2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, remained visually unchanged for the 2020 model year. The previous year's restyle introduced a geometric-influenced appearance, setting the stage for the dramatically angular styling of the all-new 2021 Elantra. Available in six versions—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport—the Elantra's prices ranged from $19,300 to $24,150. The Limited test vehicle, equipped with the Ultimate Package and floor mats, brought the total to $27,630, including the $975 destination charge. The Elantra GT hatchback was also available for 2020.

A black paint job highlighted the Elantra’s angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, contrasting with the chrome grille, beltline, and logo detailing. The result was a stylish small car, though not universally appealing. The interior received an upscale update with silver trim on various elements, but enough hard and glossy plastic remained to remind occupants that it was a mainstream compact car.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, competing with the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, was available in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The current-generation Legacy, debuting as a 2020 model, carried over much of the Subaru Outback wagon's body and mechanics into sedan form. For 2021, Subaru added standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist.

The Legacy's looks were not particularly stylish but stayed true to Subaru branding, offering a safe and assuring appearance. High-gloss stainless steel side-window and shoulder-line moldings added a bit of flash. Seventeen-inch steel wheels were standard, with options for 17-inch alloy or 18-inch wheels. Power-folding outside mirrors, a power moonroof, and an All-Weather Package were available. The Legacy's subdued interior featured high-quality materials and piano black plastic, with some fit-and-finish issues noted in the tester.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, standard with SE trim, contributed to a $1,100 price increase from the previous year. All Elantra models were front-wheel drive. The Elantra Eco had a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Sport trim offered a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, featuring an independent rear suspension and a seven-speed DCT.

The Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT, provided a satisfactory driving experience. The CVT, employing a chain belt and wide-ratio pulley system, improved efficiency and responsiveness. However, real-world fuel economy fell short, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the expected 34 mpg. The torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride and handling, making the Elantra feel unsettled. The Elantra Sport's independent rear suspension offered a superior ride and more enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy's Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims were powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Limited XT and Touring XT featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT. The Legacy's standard all-wheel drive (AWD) provided stability over rough terrain. The 2.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbo engine earned 24 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The Legacy's steering was well-balanced at low speeds but challenging to keep between lanes on the highway without lane-centering technology. The AWD system absorbed many bumps, contributing to a comfortable ride.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered comfortable accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person squeezed in for short trips. The Limited test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. All Elantras included a front passenger's seat-height adjuster and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and automatic defogging system. Heated front seats were available on all but the SE and SEL trims. Interior storage was well-proportioned, and the trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly as much as some midsize sedans.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The Base model had manually adjustable front seats, while other trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and either a four-way or eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The five-seater offered ample back seat room for adults, with additional legroom from the 2020 redesign. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available. The Legacy's trunk had 15.1 cubic feet of space, with a wide opening.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base SE trim had a 5-inch screen, while the SEL and higher trims featured a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. The Ultimate Package increased the touchscreen size to 8 inches and added navigation and Blue Link services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume and tuning knobs. The Infinity sound system impressed for a compact car.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy's base model had dual 7-inch infotainment and climate/vehicle system control displays. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with on-screen buttons for various functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-volt power outlet, two USB ports, and a 4.2-inch meter display. Upmarket trims added more USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and other features. The 11.6-inch screen's appearance was unsophisticated, but menus were easy to navigate.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with Hyundai Smart Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. SEL trim and higher added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Sport trims featured full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a concern about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores in every category from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard Subaru EyeSight technology included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a head-up display. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. The seat-belt monitoring system was very sensitive and loud. The EyeSight system was easy to use but could be annoying with frequent alerts. The Legacy came with a three-year/36,000-mile new car limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.