2021 Subaru Legacy vs 2022 Acura TLX

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 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 brand identity, focusing on safety and reliability. The Legacy's exterior included high-gloss stainless steel moldings and various wheel options, adding a touch of style. Inside, the Legacy offered a blend of high-quality materials and practical design, with options for leather upholstery and other premium touches.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, presented a bold and substantial luxury sedan appearance. It was notably wider and longer than competitors like the BMW 3 Series, with a design that emphasized its size and presence. The TLX featured distinctive styling elements, such as thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes. The Type S variant added exclusive paint options and sporty design cues, including 20-inch Y-spoke wheels and a rear diffuser. Inside, the TLX offered a snug but well-appointed cabin, with impressive detailing and a focus on comfort. The Type S model included sporty touches like faux-suede inserts and red stitching. Despite its compact interior, the TLX's design and materials conveyed a sense of luxury and attention to detail.

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 in the Limited XT and Touring XT trims, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Legacy's standard all-wheel drive provided stability and control, especially on rough terrain. However, its steering could be challenging on highways without lane-centering technology. The Legacy's fuel economy was commendable for a non-hybrid AWD sedan, with the base engine achieving 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine offered slightly lower figures.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available for an additional cost, enhanced stability and handling precision. The Type S model boasted a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, delivering impressive performance on the track. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. However, the Type S's exhaust note was considered too subdued. Fuel economy for the Type S was moderate, with 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD achieved slightly better figures.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy prioritized comfort with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. It offered ample back seat room for adults, making it suitable for long journeys. The Legacy's cabin felt spacious, akin to a full-size car, with good forward visibility. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available. However, the Legacy's trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet, a trade-off for the generous passenger space.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a compact interior. The back seat provided decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable features in the Type S model. Acura's touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it differed from traditional touchscreens. The TLX's trunk space was modest at 13.5 cubic feet, constrained by the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch infotainment displays on the base model, with an upgrade to an 11.6-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-volt power outlet. Upmarket trims offered additional USB ports, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment screen was functional, its design lacked sophistication.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, but some typefaces were small and hard to read. The TLX offered a head-up display, available only with the Advance Package. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation, adjusting air based on the sun's position. AcuraWatch, a suite of driver assistance features, was standard.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy excelled in safety, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured Subaru EyeSight technology, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. The Legacy's seat-belt monitoring system was sensitive, and the EyeSight system could be adjusted through the infotainment system.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It included standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.