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2018 Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy OEM Exterior Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 2.5i 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $22,195
2018 2.5i Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $24,295
2018 2.5i Sport 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $26,345
2018 2.5i Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $29,095
2018 3.6R Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $31,945

Overview

The present-generation Subaru Legacy was launched in 2014 and it got a facelift for at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. Sedans may not be as popular as crossover SUVs, but the mid-size four-door market still important model for any automaker. That makes the refreshed Legacy a model worth watching in 2018.

What's New for 2018

On the exterior, the facelifted Legacy looks more-or-less like the outgoing version. The front fascia has been updated with a new bumper, revamped grille and restyled headlights (with LED DRLs) but the changes are not easy to spot. The side-profile is largely unchanged and the only noticeable alteration at the rear is the design of the exhaust pipes.

However, the upgrades to the interior are a lot prominent. There is a new steering-wheel design, more sophisticated materials all around and a modernized centre console. The infotainment system has been completely overhauled with improved navigation, better voice control and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration as standard.

The Legacy has also received a host of minor mechanical upgrades. Subaru tweaked the continuously variable automatic transmission for smoother gear changes, the noise and vibration levels inside the cabin have been reduced, and the suspension has been tuned for better response from the brakes and the steering. In all, the focus has been on making the Legacy more comfortable, yet sharper to drive.

Subaru Legacy

Choosing Your Subaru Legacy

Subaru has made no update to powertrain of the new Legacy. This means it continues with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 175 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque and the more potent, 3.6-liter six-cylinder petrol engine generating 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.The four-cylinder Subaru returns 34 miles per gallon highway and 25 city, while six-cylinder Subaru delivers 28 mpg highway and 20 city. A CVT and Subaru's popular all-wheel-drive system are both standard, continuing to give the Legacy a trump card over the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

The four-cylinder Legacy is available in four trims — Standard, Premium, Sport and Limited, while the more potent model comes in Limited trim only.

Subaru Legacy

Standard

This is the entry-level model and starts at $23,055 (including $860 in destination charges). For that sum you get a 6.5-inch infotainment screen with a four-speaker audio system, LED running lights, a rear-view camera, 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, cruise control, and push-button start. The only available option is costs $350 and replaces the wheel covers with 17-inch alloys.

Subaru Legacy

Premium

Starting at $25,155, the Legacy Premium adds heated front seats and exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power driver's seat, and dual-zone climate control to the features on the standard model. An eight-inch infotainment system and two extra speakers replace the standard 6.5-inch setup. Upgrading to the Legacy Premium grants access to a range of optional extras.

Owners can add a moonroof for $1,195, while there are two different versions of Subaru's excellent EyeSight safety suite available. The base version costs $1,545 and adds adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The $3,140 version adds all of that plus the moonroof package and a navigation function for the eight-inch touchscreen.

Subaru Legacy

Sport

The Legacy Sport demands $27,205 and largely mimics gets the Legacy Premium's standard equipment. Additional goodies include a moonroof, 18-inch wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rear spoiler, and a more stylish interior. The only available option for the Legacy Sport is the nav-enabled EyeSight Package, which costs $2,095, with the price drop no doubt due to the standard sunroof.

Subaru Legacy

Limited

The Limited trim costs $29,955 for the four-cylinder 2.5i and $32,805 for the six-cylinder 3.6R. Additional standard equipment includes a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, perforated leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, heated rear seats, upgraded dampers, and bigger brakes. Moreover, it you pick the 3.6-liter engine with the Limited trim, you get LED adaptive headlights and stainless steel dual exhaust pipes.

The nav-enabled EyeSight system's price drops to $1,595 and adds a reverse emergency braking system, to prevent owners from backing into things.

CarsDirect Tip

Subaru faces tough competition in a slowing segment, but a Legacy Premium with EyeSight represents a good value for most consumers, including those considering crossovers. For the enthusiasts, the range-topping 3.6R is an okay choice, although the the smaller, sportier WRX is a better buy for that small group of consumers.

Get your price on a Subaru Legacy >>

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

As the only mid-size sedan with standard all-wheel drive, the 2018 Subaru Legacy has an edge in this ultra-competitive segment. It isn’t the most dashing model in the segment, but it scores high in safety, technology, and usability.

Best Value

Subaru offers the 2018 Legacy in five trims: 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Sport, and 3.6R Limited.

Our “best value” pick is the 2.5i Premium model with a sticker price of $25,155 (including an $860 destination charge). We chose this model as it offers a few amenities not found with the base model, including aluminum-alloy wheels, folding side mirrors, front and rear dual USB ports, dual-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch color display, and a six-speaker audio system. This trim is also where safety options are within reach.

Standard equipment includes a four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch steel wheels, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and cruise control.

  • Model: 2018 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium
  • Engine: 2.5-liter four cylinder
  • Output: 175 hp/174 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • MPG: 25 city/34 highway
  • Options: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology Package ($3,140, navigation, power moonroof, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist)
  • Base Price: $23,055 (including a $860 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price:$28,295

Performance

Subaru Legacy

The 2018 Subaru Legacy is offered with a pair of engines. The larger of the two is a 256 horsepower, 3.6-liter flat-six found on the 3.6R Limited model. All other trim levels feature the most popular choice – a 175 horsepower, 2.5-liter flat-four. Both engines come with a CVT automatic that includes a manual mode and paddle shifters.

Our 2.5i Sport tester, equipped with the smaller engine, offered decent off-the-line performance. Subaru was one of the first manufacturers to widely adopt the CVT transmission and it shows. This year, the transmission found on 2.5 models receives a quieter, ultra-short-pitch chain and revised engine timing so that, even during brisk acceleration, there's none of the usual whine. Replete with six simulated gears, it's hands down the best CVT we've driven.

On the road, the ride is smooth and well-controlled with retuned dampers doing a commendable job of absorbing both minor and major road imperfections. Steering is smooth with no on-center dead spot, and the brakes are easy to modulate with a nice initial bite to the pads. Pitch it into a corner and the chassis remains relatively flat – thanks in no small part to the flat engine and lower center of gravity, while the all-wheel-drive system and its brake-based torque vectoring system instill confidence even in the worst weather.

But as good as all that is, the base engine still feels down on power compared to competitors in this class that range from the torquier 160 horsepower, turbocharged, 1.5-liter four-cylinder Chevy Malibu, to the 203 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder Toyota Camry. Those looking for more power must pick the top Limited trim and kick in an additional $2,580 for the flat-six - along with its less-than-stellar EPA-estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city, 28 on the highway fuel economy numbers.

Style

Slightly revised this year, the Legacy receives a re-worked front bumper, a version of Subaru's hexagonal corporate grille placed lower on the fascia, C-shaped parking lights, and C-shaped headlights that are outlined by "Konoji" LED daytime running lights. In back, a new tailpipe design is integrated into a more prominent lower valance. Some of those differences may be hard to spot, but the Legacy retains its clean, conservative, three-box look.

Upgrades to the interior are also on the spotty side, but they all aim to push Subaru's midsize sedan a bit upscale, and include contrast stitching that's real on the dash, door panels, and seats. Speaking of seats, the fronts are very comfortable and there's plenty of room in back for two adults with plenty of head, hip and shoulder room, as well as 38 inches of leg room. The cabin boasts of 119.6 cu ft of room – just shy of the EPA's 120 cu ft definition of a full-size car – while the trunk offers an additional 15 cu ft of storage.

Although not as commanding as a crossover, the view out the front sides, back, and rear three-quarters is very good. Instrumentation is clear and easy to read, while the app-based software powering the eight-inch touchscreen was easy to understand and intuitive. In addition, Subaru has done a nice job of adding extra insulation, as wind, road, and engine noise is nicely muted.

At the same time, the exterior doesn't wow like the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, or Mazda Mazda6, quarters get tight with three adults in back, while trunk space is only average for the class. Finally, like the exterior, the Legacy's interior also falls short of offerings from Honda and Mazda.

The Best and Worst Things

The available EyeSight system is very good and affordable. There is little reason for customers to avoid purchasing the package. As for standard performance, it might not be enough for some shoppers. Upgrading to the six-cylinder engine requires choosing the top trim; a happy medium would be a turbo four.

Right For? Wrong For?

Subaru Legacy

Customers who regularly battle wintry or slippery road conditions. All-wheel drive provides an extra measure of stability and control when you need it.

The person who doesn’t need all-wheel drive, which is mostly anyone living where mild conditions prevail.

The Bottom Line

If safety is your priority, then the Subaru Legacy should be on the top of your list. Otherwise, this sedan offers sedate styling, very good handling, and the roomiest interior you’ll find in the segment, with the latter two factors perhaps enough to seal the deal for some shoppers.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L H-4 / 175 HP / 174 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Lineartronic 6-spd sequential shift control CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L H-4 / 175 HP / 174 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
105 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
188.8 "
Exterior Width
72.4 "
Exterior Height
59.0 "
Front Headroom
40.0 "
Rear Headroom
37.0 "
Front Legroom
42.9 "
Rear Legroom
38.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.3 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,514 Lbs.
Wheel Base
108 "
Turning Radius
18.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Steel / 17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote / Power Remote Driver / Power Remote Passenger
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan
Speakers
4 / 6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Subaru Legacy for Sale

2 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Subaru
Premium
Color: Silver
Price

$12,999

Mileage

109,706 mi

Map location icon

Royal Auto Dealer Los Angeles (32 mi)

Phone: (424) 444-6030
Subaru
3.6R Limited
Color: Crystal White Pearl
Price

$22,488

Mileage

62,257 mi

Map location icon

Lexus of Woodland Hills (20 mi)

Phone: (818) 888-2777

Other Subaru Legacy Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Subaru Legacy years that you might be interested in.

Subaru
Touring XT
Color: Crystal White Pearl
Price

$27,699

Mileage

37,090 mi

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Nissan of Mission Hills (24 mi)

Phone: (747) 600-2312
Subaru
Premium
Color: Crystal Black Silica
Price

$23,664

Mileage

27,910 mi

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Kirby Subaru of Ventura (51 mi)

Phone: (805) 666-1001
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