2021 Subaru Legacy vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured a design that was consistent with the rest of Nissan’s lineup, highlighted by the signature V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. Its floating-roof design, accented by a heavy beltline, led to the rear where quad-tip exhaust finishers were positioned. The Maxima SR models included a sporty rear spoiler, and the Platinum trim level, which was tested, came with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Goodyear all-season tires. Inside, the Maxima’s cabin was filled with materials typical of Nissan’s standard, with the Platinum trim veering into premium territory. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, but the cabin remained spacious and comfortable.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, though not particularly stylish, adhered to Subaru’s branding and buyer desires for safety and assurance. It shared much of its body and mechanics with the Subaru Outback wagon, including the fascia, headlight design, and dashboard setup. For 2021, Subaru added standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. The Legacy’s exterior featured high-gloss stainless steel side-window and shoulder-line moldings, with wheel options ranging from 17-inch steel to 18-inch black or machine-finished wheels. The interior was subdued, with a blend of high-quality materials and piano black plastic, and the tester, a Legacy Limited XT, had a few fit-and-finish issues.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), generating 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Despite being marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more comfortable as a cruiser, with Sport drive mode and paddle shifters available only in the Maxima SR. The Maxima’s front-wheel drive and 18-gallon fuel tank were standard, and it achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. The Maxima did not offer a hybrid option, unlike some competitors.

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 grades, achieving 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, and all-wheel drive was standard. The Legacy’s AWD system kept the car planted over rough terrain, though steering became challenging at highway speeds without lane-centering technology activated. 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 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. The thick center console limited the feeling of spaciousness up front, but the cabin remained comfortable with large front seats. The Maxima had 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space and up to 98.5 cubic feet of passenger space, less than some competitors. Despite this, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing. The front in-door bottle holders could handle 20-ounce bottles, a handy feature for families.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The Legacy Base model had manually adjustable front seats, while other trims offered power-adjustable options. The five-seater provided ample back seat room for adults, though the extra legroom came at the cost of trunk space, which was 15.1 cubic feet. The Legacy’s cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility for the driver. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available, along with two sets of LATCH connections.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display, though they were not the most modern offerings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with NissanConnect Services available only on the Platinum grade. Buyers could upgrade to a Bose Premium Audio system. The Maxima also offered an Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, keyless entry, and USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch infotainment and climate/vehicle system control displays on the base model, with an 11.6-inch infotainment screen standard on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-volt power outlet, USB ports, and a 4.2-inch meter display. Upmarket trims added more power outlets, USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with Homelink. The 11.6-inch screen had an unsophisticated appearance, but menus were easy to navigate.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were standard on all trims except the base model. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, with top "superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores in every category from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Subaru EyeSight technology was standard, including adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision automatic emergency braking and throttle management, and vehicle lane departure and sway warning. The EyeSight Assist Monitor displayed warnings and system status on the windshield. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Legacy’s seat-belt monitoring system was very sensitive and loud, but the EyeSight system was easy to use.