2021 Subaru Legacy vs 2020 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Toyota Prius maintained its iconic jellybean-like shape, a design optimized for aerodynamics. Over the years, Toyota refined the styling within these constraints, giving the current generation a more sedan-like appearance while retaining its hatchback functionality. The Prius's futuristic style remained contemporary, with a cabin defined by its central instrumentation and gauges, a hallmark since its inception over two decades ago. Trim levels ranged from the entry-level L Eco to the range-topping Limited, each offering a variety of features from basic connectivity to advanced driver-assistance systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Legacy, a midsize sedan, shared much of its design and mechanics with the Subaru Outback wagon. The Legacy's styling was more subdued, focusing on safety and reliability rather than eye-catching aesthetics. It featured high-gloss stainless steel moldings and a sleeker design compared to its predecessor. Standard 17-inch steel wheels could be upgraded to alloy or machine-finished options. The Legacy also offered power-folding mirrors, a power moonroof, and an All-Weather Package, enhancing its practicality and comfort.

The 2020 Toyota Prius was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant, the latter using a second electric motor for the rear wheels. The Prius featured three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving needs. Its unique shifter design and low center of gravity contributed to a smooth and engaging driving experience, ideal for daily commutes.

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, delivering 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, especially on rough terrain. However, its steering could be challenging at highway speeds without lane-centering technology activated. Fuel economy was commendable, with the base engine achieving up to 35 mpg on the highway.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made efficient use of its compact platform, offering spacious and comfortable front seats with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats were also roomy, though taller passengers needed to be cautious when entering and exiting. The Prius excelled in cargo space, providing 50.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and up to 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, making it one of the most versatile hybrids available.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy focused on comfort, featuring a sound-insulation windshield and improved seat positioning. The Legacy offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat in all trims except the base model, which had manually adjustable seats. The rear seats provided ample legroom, making long journeys comfortable for adult passengers. However, the Legacy's trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet, a trade-off for the generous passenger space.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and three USB ports. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto support. The Prius also featured a top-center instrument panel displaying hybrid drivetrain status and other critical information, with an available head-up display (HUD) for added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch displays in the base model, while higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and automatic climate control. Higher trims added navigation, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and additional power outlets. Despite its functionality, the Legacy's infotainment screen had a less sophisticated appearance, with a multicolored background that didn't match the vehicle's overall elegance.

The 2020 Toyota Prius was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and active park assist. The Prius earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to average scores in certain tests.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy excelled in safety, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard Subaru EyeSight technology included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a head-up display. Additional safety features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Legacy's safety system was comprehensive, though some users found the alerts overly sensitive.