2020 Subaru Legacy vs 2021 MINI Cooper
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Legacy is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 MINI Cooper scores 5.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Subaru Legacy is the clear winner, offering a better balance of performance, comfort, and safety features. If you're looking for a practical and well-rounded sedan, the Legacy is the better choice.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Legacy if:
- You prioritize a spacious and comfortable interior, especially for rear passengers.
- You value advanced safety features and driver assistance systems.
- You prefer a car with standard all-wheel drive for better handling in various conditions.
Choose the 2021 MINI Cooper if:
- You want a car with iconic and customizable styling.
- You enjoy a fun and agile driving experience.
- You prefer a vehicle with more physical controls for easier tech interaction.
Overview | |
MSRP$22,745 | MSRP$22,400 |
Average price$20,350 | Average price$23,417 |
Listings250 | Listings149 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.0 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 MINI Cooper Reviews SummaryThe MINI Cooper is a funky little car with a big attitude that screams nostalgia. The BMW-owned automaker marches to the beat of its own drum, and while the MINI Cooper isn’t the most practical or best equipped car in its class, its unique styling and classic fun-loving attitude will be just what the doctor ordered for many buyers. The Cooper is available in body styles that include the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible. Other variants of the Cooper go by different names, such as the larger MINI Countryman crossover and the Clubman wagon. Updates for the 2021 model year includes several new features and the re-addition of a manual transmission option. Two new special editions are also available: MINI Sidewalk and John Cooper Works GP. The MINI Cooper's odd place in the market pits it against several competitors from various classes. New car buyers may cross-shop the Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW 2 Series, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda MX-30 when making a buying decision on the MINI. Prior to their discontinuation, the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit were solid Mini competitors as well. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine Name1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.1 cu ft | Cargo Space8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3499 lbs | Curb Weight2707 lbs |
Height59.1 in | Height55.7 in |
Length190.6 in | Length151.1 in |
Width82.0 in | Width76.1 in |
Wheelbase108.3 in | Wheelbase98.2 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload818 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors2 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Legacy is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 MINI Cooper scores 5.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Subaru Legacy is the clear winner, offering a better balance of performance, comfort, and safety features. If you're looking for a practical and well-rounded sedan, the Legacy is the better choice.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Legacy if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and comfortable interior, especially for rear passengers.
- You value advanced safety features and driver assistance systems.
- You prefer a car with standard all-wheel drive for better handling in various conditions.
Choose the 2021 MINI Cooper if:
Shop Now- You want a car with iconic and customizable styling.
- You enjoy a fun and agile driving experience.
- You prefer a vehicle with more physical controls for easier tech interaction.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $22,745 | $22,400 |
Average price | $20,350 | $23,417 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.0 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 5.0 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. | The MINI Cooper is a funky little car with a big attitude that screams nostalgia. The BMW-owned automaker marches to the beat of its own drum, and while the MINI Cooper isn’t the most practical or best equipped car in its class, its unique styling and classic fun-loving attitude will be just what the doctor ordered for many buyers. The Cooper is available in body styles that include the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible. Other variants of the Cooper go by different names, such as the larger MINI Countryman crossover and the Clubman wagon. Updates for the 2021 model year includes several new features and the re-addition of a manual transmission option. Two new special editions are also available: MINI Sidewalk and John Cooper Works GP. The MINI Cooper's odd place in the market pits it against several competitors from various classes. New car buyers may cross-shop the Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW 2 Series, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda MX-30 when making a buying decision on the MINI. Prior to their discontinuation, the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit were solid Mini competitors as well. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.1 cu ft | 8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3499 lbs | 2707 lbs |
Height | 59.1 in | 55.7 in |
Length | 190.6 in | 151.1 in |
Width | 82.0 in | 76.1 in |
Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 98.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 818 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 2 |
The 2020 Subaru Legacy presented a conundrum with its styling. It was a handsome car, but it struggled to stand out in a crowd. While it had plenty of sharp angles and details, it lacked the bold, clean design seen in competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Legacy's front end appeared smaller, making it easy to mistake for a compact Subaru Impreza. Despite its pragmatic design, Subaru seemed to be aiming for mainstream appeal but fell short in making the Legacy more than just a sedan version of the Outback.
Inside, the Legacy featured a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen, but many functions were buried within the digital interface, complicating simple tasks like adjusting climate controls. The base trim was well-equipped with features like remote keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and Subaru EyeSight driver assistance. The Premium trim, which we drove, added amenities like 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power moonroof. Higher trims offered additional features, with the Touring XT topping the range with a turbocharged engine and luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery.
The 2021 MINI Cooper, on the other hand, carried iconic styling that set it apart in the subcompact car space. Its rounded shape, tidy dimensions, and wide variety of color choices made it immediately recognizable. MINI offered several customization options, including graphics for the roof and hidden Easter eggs like Union Jack taillights. Despite being larger than the original Mini, the Cooper maintained its unique design language inside, with circular shapes dominating the seats, dash, and center stack. The cabin felt high quality but lacked space, especially in the back seats, which were more suitable for cargo than passengers.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options. The base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims came with a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Legacy's powertrain was responsive, making it suitable for city driving, but it struggled to reach highway speeds without significant noise. For those needing more power, the Limited XT and Touring XT trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This engine also used a CVT with a manual mode and paddle shifters.
The Legacy's chassis was impressive, offering precise cornering and refined ride quality. However, the auto stop-start system, designed to conserve fuel, was jarring and required multiple steps to disable through the infotainment system. Fuel economy for the base engine was 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined, while the turbocharged engine achieved 24 city, 32 highway, and 27 combined.
The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower. The Cooper S had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) model boasted a 228-horsepower turbo-four. The top-tier John Cooper Works GP came with a 301-horsepower turbo-four. All models had front-wheel drive (FWD), with the Cooper and Cooper S offering a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The JCW GP used an eight-speed automatic.
The MINI Cooper felt spritely and energetic, especially with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines, which provided noticeable power at highway speeds. The JCW GP model offered the best acceleration, feeling like a proper rocket ship. However, all Cooper models had a somewhat stiff ride, making long drives tiresome. The car's agility and readiness to change direction made it fun to drive, but it lacked comfort on rough roads. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model being the Convertible, delivering 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined, while the Cooper S Convertible achieved 23/32/26 mpg.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy offered solid trunk space for its class at 15.1 cubic feet, though it couldn't compete with crossovers like the Forester or Impreza hatchback. The backseat was surprisingly spacious, accommodating taller passengers with ample head- and legroom. The rear seats featured in-door cupholders, a fold-down center armrest with additional cupholders, and rear USB ports. The front seats were supportive, with deep door pockets for storage. However, the center stack's small tray made plugging in USB cables a bit challenging.
The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior continued the brand's commitment to its heritage, with the rear seat more suitable for cargo than passengers. The front seats were comfortable, offering decent head and legroom for average adults, though taller drivers might find knee placement challenging due to the dash shape. Interior storage was tight, with a small center console and limited door pockets. The Cooper Hatchbacks provided decent cargo space with the back seats folded down, while Convertible models had a small cargo hold under the folding top compartment.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy featured a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen with the Starlink infotainment system. While the icons were large and easy to read, many functions required multiple steps to access, complicating simple tasks like adjusting climate controls. The portrait orientation of the screen also scrunched Apple CarPlay into a third of the display. Despite these issues, the system had no lag-time or bugs, and Subaru retained physical dials for volume and tuning. However, the tech was present in all trims except the base, making it unavoidable.
The 2021 MINI Cooper came with a base 6.5-inch screen, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and more. Optional features included a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate controls, and LED headlights. MINI included more physical controls than some automakers, improving usability while driving. However, Android Auto was not available, leaving many users reliant on Bluetooth. The infotainment system used BMW's iDrive software, with a physical controller in the center console. The tight space between the front seats made the controller difficult to use, leading some to prefer the touchscreen.
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 causing a backup. Other standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The 2021 MINI Cooper missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It scored top "Good" ratings in crash tests but had "Acceptable" or "Poor" ratings for headlights. The standard front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, and the LATCH system received a "Marginal" rating for ease of use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not yet rated the 2021 model. Standard driver-assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included front parking sensors, a parking assistance system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.