Comparison Test: 2015 Chrysler 200C AWD vs 2015 Subaru Legacy AWD Limited

Guest reviewer and Autos.ca forum member NoTo was similarly impressed by the interior of the 200.  “The dashboard layout was convoluted, but really, really neat looking,” he said while also praising the quality of the leather and the genuine wood accents.

The Subaru Legacy could be described as a very good interior, but the Chrysler 200 is a class leader. For wowing all three of us on sight, the 200 gets the styling win.

Infotainment, HMI and Audio

Subaru has had an uphill struggle in recent years. Its previous generation infotainment system was woeful, and the company itself knows that it lagged behind. Enter the 2015 Legacy. Using a system which shares its basic format, hardware and software with Toyota, the Legacy is now a competitive and usable system. Sound quality is lacking, but the interface itself and the controls are intuitive and sensible.

The problem is, Chrysler and all its associated entities have UConnect. UConnect is the Cadillac of infotainment and Human-Machine Interfaces. Everything about it is clever, sensible and easy to use. It is our favourite system and stands head and shoulders above the others.

2015 Chrysler 200, Subaru Legacy dashboard & infotainment. Click image to enlarge

The Legacy’s 7.0-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch TFT nestled between the gauges look excellent in isolation, but are simply blown away by the 8.4-inch main touchscreen and 7.0-inch display buried in the instrument cluster of the Chrysler. With a full suite of clever steering wheel-mounted controls – including audio controls on the back of the spokes – there’s no need to ever look across at the monster centre-stack screen. Everything you want is right in front of your eyes in a way that makes sense.

The sound quality in the 200 is worlds apart. Fortuitously, The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army came on in both cars during our time with them, and the difference in depth and clarity was astounding.

“I’m going to Wichita…” – and if I do I hope I’m listening to the Chrysler’s stereo the whole way.

Usability

It’s probably already clear that the Chrysler nails this one. What’s surprising is where the Subaru falls down.

It’s not just the usability of the interface that Chrysler has worked out well. The floating console allows them to put the HVAC controls and gear shifter in a more driver friendly position and also frees up space underneath for hidden knick knacks. That space might be a little inaccessible for most people to fully utilise, but the deep bin under the cupholders won’t be.

2015 Chrysler 200 centre stack, Subaru Legacy cabin storage. Click image to enlarge

It’s one of those rare, “Oh my God this is brilliant!” features that car makers stumble on from time to time – and when it comes to cabin storage, Chrysler seems to do it better than most. Slide the cupholders back, and you’re greeted with a large bin complete with a USB, aux input, 12V outlet and a 115V power outlet! There’s even a cutout for your cables, so you can put your phone or camera in the tray under the floating console and still charge it. There is also an extra 12V outlet on the passenger side of the centre stack, so that your passengers can charge their stuff, too.

All this is in stark contrast to the Subaru. There is a reasonable bin under the centre stack that includes USB, aux and 12V power but no hidden tricks or goodies. When you come to use some of the other features, like the split-folding rear seats, or opening the boot lid, the Subaru becomes frustrating.