2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI 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. Available in six trim levels—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT—the Legacy offered a range of features, including standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights. Its design was functional rather than flashy, with high-gloss stainless steel side-window and shoulder-line moldings adding a touch of elegance. The Legacy's exterior was sleek but not as eye-catching as some competitors, and it came with options for 17-inch steel or alloy wheels, as well as 18-inch black or machine-finished wheels.

Inside, the Legacy featured a blend of high-quality materials and piano black plastic. Cloth upholstery was standard, but leather was available at an extra cost. The interior was functional and comfortable, with options like Nappa leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and chrome interior door handles. The tester model, a Legacy Limited XT, had some fit-and-finish issues, but overall, the cabin was spacious and well-designed, meeting the expectations of Subaru buyers.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a hot hatch icon, shared its basics with the regular Golf but included performance enhancements. The GTI featured small red badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, and a lowered stance gave it a sporty look. Inside, the GTI had red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats. The interior materials were high-quality, and the overall feel was premium.

The GTI's design was both functional and stylish, with a short rear overhang and a generously raked windshield. The hatchback form made it incredibly useful for carrying passengers and cargo. The GTI's dimensions and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the cabin featured clever storage options like big front door pockets and a mechanical handbrake.

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 in the Limited XT and Touring XT grades, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Legacy's all-wheel-drive system was standard, providing excellent traction and stability. The 2.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine earned 24 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI came with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's handling was a standout feature, with four-wheel independent suspension, variable-ratio steering, and Golf R front brakes. The GTI's fuel economy was 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the dual-clutch transmission. The GTI required regular unleaded fuel but performed best with premium unleaded.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. The front seats were available with manual or power adjustments, and the rear seats provided ample legroom for adults. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available. The Legacy's trunk had 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was adequate but not class-leading.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with a hatchback design that provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The GTI's compact dimensions and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The cabin featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and a mechanical handbrake. The GTI's interior was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, though it was better suited for two adults or three juveniles in the back.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy came with dual 7-inch infotainment and climate control displays on the base model, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-volt power outlet, two USB ports, and automatic climate control. Higher trims added more USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and more. The infotainment system was functional but had an unsophisticated appearance.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch screen on the S model and an 8-inch screen with navigation on the SE and Autobahn models. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The GTI also offered Volkswagen Car-Net, which provided remote access, safe and secure features, and a hotspot portal. Additional smart technology included LED daytime running lights, keyless access, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated exterior mirrors.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned 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 automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a head-up display. Additional features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Legacy's seat-belt monitoring system was very sensitive, and the EyeSight system could be annoying with its beeps and alerts.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front passenger side test and a "Poor" rating for the base Halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, and high-beam control.