2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of athletic elegance, with its dynamic design and assertive stance. Its exterior was marked by a fast roofline and a distinctive kick-up of the window base, giving it a sporty and compact appearance. The signature spindle grille and narrow headlights added to its assertive look, while the flawless paint, chrome, and panel gaps reflected the brand's commitment to quality. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with its bold and modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the otherwise contemporary design.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Legacy was a more understated member of the midsize-sedan category, focusing on safety and reliability. It shared much of its design with the Subaru Outback, featuring a similar fascia and dashboard setup. The Legacy's styling was not particularly eye-catching but stayed true to Subaru's brand identity. It offered a range of wheel options and exterior trims, with standard all-season tires. The interior was subdued, with high-quality materials and a focus on functionality. While it lacked the flashy extras of more premium vehicles, it provided a comfortable and spacious cabin experience.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for performance, debuting the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 hp. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, offered 311 hp from the same V6 engine. The IS boasted a top speed of 143 mph, with 0-60 mph acceleration ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp. The Legacy's AWD system was standard, providing stability over rough terrain. While the base engine was adequate for daily driving, the turbocharged version was better suited for more demanding tasks. The Legacy's fuel economy was impressive for an AWD sedan, with the base engine achieving 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the turbocharged engine managed 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with a well-designed seating position and supportive seats, especially in the F Sport trim. The interior featured ample storage options, though the second row was cramped for three passengers. Trunk space was adequate at 10.8 cubic feet, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare tire.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy focused on comfort, with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. The Legacy offered generous back seat room, making it suitable for long trips. While the interior was spacious, the trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet due to the extra legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It offered various connected services with trial subscriptions, including Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided an exceptional listening experience, though the subscription model for navigation was a potential drawback.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured a dual 7-inch infotainment display in the base model, with an 11.6-inch screen in higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, and keyless entry. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though its design lacked sophistication.

The 2021 Lexus IS came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While it hadn't been rated by safety organizations, it was expected to perform well based on its platform.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy excelled in safety, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured Subaru EyeSight technology, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. The system was effective but could be intrusive with its alerts.