Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport. If you're eyeing a mid-size sedan that promises reliability, safety, and a touch of sporty flair, then you've probably got this car on your radar. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash? Let's break it down and see what makes this car tick.

    What's the Hype About?

    The 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport aims to blend practicality with a bit of excitement. It's not trying to be a sports car, but it definitely wants to offer a more engaging driving experience than your average family sedan. It sets itself apart with unique styling cues and upgraded features that make it stand out from the standard Legacy models. But what are those features, and do they really make a difference?

    Exterior Styling: A Sporty Facelift

    Let's start with the looks. The Sport trim adds a dash of aggressiveness to the Legacy's otherwise understated design. You'll notice the exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels that immediately catch your eye, providing a more athletic stance. The dark gray accents on the front grille and side mirrors give it a distinctive, edgier appearance, making it clear that this isn't your grandpa's Legacy. The rear spoiler adds a subtle yet effective touch of sportiness, completing the visual upgrades. These design elements aren't just cosmetic; they contribute to a more dynamic and modern aesthetic that appeals to drivers who want their car to reflect their active lifestyle.

    Lighting: The LED headlights and fog lights not only enhance visibility but also add to the car's sleek and contemporary look. These lights provide brighter and more focused illumination, improving safety during nighttime driving and in adverse weather conditions. The integrated turn signals in the side mirrors are a practical addition, enhancing safety and visibility for other drivers. Overall, the exterior of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport successfully balances sophistication with a sporty edge, making it an attractive option for those who want a sedan that looks as good as it performs.

    Interior Comfort and Features

    Stepping inside, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport welcomes you with a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The Sport trim includes unique двух-tone cloth upholstery with red stitching, adding a sporty touch to the interior. The seats are designed to provide ample support during long drives, ensuring both comfort and reducing fatigue. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good in your hands and features integrated controls for audio, cruise control, and phone, making it easy to manage your driving experience without taking your hands off the wheel. The red stitching extends to the dashboard and door panels, tying the interior design together and reinforcing the sporty theme.

    Tech Features: The centerpiece of the dashboard is the 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This large, vertically oriented screen is intuitive to use and provides access to a wide range of functions, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru's Starlink services. The system responds quickly to touch inputs and offers a customizable interface, allowing you to arrange the icons and widgets to your liking. The built-in navigation system is accurate and easy to follow, providing real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions. The six-speaker audio system delivers clear and balanced sound, enhancing your overall driving experience. The dual-zone automatic climate control ensures that both the driver and passengers can set their preferred temperatures, adding to the comfort of the cabin.

    Practicality: The interior of the Legacy Sport is not only stylish but also practical. The cabin offers plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and legroom for adults. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate three passengers, making it a great option for families. The trunk is spacious and can easily handle luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide additional cargo-carrying flexibility, allowing you to transport longer items without sacrificing passenger space. The numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a center console, and a glove box, provide convenient places to store your belongings. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport is well-designed, comfortable, and practical, making it a pleasant place to spend time on the road.

    Performance and Handling

    Under the hood, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While this isn't a powerhouse, it provides adequate power for daily driving. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration. Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system comes standard, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. This makes the Legacy Sport a confident and capable performer, especially in snow or rain.

    Driving Experience: On the road, the Legacy Sport offers a balanced and comfortable ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing you to confidently navigate city streets and winding roads. The Sport trim includes paddle shifters, allowing you to manually control the CVT and extract a bit more performance from the engine. While the acceleration isn't thrilling, the Legacy Sport provides enough power for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. The all-wheel drive system enhances stability and control, giving you added confidence in challenging driving conditions. The brakes are strong and provide good pedal feel, ensuring reliable stopping power.

    Fuel Efficiency: Despite its all-wheel-drive system, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport delivers respectable fuel economy. It's rated at an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. These figures make it a competitive choice in the mid-size sedan segment. In real-world driving, you can expect to achieve fuel economy numbers that are close to the EPA estimates, depending on your driving style and conditions. The fuel-efficient engine and well-tuned CVT contribute to the Legacy Sport's overall efficiency, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long road trips.

    Safety Features: Subaru's Priority

    Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the 2021 Legacy Sport is no exception. It comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of collisions. The Legacy Sport also includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of vehicles in your blind spots and when backing out of parking spaces. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier.

    Advanced Safety Tech: In addition to these standard features, the Legacy Sport offers optional safety technologies like reverse automatic braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision when backing up. The driver monitoring system uses a camera to detect signs of driver fatigue or distraction and provides alerts to help keep you focused on the road. The automatic high beams automatically switch between high and low beams based on traffic conditions, enhancing visibility without blinding other drivers. The 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport has earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it a safe and reliable choice for families and individuals alike. With its comprehensive suite of safety features, the Legacy Sport provides peace of mind and helps protect you and your passengers on every journey.

    Pricing and Value

    The 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport typically falls in the mid-range price bracket for mid-size sedans. While it might not be the cheapest option, it offers a compelling value proposition when you consider its standard all-wheel drive, comprehensive safety features, and sporty styling. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Mazda 6, the Legacy Sport stands out with its standard AWD and unique features.

    Value for Money: When evaluating its value, it's important to consider the long-term ownership costs. Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability and longevity, which can save you money on maintenance and repairs over time. The Legacy Sport's fuel-efficient engine and reasonable insurance rates also contribute to its overall affordability. Additionally, Subaru's strong resale value means that you can expect to get a good return on your investment when you eventually decide to sell or trade in your Legacy Sport. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a solid combination of features, performance, and value, making it a smart choice for those who want a reliable and capable mid-size sedan without breaking the bank.

    Pros and Cons

    To keep it real, here's a quick rundown of the good and not-so-good:

    Pros:

    • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Unmatched traction in all weather conditions.
    • Comprehensive Safety Features: EyeSight system provides excellent driver assistance.
    • Sporty Styling: Unique design elements that set it apart from other Legacy models.
    • Comfortable Interior: Spacious cabin with supportive seats and user-friendly technology.

    Cons:

    • Engine Performance: The 2.5-liter engine could use a bit more power.
    • CVT Transmission: Can feel a bit uninspired at times.
    • Ride Quality: Suspension a little stiff.

    Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

    So, is the 2021 Subaru Legacy Sport worth it? If you value safety, reliability, and all-weather capability, then the answer is a resounding yes. It's a well-rounded sedan that offers a lot for the money. While it might not be the sportiest option in its class, it delivers a comfortable and confident driving experience, especially in challenging conditions. If you're looking for a practical and dependable daily driver with a touch of sporty flair, the Legacy Sport is definitely worth considering. Go test drive one and see if it's the right fit for you!