2021 Subaru Legacy

Pros: Standard all-wheel drive; interior room; wide range of safety features

Cons: Base engine has only adequate performance; turbo engine restricted to topline models; engine stop/start feature can feel abrupt

CG Says: After last year’s redesign, the 2021 Subaru Legacy gains a few features. Steering-linked LED headlights, rear seat alert, and rear seatbelt reminder are now standard. Otherwise, the Legacy is unchanged.

The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that shares its basic platform with Subaru’s SUV-flavored Outback wagon. The Legacy model lineup ascends through Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT models.

A 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter flat 4-cylinder engine powers topline XT models. The base engine is a 182-hp 2.5-liter flat four. Both engines are paired with a CVT automatic transmission and have standard all-wheel drive.

Available features include an 11.6-inch “tablet-style” vertically oriented touchscreen and Subaru’s DriverFocus distraction mitigation system, which sounds an alert if an instrument panel camera senses the driver isn’t looking at the road.

Standard on all models is Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering function, and lane-keep assist.

The Legacy is a pleasant midsize sedan that offers a spacious interior with high-quality materials, a comfortable ride, predictable handling, and good fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive car. It has always lived in the shadow of Subaru’s far more popular Outback wagon, but the Legacy is nonetheless a good value overall—especially in northern climes where its standard all-wheel drive is appreciated.