2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was a midsize sedan that often flew under the radar, competing with popular models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It was available in six trim levels, offering a range of features from basic to premium. The Legacy shared much of its design with the Subaru Outback, featuring a similar front fascia and dashboard setup. For 2021, Subaru enhanced the Legacy with standard steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. While its design wasn't particularly striking, it adhered to Subaru's reputation for safety and reliability. The Legacy's exterior included high-gloss stainless steel moldings and a choice of wheel designs, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Legacy offered a blend of high-quality materials and practical design, with options for leather upholstery and various interior finishes.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX was known for its youthful and sporty appearance, often compared to its racier sibling, the WRX STI. The WRX featured a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a dynamic look even when stationary. Its aerodynamic bodywork and functional hood scoop added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the WRX had a straightforward, function-first cockpit, though it lacked the refinement of competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, each offering a range of features. The Limited trim added leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced lighting options. While the WRX's interior was practical, it was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of modern design elements.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and came with standard all-wheel drive, a unique feature in the midsize sedan segment. The Legacy's AWD system provided stability on rough terrain, though its steering was noted to be challenging at highway speeds without lane-centering technology. The Legacy's fuel economy was commendable, with the base engine achieving 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine offered slightly lower figures.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The WRX's engine was the most powerful among its rivals, but it required skillful rev management to fully exploit its potential. The manual transmission was criticized for its vague clutch feel, while the CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the engine in the powerband effectively. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision. However, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to competitors like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy prioritized comfort with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. It offered ample rear seat space, accommodating adults comfortably for long journeys. The Legacy's interior felt spacious, akin to a full-size car, with good forward visibility. Heated and ventilated seats were available, along with LATCH connections for child seats. However, the Legacy's trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet, a trade-off for the generous passenger space.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it surpassed the Civic Si coupe in cargo capacity, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI. The WRX's interior packaging was less accommodating for modern needs, with limited door storage for larger items. The driving position was comfortable, providing excellent visibility. The rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably, showcasing the advantages of a sedan layout.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch displays on the base model, with an 11.6-inch infotainment screen available on higher trims. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various connectivity options. The infotainment system, while functional, was criticized for its unsophisticated appearance. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation, a premium audio system, and more USB ports.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with a 7-inch option on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly interface despite dated graphics. The Limited trim included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo. While the WRX's tech was not cutting-edge, it provided essential features for connectivity and entertainment.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was renowned for its safety, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, offering adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and lane departure warnings. Additional safety features were available, enhancing its comprehensive safety suite.

The 2021 Subaru WRX lacked standard advanced safety features, with Subaru's EyeSight system available only on CVT-equipped Premium and Limited trims. Optional safety features included adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking, but these were limited to the top trim. All WRX models included basic safety features like tire-pressure monitoring and traction control.