2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Legacy is an often-overlooked contender in the midsize-sedan segment, competing with popular models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. It offers a range of six trim levels, each with the option to add premium features and equipment packages. The Legacy's design, shared with the Outback wagon, features standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights, high-gloss stainless steel side-window and shoulder-line moldings, and various wheel options. The interior boasts a blend of high-quality materials and a range of upholstery options, with available premium features like Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, the automaker's best-selling vehicle for the last three decades, receives a mild makeover for 2022, including an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, and more features. The exterior updates are subtle, with redesigned front fascia, bumper, grille, and rear taillights. The interior features comfortable seating, a new 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, and an updated infotainment system.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive is standard. The Legacy delivers impressive fuel economy, with the base engine achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, with the automatic transmission models achieving up to 31 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined. The Jetta provides a comfortable ride but may exhibit some powertrain lag and dynamics issues.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offers a spacious and comfortable interior, with improved seat positioning and ample back seat room for adults. However, the increased passenger space comes at the cost of reduced trunk space, offering 15.1 cubic feet of cargo room. The Legacy's interior provides a sense of spaciousness and forward visibility, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offers ample passenger space for four adults and comfortable seating. The cabin features a driver-centric layout with convenient storage spaces, including pockets in the doors, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. However, the center storage bin lacks a latch, and the compartment cover may feel unconventional.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts for technology, while the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is rated 7 out of 10.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy features an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers a range of additional tech features, including Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. However, the infotainment screen's appearance and housing may not match the vehicle's overall elegance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta comes equipped with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch Volkswagen MIB2 infotainment system. The Jetta SEL model offers the newer generation 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation, wireless App-Connect, wireless device charging, and enhanced voice recognition. However, the system's enhanced voice activation and navigation commands may require specific prompts and lack intuitive functionality.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy excels in safety, earning top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). It comes standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, offering a suite of safety and driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta features IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's driver-assistance tech, with standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition. It also offers additional driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist.