2018 Subaru Legacy
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive for extra wet-weather traction
- Excellent outward visibility
- Easy-to-use infotainment systems
Cons
- Engines down on power compared to competitors
2018 Subaru Legacy pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Legacy does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
3.5 / 5Thanks to the Legacy's all-wheel-drive system, Subaru's midsize sedan makes a lot of sense for those living in areas where the weather frequently makes the road slippery. But its available tech and safety features will appeal to anyone.
All-wheel drive is standard on every Legacy. This is the car's biggest differentiator among its competitors; only a few other cars in this class offer it. Otherwise, the Legacy features roomy seating, a comfortable road-going demeanor and the latest in-car technology. Every 2018 Legacy has a 6.5-inch display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. A larger 8-inch system that supports multitouch and navigation is optional.
The main drawback to the Legacy is engine choice. The Legacy's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is economical but not very powerful. You get more power from the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, but it's still not as quick as other sedans with upgraded engines, and it's thirsty. Overall, though, we like the Legacy. Even if you live in a place where it's sunny 365 days a year, the car's mix of features, interior room and safety features makes it a worthwhile choice.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 Subaru Legacy is a five-passenger midsize sedan available with two engines and five trim levels: the base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Sport, 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. Legacy 2.5i models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp and 174 lb-ft) while the 3.6R has a 3.6-liter six-cylinder (256 hp and 246 lb-ft). All Legacys come with a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The 2.5i feature set includes 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a rearview camera, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a four-speaker sound system with a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack, a CD player, HD and satellite radio and an iPod interface.
The 2.5i Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, an All-Weather package (heated front seats, heated mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer), dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, an additional USB port and six speakers for the sound system.
The 2.5i Sport is pretty similar to the Premium but has 18-inch wheels, LED foglights, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a variety of exterior and interior trim flourishes.
The 2.5i Limited reverts to the Premium's styling but makes certain safety tech standard, such as a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard are an upgraded suspension, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, heated rear seats, leather upholstery and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. With the 3.6R Limited, you also get the six-cylinder engine and turn-adapting LED headlights.
Optional for the Legacy Premium and above is Subaru's EyeSight safety package. Depending on the trim, it can bundle blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, and front and rear collision warning with emergency automatic braking. A navigation system is also optional.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2015 Subaru Legacy Premium (2.5L flat-4 | CVT automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Subaru Legacy has received some revisions, including suspension and steering changes, larger and more capable infotainment screens, and more extensive noise reduction measures. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Subaru Legacy.
Driving
Acceleration
Braking
Steering
Handling
Comfort
Seat comfort
Noise & vibration
Interior
Utility
Small-item storage
Cargo space
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Subaru Legacy.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Legacy safety features:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Includes a variety of driver aids, including lane departure intervention and emergency automatic braking for imminent forward collisions.
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Sends power to any of the four wheels with the most grip. Keeps the car pointing in the right direction when the roads are wet.
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Warns you if you're about to move into into an occupied lane. Is paired with rear cross-traffic alert to warn you of rear crossing traffic.
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See your car's valueThe 2018 Subaru Legacy warrants a look from midsize sedan shoppers due to its standard all-wheel-drive system, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, large interior and cargo volume, and excellent standard technology package. It's available with one of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (175 hp, 174 lb-ft) or 3.6-liter six-cylinder (256 hp, 247 lb-ft).
The base Legacy trim level is perfect for buyers who want the basics but either don't want or need amenities such as heated seats or automatic climate control. It rides on 17-inch wheels and features cruise control and a 6.5-inch infotainment screen that enables you to connect your smartphone with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
If you want heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control, you'll have to step up to the Legacy 2.5i Premium. The heated seats are part of an All-Weather package that also includes heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer. You also get 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat and a larger 8-inch infotainment display.
The 2.5i Sport rides on larger 18-inch wheels, satin chrome-finished side mirror caps, a trunk spoiler, and blue interior stitching on the steering wheel, dash and seating areas. It also comes with a sunroof, a black-painted grille, and chrome accents on the rocker panels and foglights.
With the 2.5i Limited, you'll also get a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, blind-spot monitoring and perforated leather upholstery. The 3.6R Limited is essentially the same, but it adds the six-cylinder engine, adaptive LED headlights and dual exhaust outlets.
Premium, Sport and Limited models can be equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system. With two cameras, EyeSight is a suite of driver assistance systems that includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning.
All combined, the Legacy occupies a special place in the market. It's a midsize family sedan that competes with more popular front-wheel-drive sedans, but it features all-wheel drive for better traction in inclement weather. It also gets good fuel economy and has excellent smartphone integration and safety technology. Let Edmunds help you find and spec your perfect Subaru Legacy.
2018 Subaru Legacy Overview
The 2018 Subaru Legacy is offered in the following submodels: Legacy Sedan. Available styles include 2.5i Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5i Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 3.6R Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT), and 2.5i Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT).
What do people think of the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Subaru Legacy and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Legacy 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Legacy.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Subaru Legacy and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Legacy featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2018 Subaru Legacies are available in my area?
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Subaru Legacy?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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Related vehicle information
2018 Subaru Legacy Information
- 2018 Subaru Legacy Build and Price TMV®
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- 2018 Subaru Legacy Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Subaru Legacy Features & Specs
- 2018 Subaru Legacy Pictures
- 2018 Subaru Legacy Review
- 2018 Subaru Legacy Dealer Price Quotes
- Used 2018 Subaru Legacy For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Subaru Legacy Ownership Costs