Subaru Legacy vs BMW 3 Series

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was a member of the midsize-sedan category, often overshadowed by more popular models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It was available in six trim levels, ranging from the Base to the Touring XT, with various packages offering premium features. 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, offering a sleek yet understated look. The Legacy's interior combined high-quality materials with practical design, though it lacked the luxurious touches found in more premium vehicles.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included models like the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000. Each model featured a distinct powertrain, with the M340i boasting a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, contributing to its sporty appeal. Inside, the M340i offered a driver-focused cabin with SensaTec upholstery and a Cognac color scheme. The 3 Series emphasized quality materials and a technical design, aligning with its focus on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

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 XT models, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive was standard, a unique feature in its class. The Legacy's steering was well-balanced, though it required lane-centering technology for optimal highway performance. Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine was rated at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine achieved slightly lower figures.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The car's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an optional Adaptive M Suspension. The M340i's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined, with the test vehicle achieving 24.9 mpg during evaluation.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy prioritized comfort with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. It offered ample rear seat space, accommodating adults comfortably, though cargo space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet. The Legacy's interior featured a sense of spaciousness, with good forward visibility and available heated and ventilated seats. However, the trade-off for passenger space was a smaller trunk.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i provided power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a driver-focused cabin. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, though the center seat was less practical. The M340i included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with optional heated seats and steering wheel. The trunk offered 17 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Despite its practicality, the M340i lacked ventilated front seats, a notable omission.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch displays on the base model, with an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4.2-inch meter display. Upmarket trims offered additional USB ports, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was functional, its design lacked sophistication.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. BMW iDrive 7.0 offered intuitive controls, with options for gesture control and voice recognition. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system. The Connected Package Pro added BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhancing the car's tech capabilities.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy excelled in safety, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a basic Active Guard package with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving features. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.