The Legacy appears to be bucking the trend of declining sedan sales. Despite the growing crossover and mid-size SUV stealing the spotlight from the lowly 4-door family hauler, Subaru sees growth potential in its sedan offering. The refreshed 2018 Legacy, which receives a good dose of updates for the new model year, will set a new direction for the Japanese automaker.
First introduced in 1989 and still going strong, the current 6th-generation Legacy debuted in 2014. For 2018, the car carries over the same platform and primary features but finds a mid-cycle refresh with some significant updates.
Legacy Loses 6-Speed Manual, Adds Improved CVT Transmission
- Engine Options: 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder Boxer engine; 3.6L DOHC 6-cylinder Boxer engine (available on higher trims)
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode
- Horsepower: 175 hp @ 5,800 RPM (2.5L engine); 256 hp @ 6,000 RPM (3.6L engine)
- Torque: 174 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM (2.5L engine); 247 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM (3.6L engine)
- Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Towing Capacity: 2,700 lbs (with 3.6L engine)
Gone is the 6-speed manual transmission, so you only get the CVT automatic transmission now. For a small group of off-roaders looking at the Outback or Crosstrek, this may be an issue as they’ve also eliminated the manual transmission. But for Dad fighting morning rush hour traffic or Mom dropping kids off at soccer (or vice versa), we’re pretty sure Legacy owners won’t miss the stick shift.
Subaru’s CVT has been updated to be much more responsive and refined for 2018. The engine and components shed weight to reduce vibrations while improving fuel consumption, while front and rear dampers have been revised for better stability and ride comfort for long drives.
More aggressive, sporty exterior styling
From a styling point, when the all-new Legacy hit the scene in 2014, it was sporty and stylish — something we’re beginning to see more of with most of the family mid-size sedan being introduced today, including the Chevy Malibu, for instance.
The refreshed version follows through with this, adding a more aggressive look via the open lower grilles. The new LED fog lamps now cover a broader area on the Touring, Sport, and Limited trims, and the LED daytime running lights are now standard on all models. The Sport and Limited Legacy models also find a new LED steering responsive headlights.
At the back, the Legacy 3.6R finds dual exhaust integrated into the bumper for a more sporty look. At the same time, the 2.5i trim models get a newly designed exhaust cutter cover for a more integrated appearance.
Nobody likes noisy cars and cabins. The 2018 Legacy gets redesigned door mirrors to improve wind noise levels and aerodynamics. Like the front, the rear bumper now has a more solid feel and shape. The 2.5i Legacy Touring now rides on new 17-inch standard wheels, which feature improved aerodynamic performance and enhance the car’s sporty stance.
For those really into paint schemes (and we know you’re out there), a couple new colours are also available now: a more vibrant Magnetite Grey Metallic (replacing the Carbide Grey Metallic) and a deeper Dark Blue Pearl (replacing Lapis Blue Pearl).
2018 Subaru Legacy Interior
Found more commonly in higher-end sedans, the 2018 Subaru Legacy now receives standard dual-pane front windows.
Also new for 2018: a redesigned steering wheel, a better air conditioning system and panel, extra USB ports in the rear centre console, and real stitching added to the instrument panel and doors on the Sport and Limited trims for a more upscale cabin feel.
More Tech and Infotainment
Subaru put a little more love into their connectivity and infotainment with the 2018 Legacy. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available and standard (as is the case with many new vehicles today); larger displays are available including a 6.5-inch and 8-inch; the hardware features have been updated to the latest versions; and overall, the centre stack layout includes a better blend of advanced functionality and improved connectivity with surrounding devices.
New Legacy Price and Trims: Reduced Choices
It’s proven, somewhere, that more choice leads to fewer purchases (I read a report, promise). Maybe that’s why Subaru reduced their trim choices from a whopping 12 to 5 in the US and 6 in Canada. Looking at their new trim walk, which includes one 3.6L engine choice, it seems to make sense. The 2018 Legacy trims with prices include:
United States pricing:
- Legacy 2.5i – US$22,195
- Legacy 2.5i Premium – US$24,295
- Legacy Sport – US$26,345
- Legacy Limited – US$29,095
- Legacy 3.6R Limited – US$31,945
Canada pricing:
- Legacy 2.5i – C$24,995
- Legacy 2.5i Touring – C$28,295
- Legacy 2.5i Touring with optional EyeSight package – C$29,795
- 2.5i Sport with EyeSight package – C$31,695
- Legacy 2.5i Limited with EyeSight package – C$33,795
- Legacy 3.6R Limited with EyeSight package – C$36,795
