Overview
The 2021 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan built for drivers who want all-weather confidence without moving up to an SUV. It’s ideal for commuters, small families, and anyone who values standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, and strong safety tech in a practical four-door package. The 2021 model continues the seventh-generation Legacy that debuted with a full redesign for 2020, bringing updated infotainment and driver-assist features to stay competitive against rivals like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. With a roomy cabin, solid crash-test reputation, and available turbo power, it balances everyday comfort with year-round usability.
Key Features
1) STANDARD SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVE: Unlike most midsize sedans, the Legacy comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD for better traction in rain and snow, paired with Active Torque Vectoring for added stability in corners.
2) ENGINE OPTIONS: A 2.5L BOXER 4-cylinder (approximately 182 hp) is standard for efficient daily driving. For quicker acceleration, the available 2.4L turbocharged BOXER 4-cylinder (approximately 260 hp) delivers noticeably stronger midrange power, especially on highway merges and hills.
3) EYESIGHT DRIVER ASSIST: Subaru EyeSight includes advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane centering/lane keep assist, and automatic emergency steering support on many trims, helping reduce fatigue and improve safety.
4) UPDATED INFOTAINMENT: Many models feature Subaru’s large portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus available navigation and upgraded audio depending on trim.
5) COMFORT AND PRACTICALITY: A quiet ride, comfortable seating, and a usable trunk make it a strong long-distance sedan. Higher trims add amenities like heated seats, upgraded interior materials, and additional driver-assist features.
Common Issues & Reliability
Searches for 2021 Subaru Legacy problems often focus on a few repeat themes. Overall, 2021 Subaru Legacy reliability is generally considered good for the class, but these are the most common 2021 Subaru Legacy common issues owners report:
1) INFOTAINMENT GLITCHES AND SCREEN FREEZING: Some owners report the touchscreen system freezing, lagging, rebooting, or having intermittent Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay connection issues. This can show up early in ownership, sometimes within the first 5,000–20,000 miles, and is often improved with software updates.
2) WINDSHIELD CRACKS OR CHIP SENSITIVITY: Subaru models are frequently discussed for windshield durability, and some 2021 Legacy owners report chips spreading into cracks more easily than expected. Impacts vary, but complaints often appear within the first few years of ownership, especially for highway commuters.
3) CVT DRIVABILITY FEEL: The Legacy uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While many operate normally, some drivers notice surging, hesitation, or a “rubber-band” feel during light acceleration, commonly reported between 10,000–40,000 miles. This is often a driveability complaint rather than a hard failure, but it’s worth test-driving carefully.
4) BATTERY DRAIN OR STARTING COMPLAINTS: A smaller number of owners report weak battery performance, especially with short trips, cold weather, or frequent accessory use. Symptoms can appear around 15,000–40,000 miles depending on driving patterns and battery age.