“I love my Subaru. However, I am disappointed on the inability to repair my hands-free phone feature. I've been told a new system update will be available in September but I have to dial on my cell phone at this time which is not an optimum way of operating. Now, the radio is beginning to show signs of defect. The system needs to be replaced.”
2021 Subaru Legacy: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Subaru Legacy is a light update, not a redesign. The main change is that LED headlights that turn with the steering became standard on every trim.
About the 2021 Subaru Legacy
7th generation, second model year after the 2020 redesign.
Subaru positions the Legacy as a midsize sedan for drivers who want traditional sedan comfort with standard all-weather traction and a strong safety story. Its core appeal is standard AWD on every trim, EyeSight driver-assist hardware, a roomy and quiet cabin, and Subaru’s long-term durability message. Against midsize sedan rivals, the Legacy leans less on sporty handling and more on confidence in bad weather, everyday comfort, and family-friendly practicality.
The 2021 Legacy lineup ranges from a practical base sedan with all-wheel drive and driver assists to comfort-focused Limited models with leather seating. Premium adds an 11.6-inch touchscreen and heated front seats, while Limited XT and Touring XT pair a 260-hp turbo engine with upscale features such as navigation and premium audio.
What changed, by category
Safety
LED headlights that turn with the steering and automatically adjust between low and high beams became standard on every trim. Subaru also made a front-passenger seatbelt warning and rear seat reminder standard across the lineup.
2021 Subaru Legacy specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 3000 lb | ||||
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Subaru Legacy compared with the 2020 model?
The main change for 2021 is more standard safety equipment. Every trim received LED headlights that turn with the steering, a front-passenger seatbelt warning, and a rear seat reminder.
Was the 2021 Subaru Legacy redesigned?
No. The 2021 Legacy is the second model year of the seventh-generation design introduced for 2020, so its engines, trim lineup, and core cabin technology remain largely unchanged.
Do all 2021 Subaru Legacy trims have steering-responsive LED headlights?
Yes. Steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic low- and high-beam adjustment are standard on every 2021 Legacy trim.
Did the 2021 Subaru Legacy get a new engine?
No. The 2021 engine lineup carried over, including the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the Limited XT and Touring XT.
2021 Subaru Legacy Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Subaru Legacy.
4.1
2021 Subaru Legacy
(85 reviews)
“Good car with many features. The slide in area for your phone is problematic. It doesn't completely cover the phone, and the heat from the window has caused my phone to overheat many times.”
“Nice car but the trunk lid barely opens when you use the fob and you have to put your stuff down in the rain and open the trunk the rest of the way manually and then load your wet bag. Didn't have this problem with my 2003 Buick. Total oversight by Subaru. Shoddy engineering.”