2021 Subaru Legacy Sport Review: Is It Worth It?

by Alex Braham 49 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport. If you're wondering whether this sedan lives up to the hype, you're in the right place. We’ll break down everything from its performance and handling to its interior features and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport

The 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is a mid-size sedan that aims to blend practicality with a dash of sporty flair. It's part of the seventh generation of the Legacy, which was introduced in 2020, bringing with it updated styling, improved technology, and enhanced safety features. The 'Sport' trim is designed to offer a more engaging driving experience compared to the base and Premium models, setting it apart with unique aesthetic touches and slightly tweaked performance characteristics. Essentially, Subaru wants to give you a car that’s not just reliable but also fun to drive, without breaking the bank. The Legacy Sport distinguishes itself with a blacked-out grille, rear spoiler, and distinctive alloy wheels, giving it a more aggressive stance on the road. Inside, you'll find sporty accents and comfortable seating, designed to make every drive enjoyable. But it's not just about looks; the Sport trim also includes features like a sport-tuned suspension, which enhances handling and provides a more connected feel to the road. This makes the Legacy Sport a compelling option for those who want a practical sedan with a bit of added excitement.

Subaru's commitment to safety is evident in the Legacy Sport, which comes standard with the EyeSight driver-assist system. This suite of technologies includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, providing an extra layer of security for you and your passengers. Combined with Subaru's renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive, the Legacy Sport offers excellent stability and control in various driving conditions. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling winding roads, this sedan inspires confidence behind the wheel. Furthermore, the interior of the Legacy Sport is designed with both comfort and convenience in mind. The spacious cabin offers plenty of room for passengers, and the intuitive infotainment system keeps you connected on the go. With its blend of sporty styling, practical features, and advanced technology, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport aims to deliver a well-rounded driving experience that appeals to a wide range of drivers.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a mixed bag. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While this isn't a groundbreaking amount of power, it’s adequate for daily driving and provides decent acceleration. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright performance. However, Subaru has done a commendable job of tuning the CVT to mimic the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the dreaded rubber-band effect that plagues many CVTs. This makes the driving experience more engaging and less intrusive.

One of the standout features of the Legacy Sport is its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Subaru's AWD system is legendary for its ability to provide excellent traction and stability in a variety of weather conditions. Whether you're driving on wet, snowy, or gravel roads, the Legacy Sport remains composed and confident. The AWD system works seamlessly in the background, distributing power to the wheels that need it most, enhancing grip and control. In terms of handling, the Legacy Sport strikes a good balance between comfort and agility. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride on most road surfaces, while still offering enough firmness to keep body roll in check during cornering. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. While the Legacy Sport isn't a sports car by any means, it's still enjoyable to drive on winding roads, offering a sense of connection to the road that's often missing in other mid-size sedans. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport delivers a competent and confidence-inspiring driving experience. While the engine may not be the most powerful in its class, the combination of AWD, refined CVT, and balanced handling makes it a compelling option for those who value practicality and all-weather capability.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the quality of materials used. The cabin is spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The Sport trim adds unique touches like red stitching and sport cloth upholstery, giving the interior a more upscale and sporty feel. The dashboard is clean and modern, with an 11.6-inch touchscreen display taking center stage. This large display houses the infotainment system, which is intuitive and easy to use. It features large icons and a responsive interface, making it simple to access navigation, audio controls, and other settings. The infotainment system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car.

In terms of features, the Legacy Sport comes well-equipped with a range of standard amenities. These include a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced safety features. The EyeSight driver-assist system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, providing an extra layer of safety and convenience. Other notable features include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, which delivers crisp and clear sound quality, and a sunroof, which adds an extra touch of luxury. The Legacy Sport also offers ample storage space, with a large trunk and plenty of small storage compartments throughout the cabin. This makes it a practical choice for families and individuals who need to haul gear or groceries. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is a comfortable, well-equipped, and thoughtfully designed space that enhances the overall driving experience. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, you'll appreciate the attention to detail and the quality of materials used throughout the cabin.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is always a crucial factor for potential buyers, and the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport doesn't disappoint. With its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, the Legacy Sport achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 31 mpg. These numbers are competitive for the mid-size sedan segment, making the Legacy Sport an efficient choice for daily commuting and long-distance travel. The CVT plays a significant role in achieving these fuel economy figures. By continuously adjusting the gear ratio to optimize engine efficiency, the CVT helps the Legacy Sport sip fuel rather than guzzle it. This is particularly noticeable on the highway, where the Legacy Sport can maintain a steady speed with minimal engine effort.

In real-world driving, the Legacy Sport's fuel economy holds up well. Drivers can expect to achieve close to the EPA-estimated figures, depending on their driving style and conditions. Of course, aggressive acceleration and heavy braking will reduce fuel economy, while smooth and steady driving will improve it. The Legacy Sport also features an Eco mode, which further optimizes fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle response and other settings. This mode can be particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic or when cruising on the highway. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a compelling combination of performance and fuel economy. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient car in its class, it strikes a good balance between efficiency and driving enjoyment. This makes it an appealing option for those who want a practical and economical sedan without sacrificing performance.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to pricing and value, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a compelling package. With a starting MSRP of around $27,000, it's competitively priced compared to other mid-size sedans in its class. Considering the standard features, all-wheel drive, and advanced safety technology, the Legacy Sport represents excellent value for the money. One of the key factors that sets the Legacy Sport apart from its competitors is its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. While many other sedans offer all-wheel drive as an optional extra, it comes standard on every Legacy model. This makes the Legacy Sport a particularly attractive option for those who live in areas with inclement weather or who frequently drive on slippery roads.

In addition to its standard features, the Legacy Sport also offers a range of optional extras that can further enhance its value. These include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a sunroof, and leather upholstery. However, even without these options, the Legacy Sport is well-equipped and offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Subaru's reputation for reliability and longevity also adds to the Legacy Sport's value proposition. Subaru vehicles are known for their durability and low maintenance costs, making them a smart choice for long-term ownership. Furthermore, the Legacy Sport comes with a comprehensive warranty that covers most major components for three years or 36,000 miles. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. With its competitive pricing, standard all-wheel drive, and reputation for reliability, it's a smart choice for those who want a practical and dependable sedan without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport:

Pros:

  • Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) for superior traction and stability.
  • Spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials.
  • User-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display.
  • Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features (EyeSight).
  • Competitive fuel economy for the mid-size sedan segment.
  • Smooth and refined ride quality.

Cons:

  • Engine power could be more robust.
  • CVT transmission may not appeal to all drivers.
  • Sport trim is more of an appearance package than a true performance upgrade.
  • Some competitors offer more advanced technology features.

Final Verdict

So, is the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport worth it? Absolutely! If you're in the market for a reliable, safe, and practical mid-size sedan with a touch of sporty flair, the Legacy Sport should definitely be on your list. Its standard all-wheel drive sets it apart from many competitors, providing added confidence and control in all weather conditions. The spacious interior, user-friendly infotainment system, and comprehensive suite of safety features make it a comfortable and convenient choice for daily driving. While the engine power may not be class-leading, it's adequate for most drivers, and the CVT is well-tuned to provide a smooth and responsive driving experience. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value, making it a smart choice for those who want a practical and dependable sedan without sacrificing style or driving enjoyment. You get a whole lot of car for the money, and that's something to seriously consider!