2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for that year, featured a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust. It also had larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels. Styling modifications, such as revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, set it apart from other Fortes. Inside, the Forte GT boasted red seat piping, interior stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with polished metallic accents. The transmission shifter felt solid, imparting a sense of quality.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, available in six trim levels, carried over much of the body and mechanics of the Subaru Outback wagon. It featured standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. The Legacy had a subdued interior with high-quality materials and piano black plastic. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather available at extra cost. The tester, a Legacy Limited XT, had some fit-and-finish issues. The Legacy's looks were not particularly stylish but held true to Subaru branding, with high-gloss stainless steel side-window and shoulder-line moldings adding a bit of flash.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This was a significant upgrade from the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine in other Fortes. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) delivered power to the front wheels and was well-behaved. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, bigger front brakes, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, and the DCT was a significant improvement over previous models. The Forte GT offered a firm, connected ride quality and excellent handling, especially on curvy roads.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Legacy's all-wheel-drive system was standard, providing excellent traction and stability. 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 turbocharged engine achieved 24 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. The Legacy's steering was well-balanced, but it became challenging to keep between lanes at highway speeds without lane-centering technology activated.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available in the GT2 Package or with the manual transmission. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent comfort and support, and the front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster. Backseat comfort was good, with a tall cushion and comfortable backrest angle. The Forte GT also had air conditioning vents for the rear seats. The Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free trunk access, revealing a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured improved seat positioning and comfort, with a sound-insulation windshield to block out wind and engine noise. The Base model had manually adjustable front seats, while other trims had a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and either a four-way manually-adjustable or eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Legacy provided 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 cargo space, with a wide opening for easy access.

The 2020 Kia Forte featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s Your Voice (UVO) technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Although the sound system was better than the standard 6-speaker setup, it struggled with ambient noise.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy's base model had dual 7-inch infotainment and climate/vehicle system/safety feature control displays. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with on-screen buttons for various controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-volt power outlet, two USB ports, a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack, automatic climate control, and a 4.2-inch meter display. Upmarket trims added more USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, a 180-degree front-view monitor, Sirius XM Traffic, keyless entry, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with Homelink. The 11.6-inch infotainment screen had an unsophisticated appearance, but menus were easy to navigate.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. The automatic emergency braking system worked at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop. The lane-keeping and lane-centering assist systems worked well but shut off abruptly if the driver did not keep their hands on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores in every category from the IIHS and was named a Top Safety Pick. The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) gave the Legacy a five-star overall rating. The Legacy came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, which included adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision automatic emergency braking and throttle management, and vehicle lane departure and sway warning. Additional safety features included reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a seat-belt monitoring system. The EyeSight safety system was relatively easy to use but could be annoying with its beeps and flashing alerts.