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2021 Subaru Legacy review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Subaru Legacy highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • High levels of comfort
  • Powerful turbocharged engine

Cons

  • Some tech features need improvement
  • Weak base engine
  • Rough engine stop-start system

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 32 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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The 2021 Subaru Legacy is the sure-footed family sedan

Even though shoppers may be flocking to SUVs, the traditional midsize family sedan still has a lot to offer. Not only are sedans more affordable and fuel-efficient, but they also handle better and come with many of the same features. The 2021 Subaru Legacy drives that point home with standard all-wheel drive that is typically an option on SUVs and not offered at all on some sedans. That makes it a great choice for those who live in regions prone to inclement weather and who want increased traction and stability.

After a full redesign in 2020, the 2021 Legacy has only a few minor changes. Adaptive headlights have been added to the standard features list, as has a new rear-seat reminder feature.

While we like the assurance that comes with all-wheel drive and the Legacy's potent turbo engine, we recommend that shoppers pay close attention to the infotainment system, which has a reputation for being glitchy. We'd also compare it against the top sedans in its class, including the Kia K5, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata.

All Subaru Legacy years

What is new for the 2021 Subaru Legacy?

  • The Limited trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Leather Seats as standard equipment.
  • The Limited XT trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
  • The Touring XT trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.

2021 Subaru Legacy trims

Curious how Subaru Legacy trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 182-hp, 176-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Rear View Camera
  • Traction Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • View our Subaru Legacy inventory

Premium:

Limited:

Limited XT:

Touring XT:

Sport:

Subaru Legacy photos

What We Like

Standard all-wheel drive: Subarus have become the de facto cars of choice in the Pacific Northwest and New England for good reason. They can handle rain-slicked and snowy roads better than more conventional vehicles. The Legacy is no different—it comes standard with all-wheel drive when rivals either charge more for it or don't offer it at all.

Comfortable ride and seats: The Subaru Legacy deserves praise for its high levels of overall comfort. The ride quality is pleasantly smooth without feeling floaty and disconnected. The front seats are well shaped and generously padded for long-distance comfort, and the side bolsters do a good job of keeping you in place when cornering.

Powerful turbo option: With 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is worth stepping up to the XT trims for. It has enough power to accelerate the Legacy to 60 mph in 6 seconds, which is quick for the class and noticeably more accomplished than the base engine. The turbo engine also returns decent fuel economy estimates for the power.

What Needs Improvement

Technology issues: The Legacy's infotainment system can be a source of frustration. Frequent glitches and system crashes seem to plague some vehicles, even when using Apple CarPlay®. While we're glad the Legacy comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, the forward collision warning is prone to false alarms and the adaptive cruise control is too abrupt with throttle and brake applications.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2021 Subaru Legacy is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Subaru Legacy an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Subaru Legacy 12th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy features and specs

Curious how Subaru Legacy trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Limited XT 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • CD Audio
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Remote Start

Drive Wheels

All Wheel (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.4L

Horsepower

260

Torque (ft-lbs)

277

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

108.3"

Overall length

190.6"

Width

72.4"

Height

59.1"

Leg room

F 42.8"/R 39.5"

Head room

F 37.3"/R 37.2"

Front tires

P225/50VR18

Rear tires

P225/50VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Subaru Legacy FAQ

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