Subaru Legacy vs Honda Accord Hybrid

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: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The Legacy shared much of its design and mechanics with the Subaru Outback, featuring a similar 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 its design wasn't particularly stylish, it stayed true to Subaru's branding, offering a safe and reassuring look. The Legacy featured 17-inch steel wheels as standard, with options to upgrade to 17-inch alloy or 18-inch wheels. The interior was subdued, with high-quality materials and piano black plastic, though some fit-and-finish issues were noted.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, was praised for its stylish design and excellent proportions. Minor front styling changes for 2021 included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim received new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint color. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, featured a dark undertone that avoided the typical brightness of silver metallic paint. The interior was upscale, with simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. The Accord's cabin was logically arranged, with easy-to-use controls and excellent outward visibility.

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 trims, producing 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 excellent stability over rough terrain. 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 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and an electric drive motor, producing a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The Accord Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and returned 48 mpg in combined driving, with the Touring trim achieving 43 mpg due to its larger wheels. The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive. The Accord Hybrid's suspension was tuned for athletic handling and a compliant ride, and the brake-by-wire regenerative braking system provided excellent feel and response.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The Base model had manually adjustable front seats, while other trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and either a four-way or eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Legacy provided ample back seat room for adults, though its 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space was limited. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, featuring a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a large back seat. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with wireless smartphone charging, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's 16.7 cubic-foot trunk was the largest in its segment, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy came with dual 7-inch infotainment and climate control displays on the base model, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-volt power outlet, two USB ports, and a 4.2-inch meter display. Higher trims added more USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and more. The 11.6-inch screen's appearance was criticized for its unsophisticated design, though menus were easy to navigate.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard across all trims, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. The EX trim and higher offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, along with quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers. The EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system worked well, though voice commands required specific prompts.

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, 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 very sensitive, and the EyeSight system could be annoying with its beeps and flashing alerts.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard. The Accord Hybrid included a rear-seat reminder, rear seatbelt reminder system, and low-speed braking control on the Touring trim. The Honda Sensing suite of ADAS was refined for smoother operation, though some features remained intrusive. The low-speed automatic braking system needed recalibration, as it could be overly sensitive.