2021 Subaru Legacy Sport: Is It Worth It?

by Alex Braham 42 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport and see if it's the right ride for you. We're going to break down everything from its performance and handling to its interior comfort and tech features. Plus, we'll talk about its value proposition – is it really worth your hard-earned cash?

Performance and Handling: How Does the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport Drive?

When it comes to performance, 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 might seem adequate on paper, it's not exactly a powerhouse. Acceleration is decent for daily driving, but if you're looking for thrilling performance or quick bursts of speed, you might find it lacking. The engine can feel a bit strained when pushed hard, especially when trying to pass on the highway or climb steep hills. That being said, the engine is smooth and refined, offering a pleasant experience under normal driving conditions. One of the standout features of the Legacy Sport is its standard all-wheel-drive system. Subaru's symmetrical AWD provides excellent traction and stability, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with inclement weather. Whether it's rain, snow, or ice, the Legacy Sport inspires confidence and keeps you planted on the road. The AWD system also enhances handling, providing a more secure and controlled feel when cornering. The Legacy Sport's handling is generally competent, with a well-weighted steering that provides decent feedback. It's not a sports car by any means, but it's also not a boring commuter. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. However, this focus on comfort means that the Legacy Sport can feel a bit soft and floaty in corners, with some body roll. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a balanced driving experience that prioritizes comfort and all-weather capability over outright performance. It's a great choice for those who value practicality and safety, but enthusiasts may want to look elsewhere for a more engaging driving experience. The inclusion of paddle shifters does add a touch of sportiness, allowing you to manually control the continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, the CVT can sometimes feel unresponsive, especially when trying to downshift for more power.

Interior Comfort and Tech: What's It Like Inside the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport?

Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport, you'll find a cabin that's both comfortable and well-equipped. The design is modern and functional, with a focus on usability. The materials used are generally of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample cushioning for long drives. The Sport trim adds some sporty touches, such as unique upholstery and red contrast stitching, which elevate the overall ambiance. One of the highlights of the Legacy Sport's interior is its spaciousness. There's plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, making it a great choice for families or those who frequently travel with others. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, even for taller adults. The trunk is also quite large, providing ample space for luggage, groceries, or other cargo. When it comes to technology, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport doesn't disappoint. It comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen display that dominates the center console. The screen is responsive and easy to use, with large icons and a logical menu structure. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Other tech features include a Harman Kardon premium audio system, which delivers excellent sound quality, and a suite of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. While the touchscreen is generally well-designed, some users may find it distracting to use while driving. The lack of physical buttons for certain functions, such as volume control and temperature adjustment, can make it more difficult to make quick adjustments on the go. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior that's perfect for daily driving and long road trips. The spaciousness, comfortable seats, and advanced tech features make it a great choice for those who value practicality and convenience. The large touchscreen is a standout feature, but some may find it a bit distracting to use while driving. The inclusion of premium materials and sporty touches adds a touch of elegance to the cabin.

Fuel Economy and Value: Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport a Good Deal?

Let's talk about fuel economy and value. The 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is reasonably efficient, achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. These numbers are respectable for a mid-size sedan with all-wheel drive. In real-world driving, you can expect to achieve fuel economy that's close to these estimates, depending on your driving style and conditions. While the Legacy Sport isn't the most fuel-efficient car in its class, it offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. When it comes to value, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a compelling package. It's priced competitively compared to other mid-size sedans with all-wheel drive. You get a lot of features for the money, including a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. The standard all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point, especially for those who live in areas with challenging weather conditions. The Sport trim adds some sporty touches, such as unique styling elements and upgraded interior materials, which enhance the overall appeal. However, some may find the engine to be underpowered, especially compared to rivals that offer more powerful engine options. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) can also be a drawback for those who prefer a more traditional automatic transmission. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport represents a good value for the money. It's a well-rounded sedan that offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a host of advanced features. The standard all-wheel-drive system is a major advantage, making it a great choice for those who value safety and all-weather capability. The Legacy Sport's resale value is also generally good, which can save you money in the long run. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is a smart choice for those who are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and well-equipped mid-size sedan. The fuel economy is decent, and the value proposition is strong.

Pros and Cons of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport

To give you a clear picture, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport:

Pros:

  • Standard all-wheel drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
  • Spacious interior: Offers plenty of room for both front and rear passengers.
  • Comfortable ride: Absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road with ease.
  • User-friendly tech: Features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Advanced safety features: Includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
  • Good fuel economy: Achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
  • Competitive price: Offers a lot of features for the money.

Cons:

  • Underpowered engine: Can feel strained when pushed hard.
  • Continuously variable transmission (CVT): Can feel unresponsive at times.
  • Touchscreen reliance: Lack of physical buttons for some functions can be distracting.
  • Soft handling: Can feel a bit floaty in corners.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport?

So, who should buy the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport? If you prioritize safety, comfort, and all-weather capability, this is an excellent choice. The standard all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point, making it a great option for those who live in areas with snow or rain. The spacious interior and comfortable ride make it ideal for families or those who frequently go on long road trips. However, if you're looking for thrilling performance or a sporty driving experience, you might want to consider other options. The engine can feel underpowered, and the handling is not as sharp as some of its rivals. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is a well-rounded sedan that offers a good balance of practicality, comfort, and value. It's a smart choice for those who want a reliable and safe car that can handle a variety of driving conditions. The Legacy Sport is a solid contender in the mid-size sedan segment, offering a unique blend of features and capabilities. At the end of the day, the decision of whether or not to buy the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider what's most important to you in a car and weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you value safety, comfort, and all-weather capability, the Legacy Sport is definitely worth a look. Thanks for reading, and happy driving!