2021 Subaru Legacy Sport: Is It Worth It?

by Alex Braham 42 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport, a sedan that promises a blend of practicality and sporty appeal. If you're in the market for a reliable daily driver with a touch of fun, this review is for you. We'll cover everything from its performance and handling to its interior comfort and technology, helping you decide if the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport deserves a spot in your garage.

Performance and Handling: A Balanced Approach

When it comes to performance, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport strikes a balanced approach. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it's not a powerhouse, this engine provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving. The Legacy Sport is equipped with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright performance. However, Subaru has programmed the CVT to mimic traditional gear shifts, making the driving experience feel more natural and less drone-like than some other CVTs on the market. Fuel economy is a strong point, with EPA ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. This makes it a great choice for commuters and those who frequently embark on long road trips. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is a standard feature on all Subaru Legacy models, including the Sport trim. This provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions, making it a confident choice for drivers in areas with snow or rain. The Sport trim also features a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a slightly firmer ride and improved handling compared to the base Legacy model. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, giving the driver a good sense of control. While the Legacy Sport isn't going to set any lap records, it offers a competent and enjoyable driving experience for daily use. The engine is refined and quiet at cruising speeds, and the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is a well-rounded performer that prioritizes comfort, fuel efficiency, and all-weather capability. If you're looking for a sporty sedan that's also practical and reliable, the Legacy Sport is definitely worth considering.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Cozy and Connected Cabin

Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport, you'll find a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The interior design is modern and functional, with high-quality materials used throughout. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing excellent comfort for long drives. The Sport trim features unique cloth upholstery with red contrast stitching, which adds a touch of sporty flair. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The rear seats are also spacious and comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The Legacy's trunk offers a generous 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it one of the more practical sedans in its class. When it comes to technology, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport doesn't disappoint. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which is used to control the infotainment system. The touchscreen 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 standard technology features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. Available options include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a navigation system, and a sunroof. The 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport also comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology. This suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and prevent accidents. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is a comfortable and well-equipped space that's perfect for both daily commutes and long road trips. The seats are supportive, the technology is user-friendly, and the safety features provide peace of mind. Whether you're driving alone or with passengers, you'll appreciate the Legacy Sport's refined and comfortable cabin.

Exterior Design: Sporty and Refined

The exterior design of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport strikes a balance between sporty and refined. It features a sleek and modern silhouette with subtle design cues that set it apart from the standard Legacy model. The front fascia is characterized by a bold grille, sharp headlights, and a sculpted bumper. The Sport trim adds unique design elements such as a rear spoiler, dark gray alloy wheels, and black exterior trim. These subtle touches give the Legacy Sport a more aggressive and sporty appearance. The body lines are clean and flowing, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication. The rear of the Legacy Sport features distinctive taillights and a chrome exhaust finisher, adding to its premium look. Overall, the exterior design of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is attractive and well-proportioned. It's not overly flashy or attention-grabbing, but it exudes a sense of confidence and style. The Sport trim's unique design elements give it a more distinctive appearance compared to the standard Legacy model. Whether you're cruising down the highway or parked in your driveway, the Legacy Sport is sure to turn heads. The paint quality is excellent, and the panel gaps are tight and consistent. The overall fit and finish are top-notch, reflecting Subaru's commitment to quality. If you're looking for a sedan that looks good and feels good, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is definitely worth considering. Its sporty design cues and refined styling make it a standout in its class.

Reliability and Safety: Peace of Mind on the Road

When it comes to reliability and safety, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport excels. Subaru has a long-standing reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles, and the Legacy is no exception. The Legacy has consistently earned high reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and other independent sources. This is a testament to Subaru's commitment to quality and engineering. The standard all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and stability, making it a confident choice for drivers in all weather conditions. The 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport also comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology. This suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and prevent accidents. In government crash tests, the 2021 Subaru Legacy earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the highest possible rating and demonstrates the Legacy's ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Legacy also performed well in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earned a Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest honor given by the IIHS. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is a safe and reliable sedan that provides peace of mind on the road. Its strong safety ratings, advanced safety features, and proven reliability make it a great choice for families and individuals alike. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, you can trust the Legacy Sport to keep you and your passengers safe and secure.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Before making a final decision, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport. Here's a quick rundown:

Pros:

  • Standard all-wheel drive: Provides enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions.
  • Spacious and comfortable interior: Offers ample room for passengers and cargo.
  • User-friendly technology: Features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
  • Excellent safety ratings: Earned top marks from NHTSA and IIHS.
  • Sporty styling: Unique design elements give it a more aggressive and distinctive appearance.

Cons:

  • Engine performance: The 2.5-liter engine is adequate but not particularly exciting.
  • CVT transmission: The CVT can feel a bit sluggish at times.
  • Limited availability of options: Some desired features are not available on the Sport trim.

The Verdict: Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport Worth It?

So, is the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport worth it? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a reliable, safe, and practical sedan with a touch of sporty flair, the Legacy Sport is definitely worth considering. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, spacious interior, user-friendly technology, and excellent safety ratings make it a well-rounded choice for daily commutes and long road trips. However, if you're prioritizing performance and excitement, you may want to consider other options. The Legacy Sport's 2.5-liter engine and CVT transmission are not the most thrilling, and there are other sedans in this class that offer more engaging driving experiences. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Experience its handling, comfort, and technology firsthand, and see if it meets your needs and expectations. If you value practicality, reliability, and safety above all else, the Legacy Sport is a great choice that won't disappoint.