Model Year | 2021 | 2021 | |
Model | Subaru Legacy | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.4L H4 DOHC-4v 260 hp@5600 277 lb-ft@2000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 295 hp@6600 263 lb-ft@4700 |
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Transmission | 8-speed shiftable CVT | 8-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 112.2 in | -3.9 in |
Length | 190.6 in | 194.9 in | -4.3 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 76.0 in | -3.6 in |
Height | 59.1 in | 68.1 in | -9 in |
Curb Weight | 3779 lb. | 4330 lb. | -551 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.9 gal. | 0.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 41.2 in | -1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.1 in | 59.0 in | -0.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 57.2 in | -57.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.8 in | 42.0 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 39.4 in | -2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.4 in | 58.7 in | -1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 57.0 in | -57 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 41.0 in | -1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 36.1 in | -36.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 45.6 in | -45.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 27.7 in | -27.7 in |
Total Legroom | 82.3 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -28.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.1 ft3 | 16.0 ft3 | -0.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.1 | 48.4 ft3 | -33.3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.1 ft3 | 84.3 ft3 | -69.2 ft3 |
2021 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2021 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Front seats are softly padded in a way that is uncommon in modern vehicles. Driver's seat adjustments are above average, as there is an adjustable thigh support. Passenger seats lack lumbar adjustment and thigh support extensions, but have full 8-way power including seat-bottom tilt and height adjustment.
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Some drivers complain the lumbar support is intrusive, while others complain it's too subtle. Remember to sit in a seat and get a feel for yourself, as it is very subjective.
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The driver's seat has the option of a facial recognition system that is fairly reliable if used correctly and a useful feature that is not common in other cars. Memory buttons remain on the door for those that prefer them.
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The details that count: According to the owner's manual, the facial recognition system's software is open-source and data remains in the vehicle.
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2021 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2021 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
The Mazda6 has a smaller rear seat, no way around it. That being said, I find it to be more richly appointed than the Legacy's with the same great materials as up-front and cool touches: the USB ports are in the center armrest with a covered storage cubby, and the rear seat heaters are 3-level with controls in the armrest. These touches are reminiscent of very high-end luxury cars and are more convenient locations in general. The Mazda's heated rear seats also seem to be stronger than the Legacy's. --- The seats follow the same theme as the front in both cars- softer/plusher in the Legacy, firmer but well shaped in the Mazda. --- The front seat-backs are more upscale in the Mazda, and the rear seat of the Mazda has ambient lighting in the door pockets (unlike the Legacy). Overall, the rear cabin of the Mazda is snugger but remains comfortable while carrying on the quality and elegance of the front. For space though, the Legacy still grabs a Win here. see full Subaru Legacy review |
2021 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2020 | With each redesign (for 2008, 2014, and 2020) Toyota has enlarged the Highlander, yet the crossover's third-row seat remains uncomforably low and tight. For adults to be even passably comfortable in the way-back the second row must be slid forward, rendering legroom there also marginal. Some three-row crossovers have much roomier and more comfortable third-row seats. But if you want to be able to squeeze in eight people, Highlanders with a second-row bench can do this. Because they have significantly narrower third-row seats, the Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento cannot fit three people back there even in a pinch, so in hybrid form the former has a maximum capacity of seven people and the latter only six. (The Sorento PHEV will be able to seat seven.) This noted, if you want your adult passengers to have plenty of room, the practical capacity of each is four people. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2021 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2020 | 4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The 3rd row seating is just not for adults at all, and I'm not certain that children would be easy to fit back there as well. I'm not sure what Toyota was thinking, even making the 2020 longer didn't make any difference at all. My one complaint is it is just TOO SMALL! see full Toyota Highlander review |