2020 Subaru Legacy vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

2020 Subaru Legacy
2020 Subaru Legacy
$22,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Subaru Legacy
$22,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$22,745

MSRP

$23,950

Average price

$20,419

Average price

$19,905

Listings

247

Listings

1540
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Underwhelming base engine

2020 Subaru Legacy Reviews Summary

It’s something we’ve said almost exhaustively on this site: Crossovers are king, and the age of sedans owning the road has waned. But you can’t fault us for reporting what’s happening out there, and if you bought your first car more than a decade ago, this may still be news to you. Their combination of cargo space, passenger space, and added ride height—with a seemingly minimal penalty when it comes to fuel economy—contributed largely to the proliferation of SUVs over the past 10 years.

But what of the humble sedan? And what is an automaker to do when one of its best-selling segments becomes passé?

If that automaker is Subaru, the play is to lean into the niche. For the 4-door, 5-passenger Legacy, that means a focus on practicality, efficiency, and safety. The Legacy has long been a pragmatic choice thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), fuel-efficient engines, and easy-to-use interiors.

The 2020 Legacy can still boast AWD and strong mileage, but Subaru has made some major changes inside its midsize sedan in an attempt to go more mainstream and grab a larger slice of the shriveling sedan market. Some of the technology Subaru added has been great, but one major change to the dash of the new Legacy makes us ask what Subaru is thinking.

2021 Hyundai Sonata Reviews Summary

In a shrinking car market, the traditional sport sedan is increasingly rare. Designed and developed for people who prefer on-pavement performance but need passenger and cargo practicality, only a handful of dedicated non-premium sport sedans still exist, and most of those barely qualify for membership in the club. Enter the new 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, which addresses both performance and practicality in a compelling midsize package and at a bargain price.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 182 hp H4

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

35

MPG Highway

37
2020 Subaru Legacy
2020 Subaru Legacy
$22,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Subaru Legacy
$22,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$22,745
$23,950
Average price
$20,419
$19,905
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.0
4.9
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary

It’s something we’ve said almost exhaustively on this site: Crossovers are king, and the age of sedans owning the road has waned. But you can’t fault us for reporting what’s happening out there, and if you bought your first car more than a decade ago, this may still be news to you. Their combination of cargo space, passenger space, and added ride height—with a seemingly minimal penalty when it comes to fuel economy—contributed largely to the proliferation of SUVs over the past 10 years.

But what of the humble sedan? And what is an automaker to do when one of its best-selling segments becomes passé?

If that automaker is Subaru, the play is to lean into the niche. For the 4-door, 5-passenger Legacy, that means a focus on practicality, efficiency, and safety. The Legacy has long been a pragmatic choice thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), fuel-efficient engines, and easy-to-use interiors.

The 2020 Legacy can still boast AWD and strong mileage, but Subaru has made some major changes inside its midsize sedan in an attempt to go more mainstream and grab a larger slice of the shriveling sedan market. Some of the technology Subaru added has been great, but one major change to the dash of the new Legacy makes us ask what Subaru is thinking.

In a shrinking car market, the traditional sport sedan is increasingly rare. Designed and developed for people who prefer on-pavement performance but need passenger and cargo practicality, only a handful of dedicated non-premium sport sedans still exist, and most of those barely qualify for membership in the club. Enter the new 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, which addresses both performance and practicality in a compelling midsize package and at a bargain price.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 182 hp H4
2.5L 191 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
MPG City
27
27
MPG Highway
35
37
Look and feel
2020 Subaru Legacy
7/10
2021 Hyundai Sonata
8/10

The 2020 Subaru Legacy presented a challenge in terms of styling, as it aimed for pragmatic sensibility rather than flashiness. While it was a handsome car with sharp angles and details, it struggled to stand out among competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, which boasted more rakish and bold designs. The Legacy's front end appeared smaller, often leading to confusion with the compact Subaru Impreza. Inside, the Legacy featured a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen, but many functions were buried within the digital interface, complicating simple tasks like adjusting climate controls. The Legacy offered six trims, with the Premium trim being recommended for its features like the All-Weather Package and 10-way power front seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 2020 model year, resulting in a distinctive and bold appearance. The Sonata N Line, in particular, featured functional and stylistic changes that enhanced its appeal, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents. The interior of the Sonata N Line was equally impressive, with sport front seats, premium materials, and a panoramic sunroof. The Sonata's design was both stealthy and sporty, offering a balance between performance and comfort. The car's exterior and interior design elements contributed to a more appealing and modern look compared to the Legacy.

Performance
2020 Subaru Legacy
7/10
2021 Hyundai Sonata
9/10

The 2020 Subaru Legacy was equipped with a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, providing a responsive driving experience. However, the Legacy's powertrain showed some weaknesses when accelerating to highway speeds, requiring a push and generating noise. For those seeking more power, a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine was available in the Limited XT and Touring XT trims, delivering 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The Legacy's chassis offered precise cornering and refined ride quality, but the auto stop-start system was jarring and required multiple steps to disable. Fuel economy for the base engine was impressive, with 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined, while the turbocharged engine achieved 24 city, 32 highway, and 27 combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the front wheels through an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, along with an Active Sound Design system for an enhanced engine note. The car's performance was further improved with stiffer engine and transmission mounts, faster steering, larger brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Sonata N Line excelled in handling, with minimal understeer and body roll, providing a thrilling driving experience. Despite its performance focus, the Sonata N Line maintained a comfortable ride quality and achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 23.7 mpg.

Form and function
2020 Subaru Legacy
8/10
2021 Hyundai Sonata
8/10

The 2020 Subaru Legacy offered solid trunk space for a sedan, with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. While it couldn't compete with crossovers in terms of cargo space, the Legacy surprised with its backseat head- and legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats were supportive, and the interior featured practical storage solutions, though the center stack tray was somewhat cramped.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line provided a spacious interior with heated front sport seats that balanced comfort and lateral support. The rear seat offered less legroom and thigh support compared to the front, but rear air conditioning vents and a USB port added convenience. The Sonata's trunk volume was generous at 16 cubic feet, and the 60/40-split folding rear seat expanded utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was a practical addition, though the lack of an interior handle for closing the trunk was a minor inconvenience.

Technology
2020 Subaru Legacy
6/10
2021 Hyundai Sonata
7/10

The 2020 Subaru Legacy featured an 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system, but its interface was criticized for burying simple functions within menus. While the system had large icons and no lag, its portrait orientation limited the display of Apple CarPlay. The Legacy's tech was present in all trims except the base, making it difficult to avoid the system's drawbacks.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but lacked a WiFi hotspot. The absence of a tuning knob and the placement of the volume control knob were minor annoyances. The Sonata N Line also offered Hyundai Digital Key for Android devices and a Sounds of Nature feature for relaxation.

Safety
2020 Subaru Legacy
10/10
2021 Hyundai Sonata
9/10

The 2020 Subaru Legacy was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The system used a head-up light system for alerts and included a helpful feature for when the car in front starts moving. Standard safety features also included airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured Hyundai's SmartSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems, offering a comprehensive suite of features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. While the N Line had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, the standard Sonata received high ratings for occupant protection.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Subaru Legacy
9/10
2021 Hyundai Sonata
10/10
N/A

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Legacy is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Hyundai Sonata scores 8.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the recommended choice, offering a more engaging driving experience, advanced technology, and a comprehensive safety suite.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Legacy is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Hyundai Sonata scores 8.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the recommended choice, offering a more engaging driving experience, advanced technology, and a comprehensive safety suite.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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