2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive look that was immediately recognizable. The N Line version further enhanced this with functional and stylistic changes, such as a restyled front fascia with larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, and bold 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The rear featured a subtle gloss black lip spoiler and a reworked bumper with a four-outlet exhaust system, giving the car a stealthy performance-oriented appearance. Inside, the Sonata N Line boasted sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents, along with a standard panoramic sunroof that added to the car's spacious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Legacy, available in six trim levels, carried over much of the body and mechanics of the Subaru Outback wagon into sedan form. The Legacy featured a matching fascia, headlight design, windscreen angle, and dashboard setup as the Outback. For 2021, Subaru added standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. The Legacy's design was more subdued and less eye-catching than some competitors, but it stayed true to Subaru's branding and buyer preferences for safety and assurance. The Legacy offered a range of wheel options and exterior trim elements, with power-folding outside mirrors, a power moonroof, and an All-Weather Package available.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This engine was paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line featured Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, an Active Sound Design engine note enhancement system, and a sport-tuned exhaust. The car also had significant improvements in engine and transmission mount stiffness, faster rack-mounted electric steering, larger front and rear brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. It rode on 19-inch wheels with 245/40 all-season or summer performance tires. The Sonata N Line delivered a thrilling driving experience, with responsive steering, firm underpinnings, and stout brakes. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded 23.7 mpg.

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 with 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 system provided excellent traction and stability, making it unique among midsize sedans. The 2.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine earned 27 mpg combined. The Legacy's steering was well-balanced at low speeds but required lane-centering technology for better highway stability. The car's AWD system absorbed bumps well, and the turbocharged engine offered strong performance with minimal turbo lag.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata's interior storage was generous, though the center console design was somewhat inelegant. Trunk volume measured 16 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle for closing the trunk was a minor drawback.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The Legacy Base model had manually adjustable front seats, while higher trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and either a four-way or eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Legacy's rear seat provided ample legroom, making it comfortable for adults on long trips. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available. The Legacy's trunk space was 15.1 cubic feet, slightly less than the Sonata's, but the wide opening made it practical for loading groceries and luggage.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a Bose premium sound system, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services. However, it lacked a WiFi hotspot and a tuning knob, which could be frustrating for some users. The infotainment system offered Sounds of Nature for relaxation, and the Hyundai Digital Key allowed Android users to unlock and start the car with their smartphone.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch infotainment and climate control displays on the base model, while higher trims had an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-volt power outlet, two USB ports, a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack, automatic climate control, and a 4.2-inch meter display. Higher trims added more USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink. The infotainment screen's appearance was less sophisticated, but menus were easy to navigate, and the button for automatic start/stop was conveniently placed.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The Sonata N Line had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, but the standard Sonata had high safety ratings.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores in every category from the IIHS and was named a Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA gave the Legacy a five-star overall rating. The Legacy came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, which included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a head-up display. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Legacy's seat-belt monitoring system was very sensitive, and the EyeSight system could be annoying with its beeps and alerts, but these could be adjusted through the infotainment system.