2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from its past of drab and unattractive sedans. It was a symbolic break from the Optima, which had gained recognition since 2011. The K5's design was striking, with a fastback form reminiscent of the Kia Stinger, and details like a long rear window and unique taillights emphasized its width. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions made it sportier, with a lower and longer stance than the Optima. The front featured Z-shaped LED running lights and a textured grille, making it a visual standout. However, the base 16-inch wheels detracted from its overall style.

Inside, the K5's interior was designed with a focus on sportiness and quality. The dash was split between driver and passenger, with red seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel in the GT-Line trim. The materials felt upscale, with polished black trim and quality finishes. The K5's interior exuded a sense of style and sportiness that was often missing from other brands.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, though often overlooked, was a solid contender in the midsize sedan market. It was available in six trim levels, with a design that carried over much of the Subaru Outback's body and mechanics. The Legacy's styling was not particularly eye-catching but stayed true to Subaru's brand, offering a safe and reassuring appearance. It featured high-gloss stainless steel moldings and a sleeker design than its predecessor. The Legacy came with standard 17-inch steel wheels, with options for alloy or machine-finished wheels.

The Legacy's interior was subdued, with high-quality materials and piano black plastic. The seats were comfortable, with options for leather upholstery and power adjustments. The cabin offered a sense of spaciousness, with ample back seat room for adults. However, the Legacy's trunk space was limited, with 15.1 cubic feet available.

The 2021 Kia K5's performance did not quite match its aggressive styling. The GT-Line model lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping, making it less sporty than expected. The standard engine was a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing decent acceleration but lacking in midrange power. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was only available with front-wheel drive. Fuel economy was impressive, with the base engine achieving 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Legacy's all-wheel drive was standard, providing stability and comfort over rough terrain. The steering was well-balanced, though highway driving without lane-centering technology could be challenging. The 2.5-liter engine achieved 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbo engine earned 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered comfortable seating for two adults in the back, with enough headroom and legroom for six-footers. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10-inch display. Trunk space was 16 cubic feet, providing ample room for cargo.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy focused on comfort, with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. The front seats were available with power adjustments, and the cabin offered a sense of spaciousness. The Legacy's back seat provided ample legroom, but the trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added features like fog lights, rear USB ports, and a power driver's seat. The EX trim offered heated and ventilated seats, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment display. The K5's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology worked well, even without navigation.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy came with dual 7-inch displays on the base model, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-volt power outlet and USB ports. Higher trims added features like navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, and keyless entry. The infotainment system was easy to navigate, though the design was not particularly sophisticated.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not yet been rated by safety organizations, but it was expected to receive top scores due to its strong chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, which included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available.