2021 Subaru Legacy Sport: Review, Specs & Performance

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport review. This isn't just another sedan; it's a blend of Subaru's renowned reliability, sporty aesthetics, and a comfortable ride. If you're in the market for a mid-size sedan that offers more than just the basics, the Legacy Sport might just be your perfect match. Let’s get started!

Overview of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport

The 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport stands out with its distinctive styling and a host of features designed to enhance both driving pleasure and practicality. From its robust engine to its advanced safety technologies, this sedan is built to impress. But what exactly makes the Legacy Sport different from the other trims and competitors? Let’s break it down.

Key Features and Highlights

First off, the Legacy Sport boasts a powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a satisfying 182 horsepower. This is paired with a smooth and efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimics an eight-speed automatic for a more engaging driving experience. Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive comes standard, providing exceptional traction and stability in various weather conditions. The exterior features unique Sport-specific styling elements, including a blacked-out grille, rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels, giving it a more aggressive and sporty look. Inside, you'll find comfortable and supportive seats with red contrast stitching, adding a touch of sporty flair to the cabin. The infotainment system includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, offering intuitive access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety is a priority, with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system included as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

What Sets It Apart?

Compared to other trims in the Legacy lineup, the Sport model distinguishes itself with its enhanced styling and sporty accents. While other trims offer similar features, the Sport trim is specifically designed to appeal to drivers looking for a more dynamic and visually appealing sedan. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the Legacy Sport offers standard all-wheel drive, giving it a unique advantage in terms of handling and all-weather capability. The Subaru Legacy Sport truly is a standout choice in a crowded market.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport doesn't disappoint. The 2.5-liter engine provides ample power for daily driving, and the CVT transmission is tuned to deliver smooth and responsive acceleration. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip and control, making it a confident performer in various driving conditions. Let's delve into the details.

Engine and Transmission

The heart of the Legacy Sport is its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it may not be the most powerful engine in its class, it offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. The CVT transmission is designed to mimic an eight-speed automatic, providing simulated gear changes that feel natural and engaging. This helps to avoid the droning sensation that can sometimes be associated with CVT transmissions. The combination of the engine and transmission results in smooth and predictable acceleration, making it easy to navigate city streets or merge onto the highway. For those looking for even more power, higher trims offer a turbocharged engine, but the standard engine in the Sport model is more than adequate for most drivers.

Driving Experience

The Legacy Sport delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering is precise and responsive, offering good feedback and making it easy to place the car exactly where you want it. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a long road trip, the Legacy Sport offers a refined and enjoyable driving experience. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is well-insulated from noise, creating a relaxing environment for both the driver and passengers. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport excels as a daily driver.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport, you're greeted with a modern and well-appointed cabin. The design is clean and functional, with high-quality materials and attention to detail throughout. The standout feature is the 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which dominates the center console and provides access to a wide range of features. Let's explore the interior and technology in more detail.

Interior Design and Comfort

The Legacy Sport features comfortable and supportive seats with red contrast stitching, adding a sporty touch to the interior. The seats are well-cushioned and provide good support for long drives. The cabin is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard is well-organized, with all controls within easy reach. The use of soft-touch materials and tasteful trim accents gives the interior a premium feel. The large windows provide excellent visibility, and the overall design creates a comfortable and inviting environment. The Legacy Sport also offers a range of convenient features, such as automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start, making it easy to live with on a daily basis. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a family road trip, the Legacy Sport provides a comfortable and enjoyable space for everyone.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 11.6-inch touchscreen display is the centerpiece of the Legacy Sport's infotainment system. It offers intuitive access to navigation, audio controls, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various vehicle settings. The system is responsive and easy to use, with large icons and clear graphics. The Legacy Sport also includes a range of connectivity features, such as Bluetooth, USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to stay connected on the go. The standard audio system provides good sound quality, and higher trims offer an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system for an even better listening experience. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes it easy to access your favorite apps and services, such as music streaming, navigation, and messaging. Overall, the Legacy Sport's infotainment system is modern, user-friendly, and well-equipped, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for both the driver and passengers.

Safety Features

Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system. These technologies work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Let's take a closer look at the safety features.

Standard Safety Technologies

The Legacy Sport includes Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system as standard. This system features adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. It also includes lane departure warning, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and automatic emergency braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision. In addition to EyeSight, the Legacy Sport also includes other standard safety features, such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. These features provide added awareness and can help you avoid accidents in a variety of driving situations. The Legacy Sport also features a strong and rigid body structure, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. With its comprehensive suite of safety features, the Legacy Sport provides peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.

Crash Test Ratings

The 2021 Subaru Legacy has received excellent crash test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Legacy earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, the highest possible score. It also earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, which is the highest recognition given by the organization. These ratings demonstrate Subaru’s commitment to safety and the Legacy’s ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The Legacy’s strong performance in crash tests is a testament to its robust body structure and advanced safety technologies. If safety is a top priority for you, the Legacy Sport is an excellent choice.

Pros and Cons

Before making a final decision, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport. While it offers many desirable features, it also has some drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of. Let's take a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of this sedan.

Pros

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: The Legacy Sport comes standard with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. This is a major advantage over competitors that offer all-wheel drive as an optional feature.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: The Legacy Sport includes a wide range of standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system, providing added peace of mind.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment System: The 11.6-inch touchscreen display is intuitive and easy to use, with seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Comfortable Ride: The Legacy Sport offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for daily commuting and long road trips.
  • Sporty Styling: The Sport trim features unique styling elements that give it a more aggressive and sporty appearance.

Cons

  • Engine Performance: While the 2.5-liter engine is adequate for most drivers, it may feel underpowered to some, especially when compared to competitors with more powerful engine options.
  • CVT Transmission: The CVT transmission, while smooth, may not appeal to drivers who prefer the feel of a traditional automatic transmission.
  • Fuel Economy: While not bad, the Legacy Sport’s fuel economy is not as good as some of its competitors, especially those with smaller engines or hybrid powertrains.
  • Interior Design: While the interior is well-appointed, some may find the design to be somewhat bland compared to more stylish competitors.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport? Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is a well-rounded mid-size sedan that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. Its standard all-wheel drive and comprehensive safety features make it a standout choice in its class. While it may not be the most exciting or luxurious sedan on the market, it offers a practical and reliable option for those looking for a comfortable and capable daily driver. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, the Legacy Sport is sure to impress. If you prioritize safety, reliability, and all-weather capability, the Legacy Sport should definitely be on your list.