2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, was a standout in terms of design. The hatchback, in particular, was celebrated for its unique curves and silhouette, often featured in Mazda's promotional materials. The sedan, while more traditional, aimed to compete with luxury brands, offering a sleek and sculpted profile that set it apart from competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced a minimalist aesthetic with high-quality materials, such as creamy white leather and a cockpit-style feel for the driver. However, the exterior's sheet metal felt somewhat low-grade, lacking the solid construction found in more premium vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Legacy was a more understated member of the midsize-sedan category, competing with the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It shared much of its design with the Subaru Outback, featuring a similar fascia and dashboard setup. The Legacy's styling was not particularly eye-catching but adhered to Subaru's brand identity, focusing on safety and reliability. The interior offered a blend of high-quality materials and practical design, with options for leather upholstery and chrome accents. While not as flashy as some competitors, the Legacy provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, especially in the back seat, making it suitable for long journeys.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was an upgrade from the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine, providing a more robust driving experience. However, the switch to a torsion beam rear suspension from a multi-link setup was a cost-cutting measure that affected ride quality, though steering remained precise. The Mazda3 offered a six-speed manual transmission option, but only for specific models, with most vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

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 provided excellent traction and stability, a unique feature in its class. However, the steering could be challenging to manage at highway speeds without lane-centering technology. The Legacy's fuel economy was commendable, with the base engine achieving 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. The interior offered ample space for the driver, with supportive front seats and high-quality materials. However, rear legroom was limited, and the transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback. The sedan's trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy prioritized comfort and space, with improvements in seat positioning and sound insulation. The front seats were available with power adjustments, and the rear seats offered generous legroom, making the Legacy suitable for adult passengers on long trips. The cabin felt spacious, akin to a full-size car, with good forward visibility. However, the Legacy's trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet, a trade-off for the extra passenger room.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, controlled via a rotary dial rather than a touchscreen. This design choice aimed to reduce distractions while driving. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a faster interface and sharp graphics. The head-up display projected information onto the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy came with dual 7-inch displays in the base model, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-volt power outlet. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the design was less sophisticated. The screen's housing attracted fingerprints, but the layout was practical, with easy access to essential controls.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, receiving top scores in crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, among others.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy also earned top safety scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, which included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available. The EyeSight system was effective but could be intrusive with its alerts, which could be adjusted through the infotainment system.