2020 Subaru Legacy vs 2021 Lexus IS

The 2020 Subaru Legacy presented a pragmatic sensibility in its design, which, while handsome, struggled to stand out among its competitors. Its styling featured sharp angles and details, yet it lacked the boldness seen in rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Legacy's front end appeared smaller, often leading to confusion with the compact Subaru Impreza. Inside, the Legacy boasted a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen, but many features were buried within its digital interface, complicating simple tasks like adjusting climate controls. The Legacy offered six trims, with the Premium trim being particularly recommended for its features, including a power moonroof and heated seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. The IS appeared to be in motion even when stationary, thanks to its fast roofline and distinctive spindle grille. The interior matched the exterior's boldness with a simple yet modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock felt outdated amidst the modern design. The IS's design was a testament to Lexus's commitment to creating a visually striking and driver-focused sports sedan.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy offered a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine across its base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). While the Legacy excelled in city driving with its responsive transmission, it struggled to reach highway speeds without significant noise. For those seeking more power, the Limited XT and Touring XT trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The Legacy's fuel economy was impressive, with the base engine achieving 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined.

The 2021 Lexus IS, designed for the luxury sports sedan category, offered a range of powertrains. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower. The IS 350 models, both RWD and AWD, used the same V6 but tuned to 311 horsepower. The IS's performance was characterized by its crisp handling and balanced ride, thanks to its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city, 31 highway, and 25 combined.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy offered a spacious interior with surprising backseat head- and legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The trunk space was solid for a sedan at 15.1 cubic feet, though it couldn't compete with crossovers. The Legacy's front seats were supportive, and the cabin featured practical storage solutions, including deep door pockets and rear USB ports.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered experience with a comfortable and adjustable driver position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seats, standard in IS 350 models, provided heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage options were ample, with various compartments and cupholders. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, adequate for a compact sedan.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy's technology was centered around its 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system, which, despite its large icons and lack of lag, was criticized for its complexity. Basic functions like adjusting heated seats required multiple steps, and the portrait orientation of the screen limited the display of Apple CarPlay. The system was present in all trims except the base, which had its own set of issues.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus Enform services offered various connected features with trial subscriptions, including Safety Connect and Service Connect. The optional Mark Levinson audio system was highly recommended for its superior sound quality. However, the subscription model for navigation services was seen as a potential drawback.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The system used intuitive head-up light alerts and included a helpful feature for alerting drivers when the car in front moved forward. Standard safety features also included airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera.

The 2021 Lexus IS was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting. The IS had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but expectations were high based on its platform.