DecodedCars2021 Subaru Legacy
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, GT 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 182–260 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,541–3,779 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2021 large car (24.1 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 260 hp, versus about 206 hp for similar 2021 models.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Subaru Legacy is a large car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,541 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 24% better than the 2021 large car average of 24.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Legacy — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Legacy →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Lafayette, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Legacy configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 190.6 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 108.3 in | 62.2 / 63.4 in | 3,541 lb | 59/41 |
| GT 4dr Sedan | 190.6 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 108.3 in | 62.2 / 63.4 in | 3,779 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +24% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +12% | $2,500 | 330 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.1% |
Similar 2021 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Legacy (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 22, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V227000 · 118,723 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · Nov 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 95,830 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Risk
- An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Power Train › Driveline › Chain/Belt · Jul 8, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V485000 · 182 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
- Risk
- An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
Not every 2021 Subaru Legacy is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Subaru Legacy buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Visibility/Wiper — 5 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Legacy years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Legacy | 30 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 6 |
| 2024 Legacy | 30 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 17 |
| 2023 Legacy | 30 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 10 |
| 2022 Legacy | 30 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2020 Legacy | 30 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 121 |
| 2019 Legacy | 29 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 123 |
| 2018 Legacy | 29 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 117 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →