2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was a midsize sedan that often flew under the radar, competing with well-known models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It was available in six trim levels, from Base to Touring XT, and shared much of its design with the Subaru Outback wagon. The Legacy featured standard steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist, enhancing its safety profile. While its design wasn't particularly striking, it adhered to Subaru's brand identity, offering a sleek yet understated look. The interior was a blend of high-quality materials and practical design, with options for leather upholstery and other premium touches, though some fit-and-finish issues were noted.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic was a compact car with a history of setting benchmarks in its segment. Available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, the Civic sedan came in five trims, with the Touring trim offering a premium experience. The Civic's design was polarizing, with a style that some loved and others disliked. The interior, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The Civic's cabin was spacious, comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago, and offered a comfortable ride, though the infotainment system showed its age with a maximum screen size of 7 inches.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the XT trims, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive was standard, a unique feature in the midsize sedan category. The Legacy's AWD system provided stability over rough terrain, though steering could be challenging at highway speeds without lane-centering technology. Fuel economy was commendable, with the base engine achieving 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the turbocharged engine offered slightly lower figures.

The 2021 Honda Civic, on the other hand, came with a choice of two engines. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, while the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims boasted a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Civic's turbo engine was lively, and its four-wheel independent suspension provided excellent ride and handling. However, the CVT was a drawback, with a sloppy gear lever and a tendency to drone. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a test loop, surpassing the EPA estimate.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy prioritized comfort with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. The front seats offered a natural sitting position, with power adjustments available on most trims. The Legacy's spacious cabin accommodated five adults comfortably, with ample legroom in the back. However, this came at the expense of trunk space, which measured 15.1 cubic feet. The Legacy also offered heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, enhancing its appeal for long journeys.

The 2021 Honda Civic, meanwhile, had a low seating position, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the Civic provided a roomy interior, comparable to older midsize cars, with excellent rear seat comfort. The front seats offered power adjustments, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's center console was highly practical, offering ample storage space. The trunk was spacious, with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, though the Touring trim's premium sound system reduced it slightly to 14.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch displays on the base model, with an upgrade to an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-volt power outlet. Higher trims added more USB ports, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was functional, its design was considered unsophisticated, with a multicolored background that didn't match the vehicle's elegance.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic's technology was showing its age. The base LX trim offered a 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. The Civic's voice recognition system was basic, and the premium sound system was a nice addition, though the eight-speaker setup was adequate for most needs.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was renowned for its safety, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, which included adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision braking. The system was effective but could be intrusive with its alerts. The Legacy also offered a comprehensive warranty package.

The 2021 Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Civic also featured LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.