2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a daring yet refined appearance. The sedan version was more conservative, while the hatchback had a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus version, was lined with Nappa leather and featured a high-contrast two-tone design, aiming to elevate Mazda's brand into premium territory. Despite some use of hard plastics, the design and attention to detail were commendable, with a focus on the driver-centric cabin.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, often overlooked in the midsize sedan category, offered a more subdued design that stayed true to Subaru's branding. Available in six trim levels, it shared much of its design with the Subaru Outback. The Legacy featured standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-gloss stainless steel moldings. While not the most stylish in its class, it provided a sleek appearance compared to its predecessor. The interior was a blend of high-quality materials and piano black plastic, with options for leather upholstery and other premium features. The Legacy excelled in providing a spacious cabin, especially in the back seat, though it sacrificed some trunk space for passenger comfort.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 hp with 87-octane. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo featured improved steering feel and response, with stiffer front suspension springs and dampers. Despite lacking a summer tire option, the car was finely tuned for driving pleasure, achieving a balance of speed and handling. However, its fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates during testing.

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. Both engines were paired with a CVT, and AWD was standard across all models. The Legacy's AWD system provided stability over rough terrain, though steering could be challenging at highway speeds without lane-centering technology. The base engine delivered decent fuel economy, with the turbocharged version slightly less efficient. The Legacy's performance was solid for a non-hybrid AWD sedan, though it lacked the sporty edge of the Mazda3 Turbo.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior featured Nappa leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, offering a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The cabin was driver-focused, with limited in-cabin storage and a competitive trunk space of 13.2 cubic feet. The hatchback version provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy prioritized comfort with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. It offered a spacious cabin with ample back seat room, making it suitable for long trips. The Legacy featured a range of seating adjustments, including power-adjustable options in higher trims. While it excelled in passenger space, the Legacy's trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet, a trade-off for the extra legroom in the second row.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, offering good audio quality. A head-up display was standard, providing useful driving information.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy came with dual 7-inch displays in the base model, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4.2-inch meter display. Upmarket trims offered additional USB ports, a Harman Kardon audio system, and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though its design lacked sophistication. The screen housing attracted fingerprints, but the layout was practical.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with the i-ActiveSense suite of ADAS, designed to support rather than replace the driver. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and lane-centering assistance. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was recognized for its safety, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Subaru EyeSight technology, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. The EyeSight system was effective but could be intrusive with its alerts. The Legacy came with a comprehensive warranty package.