2021 Subaru Legacy vs. 2021 Volkswagen Passat Comparison

The 2021 Subaru Legacy and 2021 Volkswagen Passat are strong midsize sedan contenders. Here’s how they compare.

2021 Subaru Legacy

2021 Subaru Legacy Starting Price: $23,945 |Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: All-wheel drive on all models; optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine; standard safety equipment is one of the best in class.

Below Average: CVT transmission is the only one available; touch screen layout can be challenging; no hybrid powertrain.

Consensus: The newest Subaru Legacy offers good power and standard AWD. The CVT transmission is still not our favorite but is well-tuned to this package. When shopping for a midsize sedan, this should be on your list.

2021 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Volkswagen Passat Starting Price: $27,340 | Price Yours or View listings near you

 Above Average: Powerful turbocharged engine; 2-year free maintenance; excellent visibility.

Below Average: No all-wheel drive package; only one engine choice.

Consensus: The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an extremely comfortable family sedan with recently enhanced safety features and crisp styling. It doesn’t get the headlines found with other midsize offerings but is one not to be overlooked.

Legacy vs. Passat: Competent contenders 

Subaru Legacy 

The 2021 Subaru Legacy will surprise most test drivers with five trim levels to suit any need for comfort and features. The base 2.5-liter, flat-4 makes 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft torque and comes with AWD standard. Buyers who live where the weather is not perfect will be pleased. If that power figure is not enough, the optional turbo engine will get the job done with more than 100 lb-ft additional torque. The CVT transmission can cause the engine to drone under hard acceleration.

The attractive and functional interior of the Legacy includes a host of active safety systems along with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 7-inch touch screen contains all critical controls while a massive 11.6-inch screen is optional. Interior space is impressive. Rear seat legroom nearly two inches more than the previous model and the trunk liftover height has been dropped for easier access.

Volkswagen Passat 

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an excellent and highly reliable sedan packed with value. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is smooth (174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft torque) and provides plenty of power but is the only engine offered. All-wheel drive is not available. Handling is quite good and will be pleasantly acceptable to most drivers.

The interior is spacious with lots of leg and headroom along with a massive trunk that buyers will appreciate. The infotainment system features a big 6.3-inch touchscreen that is easy to operate and features Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The sound system is excellent and outward visibility is terrific. With regards to safety features, the Passat delivers blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking systems. The 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is better than standard and the two years of free maintenance is a huge draw for most buyers.

Similarities

Powerful turbocharged engines; comfortable interior with plenty of leg and headroom; good handling.

2021 Subaru Legacy Advantages

Optional turbocharged engine; standard AWD; lower price; overall handling.

2021 Volkswagen Passat Advantages

Conventional automatic transmission; two years of free maintenance.

Final Recommendation 

The Volkswagen Passat strong suit is a comfortable interior and a long list of safety technology components. But the Subaru also offers many equivalent features plus an optional turbo engine and standard AWD making it the clear choice.

Ready to buy a Subaru Legacy or Volkswagen Passat? Shop for one on sale now near you.