2020 Lexus ES vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label by adopting a more aggressive design. The large spindle grille, which had been growing since 2016, was even more prominent in the 2020 model, fitting well with the car's larger proportions. The rear of the ES was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the cabin elegantly blended modern technology with soft-touch materials, dominated by a large infotainment screen. The ES 350 F Sport trim added unique design elements like a black mesh grille, dark window accents, and 19-inch alloy wheels, along with exclusive interior features such as aluminum trim and Circuit Red color options.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, while not as eye-catching as some competitors, stayed true to Subaru's branding with a design that emphasized safety and assurance. The Legacy shared much of its body and mechanics with the Subaru Outback, including a matching fascia and headlight design. For 2021, Subaru added standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. The Legacy's interior was subdued but functional, with high-quality materials and a blend of form and function. The tester, a Legacy Limited XT, had some fit-and-finish issues but overall provided a comfortable and spacious cabin. The Legacy also featured roof mounting points for easy cargo and equipment mounting.

The 2020 Lexus ES was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride, thanks to its Dynamic Control Shocks. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes, including Sport+. This setup allowed for more precise steering and a livelier driving experience, though the ES was not a high-performance machine.

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 in the Limited XT and Touring XT trims, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Legacy's standard all-wheel drive system provided excellent traction and stability, especially over rough terrain. The 2.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine earned 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Legacy's steering was well-balanced at low speeds but required lane-centering technology for better highway stability.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to carry larger items.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The Legacy offered plenty of 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 had 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which was less than the ES but featured a wide opening for easier loading.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 10-speaker premium audio system or an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. The ES also offered a head-up display with customizable graphics.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy came with dual 7-inch displays on the base model, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-volt power outlet, and USB ports. Higher trims added more power outlets, USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment screen had a multicolored background and easy-to-navigate menus, though it attracted fingerprints.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The system also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for limited semi-autonomous driving.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Legacy came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, which included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a head-up display. Additional safety features included reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Legacy also had a sensitive seat-belt monitoring system and a three-year/36,000-mile new car limited warranty.