2020 Subaru Legacy vs 2021 Lexus ES
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Legacy is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus ES scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Subaru Legacy is the recommended choice, offering better overall value, impressive fuel economy, and a spacious interior.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Legacy if:
- You prioritize all-wheel drive for better traction in various weather conditions.
- You want a car with impressive fuel economy for its class.
- You need a spacious backseat with ample head
- and legroom for taller passengers.
Choose the 2021 Lexus ES if:
- You seek a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and comfortable seating.
- You prefer a powerful V6 engine with multiple driving modes for a dynamic driving experience.
- You value advanced safety features and top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
Overview | |
MSRP$22,745 | MSRP$40,000 |
Average price$20,353 | Average price$32,335 |
Listings244 | Listings401 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 Subaru Legacy Reviews SummaryIt’s something we’ve said almost exhaustively on this site: Crossovers are king, and the age of sedans owning the road has waned. But you can’t fault us for reporting what’s happening out there, and if you bought your first car more than a decade ago, this may still be news to you. Their combination of cargo space, passenger space, and added ride height—with a seemingly minimal penalty when it comes to fuel economy—contributed largely to the proliferation of SUVs over the past 10 years. But what of the humble sedan? And what is an automaker to do when one of its best-selling segments becomes passé? If that automaker is Subaru, the play is to lean into the niche. For the 4-door, 5-passenger Legacy, that means a focus on practicality, efficiency, and safety. The Legacy has long been a pragmatic choice thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), fuel-efficient engines, and easy-to-use interiors. The 2020 Legacy can still boast AWD and strong mileage, but Subaru has made some major changes inside its midsize sedan in an attempt to go more mainstream and grab a larger slice of the shriveling sedan market. Some of the technology Subaru added has been great, but one major change to the dash of the new Legacy makes us ask what Subaru is thinking. | |
2021 Lexus ES Reviews SummaryWhen you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable car that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all hearken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine Name3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway32 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.1 cu ft | Cargo Space13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3499 lbs | Curb Weight3690 lbs |
Height59.1 in | Height56.9 in |
Length190.6 in | Length195.9 in |
Width82.0 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase108.3 in | Wheelbase113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload905 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Legacy is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus ES scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Subaru Legacy is the recommended choice, offering better overall value, impressive fuel economy, and a spacious interior.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Legacy if:
Shop Now- You prioritize all-wheel drive for better traction in various weather conditions.
- You want a car with impressive fuel economy for its class.
- You need a spacious backseat with ample head
- and legroom for taller passengers.
Choose the 2021 Lexus ES if:
Shop Now- You seek a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and comfortable seating.
- You prefer a powerful V6 engine with multiple driving modes for a dynamic driving experience.
- You value advanced safety features and top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $22,745 | $40,000 |
Average price | $20,353 | $32,335 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.0 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | It’s something we’ve said almost exhaustively on this site: Crossovers are king, and the age of sedans owning the road has waned. But you can’t fault us for reporting what’s happening out there, and if you bought your first car more than a decade ago, this may still be news to you. Their combination of cargo space, passenger space, and added ride height—with a seemingly minimal penalty when it comes to fuel economy—contributed largely to the proliferation of SUVs over the past 10 years. But what of the humble sedan? And what is an automaker to do when one of its best-selling segments becomes passé? If that automaker is Subaru, the play is to lean into the niche. For the 4-door, 5-passenger Legacy, that means a focus on practicality, efficiency, and safety. The Legacy has long been a pragmatic choice thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), fuel-efficient engines, and easy-to-use interiors. The 2020 Legacy can still boast AWD and strong mileage, but Subaru has made some major changes inside its midsize sedan in an attempt to go more mainstream and grab a larger slice of the shriveling sedan market. Some of the technology Subaru added has been great, but one major change to the dash of the new Legacy makes us ask what Subaru is thinking. | When you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable car that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all hearken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 32 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 32 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.1 cu ft | 13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3499 lbs | 3690 lbs |
Height | 59.1 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 190.6 in | 195.9 in |
Width | 82.0 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 905 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2020 Subaru Legacy presented a conundrum with its styling. It was a handsome car, but it struggled to stand out among competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Legacy had sharp angles and details, but its design felt smaller and less bold. The front end, in particular, looked compact, making it easy to mistake for a smaller Subaru model. Inside, the Legacy featured a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen, but many features were buried within the digital interface, complicating simple tasks like adjusting climate controls. The base trim came well-equipped, but the Premium trim, which we drove, offered additional features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power moonroof. Higher trims added more luxury and performance features, culminating in the Touring XT with a turbocharged engine and Nappa leather upholstery.
The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 and FWD, remained available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. The ES 300h hybrid offered significant fuel economy gains. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition featured unique styling elements, including 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and a black and white interior. The ES's design was dramatic, with a striking grille and artful details. Inside, the F Sport trim offered sport-bolstered seats, a black and white interior, and a host of luxury features. The ES's interior was both stylish and functional, with excellent materials and a comfortable layout.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy's base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims were powered by a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The Legacy's powertrain was responsive, making it suitable for city driving, but it struggled to reach highway speeds without significant noise. The Limited XT and Touring XT trims featured a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The Legacy's chassis offered precise cornering and refined ride quality, but the auto stop-start system was jarring and complicated to disable. Fuel economy for the base engine was impressive at 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined, while the turbocharged engine achieved 24 city, 32 highway, and 27 combined.
The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, the ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, but it lacked a torque-vectoring AWD system. The ES 350 F Sport offered a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism, making it a competent and enjoyable car to drive. However, it was not an outright sports sedan, as that role was reserved for other Lexus models.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy offered solid trunk space for its class at 15.1 cubic feet, though it couldn't compete with crossovers. The backseat provided impressive head- and legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats were supportive, and the cabin featured useful storage spaces, though some areas, like the center stack tray, were cramped. The Legacy's interior was practical, with thoughtful touches like rear USB ports and in-door cupholders.
The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout that was both stylish and functional. The ES 350 F Sport had sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery looked and felt premium, and the rear seats offered good foot and legroom, along with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Outward visibility was excellent, and storage spaces were plentiful, though some were oddly configured. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, and the hands-free power trunk was a convenient feature.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy's 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system was a mixed bag. While the icons were large and easy to read, the system buried many features within menus, complicating simple tasks like adjusting heated seats or climate controls. The portrait orientation of the screen also scrunched Apple CarPlay, making it less user-friendly. The base trim had a dual-screen setup with similar issues, leaving no escape from the Legacy's frustrating tech.
The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required drivers to look at the screen, making it easy to overshoot targets. However, the ES had separate climate and stereo controls, a brilliant volume and tuning knob, and excellent dynamic voice command technology. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display looked terrific but needed to be a touchscreen. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. The 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. EyeSight also featured an alert for when the car in front started moving, helping to avoid traffic backups. Other standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0), which bundled forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
By: CarGurus + AI
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