Subaru Impreza vs Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Impreza presented a more conservative design compared to its predecessors, which had taken bold styling risks. Despite its subtlety, the Impreza maintained a handsome appearance with sleek headlights and taillights that enhanced its width. The sedan and hatchback versions featured a nicely-tapered front end and some scalloping for visual flair. The Impreza Sport models stood out with specific styling touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels, while base models had 16-inch steel wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with models like the Legacy, the Impreza benefited from overall refinement. Inside, the design was typical of compact cars, with a split dashboard housing the infotainment touchscreen. The Impreza Sport added contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, often overlooked in the midsize-sedan category, competed with popular models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Available in six trim levels, the Legacy shared much of its body and mechanics with the Subaru Outback wagon. For 2021, it featured standard steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. While not particularly stylish, the Legacy adhered to Subaru's branding, offering a safe and reassuring design. It included high-gloss stainless steel moldings and a sleeker appearance than its predecessor. Standard 17-inch steel wheels could be upgraded to alloy or machine-finished options. The Legacy also offered power-folding mirrors, a power moonroof, and an All-Weather Package. Its interior combined high-quality materials with piano black plastic, providing a blend of form and function. Leather upholstery and other premium features were available, though some fit-and-finish issues were noted.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This engine, mounted lower in the chassis, contributed to a lower center of gravity. Most Impreza models featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with a five-speed manual available on select trims. The Impreza Sport offered model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for the AWD system. While not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Civic, the Impreza provided a solid and refined ride. The Sport's suspension balanced ride quality and handling, but the engine's lack of power and noncommunicative steering limited its appeal as a driver's car.

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 XT trims, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT. The Legacy's AWD system was standard, providing stability over rough terrain. Steering was well-balanced at low speeds but required lane-centering technology for highway driving. The 2.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine offered slightly lower fuel economy.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered reasonable legroom but below-average headroom. The sedan's trunk space was limited to 12.3 cubic feet, though a 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard. The hatchback provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Roof rails were standard on all hatch trims except the base model. Higher trims included an All-Weather Package, keyless entry, and a power driver's seat.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The five-seater offered ample back seat room, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat standard on most trims. Heated and ventilated seats were available, along with LATCH connections. The Legacy's spacious cabin came at the cost of trunk space, offering 15.1 cubic feet. The trunk had a wide opening for easy access.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen on base and Premium trims, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system available on the Limited trim. A secondary display showed information like estimated range. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and minimal menu navigation.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy's base model had dual 7-inch displays, while higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-volt power outlet and USB ports. Upmarket trims added more USB ports, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment screen's design was unsophisticated, but menus were easy to navigate.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Subaru's EyeSight safety tech was standard on CVT-equipped models, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard EyeSight technology included adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. Additional features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Legacy's seat-belt monitoring system was sensitive, and the EyeSight system could be adjusted through the infotainment system.