2021 Subaru Legacy vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was often overlooked in the midsize-sedan market, competing with popular models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Available in six trim levels, the Legacy carried over much of the body and mechanics from the Subaru Outback wagon, featuring a matching fascia, headlight design, and dashboard setup. For 2021, Subaru added standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. While not particularly stylish, the Legacy's design stayed true to Subaru's branding, offering a safe and assuring look with high-gloss stainless steel moldings and various wheel options. The interior featured a blend of high-quality materials and piano black plastic, with options for leather upholstery and other premium touches.

The 2022 Kia K5, available in five trim levels, stood out with its low, long, and sleek design, suggesting a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. Our test car, a K5 EX, featured Glacial White Pearl paint and an upscale interior with Ash Blue synthetic leather, matte-finish fake wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The K5 exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel. The automatic transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks all demonstrated a sense of care in construction. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the overall impression was decidedly upscale.

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 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Legacy's standard all-wheel drive provided excellent traction and stability, making it unique among midsize sedans. 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 2022 Kia K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available in other trims, delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The K5's standard engine offered linear power delivery with little low-end lag, and Drive Mode Select allowed for customization of the powertrain. The K5 EX achieved an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in combined driving, though our test returned 29.1 mpg. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and minor pavement anomalies, but wind noise was minimal, and outward visibility was excellent.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The five-seater offered ample back seat room, making it comfortable for extended periods. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available. However, the Legacy's 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space was limited due to the extra legroom in the second row.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light to the interior. While getting in and out of the low-slung K5 was challenging, the seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. The K5 offered generous storage space and a 16 cubic-foot trunk, expandable with the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a drawback.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch infotainment and climate control displays in the base model, with an 11.6-inch infotainment screen in higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-volt power outlet, and two USB ports. Upmarket trims added more power outlets, USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The 11.6-inch screen's appearance was unsophisticated, but menus were easy to navigate.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in lower trims, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The larger screen included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation. A wireless smartphone charger and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were available. The K5's voice recognition technology was lacking, but the infotainment system's graphics were vibrant.

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 with 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 sensitive and loud, and the EyeSight system could be annoying with its alerts.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in driver assistance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a surround-view monitoring system. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.