2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was a member of the midsize-sedan category, often overshadowed by more popular models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Available in six trim levels, the Legacy offered a range of premium features and equipment add-ons, maintaining a design formula similar to the Subaru Outback wagon. From the B-pillar forward, the Legacy shared many design elements with the Outback, including the fascia and dashboard setup. For 2021, Subaru enhanced the Legacy with standard steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. While its design wasn't particularly striking, it adhered to Subaru's branding, offering a safe and reliable appearance. The Legacy featured high-gloss stainless steel moldings and a sleeker profile than its predecessor, though it wasn't as eye-catching as competitors like the Mazda6. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch steel to 18-inch machine-finished wheels, with various exterior trim elements available. The Legacy also offered practical features like power-folding mirrors and roof mounting points for accessories. Inside, the Legacy's subdued interior combined high-quality materials with piano black plastic, offering a blend of form and function typical of Subaru. While cloth upholstery was standard, leather options were available, along with features like Nappa leather upholstery and chrome interior accents.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series introduced a new exterior design, avoiding the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. Offered as a rear-wheel-drive 230i Coupe and all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupe, the 2 Series also included a four-door Gran Coupe variant. The 2 Series Coupe variants featured an extended wheelbase, making them longer, wider, and lower than their predecessors. The design included a wider kidney grille, upright triangular air curtains, and flared fenders, giving the coupe an aerodynamic appearance. The M240i xDrive Coupe had a more performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type features and the M Shadowline package. Standard on the 230i Coupe were 18-inch light-alloy wheels, while the M240i xDrive Coupe came with 19-inch M light alloys. The interior of the 2 Series was driver-oriented, featuring new perforated SensaTec synthetic upholstery and sport seats. The updated interior included an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional creature comforts. The 2 Series interior exuded a high-end vibe with mixed material finishes, though some areas featured less appealing plastics.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options across its trim levels. The Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited models were powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving, but for those needing more power, the Limited XT and Touring XT trims featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. This upgraded engine produced 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, with minimal turbo lag. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Legacy stood out in its class by offering all-wheel drive as standard, enhancing stability over rough terrain. While the steering was well-balanced at low speeds, the Legacy required lane-centering technology for better highway stability. Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine was impressive, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine achieved slightly lower figures, with 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe packed a punch with its performance capabilities. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M240i xDrive Coupe boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quick responses with paddle shifters. The M240i xDrive Coupe included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes. The xDrive AWD system provided stability, especially during cornering. While the 230i Coupe's turbo-four engine was quieter, both models offered quick and controlled performance. However, the driving experience felt somewhat disconnected, with the steering lacking feedback and engagement.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy prioritized comfort and spaciousness in its interior design. The front featured a sound-insulation windshield, reducing wind and engine noise. The seats were designed for a natural sitting position, with power-adjustable options available on higher trims. The Legacy offered ample back seat room for adults, with additional legroom from the 2020 redesign. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available. The Legacy's cabin felt spacious, akin to a full-size car, with good forward visibility. However, the increased passenger space came at the cost of cargo capacity, with the trunk offering 15.1 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, being a coupe, had a compact interior. While it technically seated four, the rear seats were best suited for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative comfort, but the slanted roofline limited rear headroom. The trunk had a shorter lid, but the 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats allowed for flexible cargo space. With the rear seats up, the trunk provided 10 cubic feet of space. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The lower console area had a layout similar to other new BMW models.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy came equipped with dual 7-inch infotainment and climate control displays on the base model. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with on-screen buttons for various functions. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, and automatic climate control. Upmarket trims offered additional USB ports, navigation, a premium audio system, and keyless entry. While the infotainment screen was functional, its appearance lacked sophistication, with a multicolored background that didn't match the vehicle's elegance.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series offered advanced technology and connectivity features. Standard on the coupe was an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display. The infotainment system included BMW Live Cockpit Plus, capable of over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Additional features included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and added a head-up display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a premium audio system.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was renowned for its safety features, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Subaru EyeSight technology, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Additional options included reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Legacy's EyeSight system was user-friendly but could be intrusive with its alerts. Subaru offered a comprehensive warranty package for the Legacy.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with Active Driving Assistant, featuring blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive front LED headlights, a 360-degree surround view, and BMW Drive Recorder. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.