The 2018 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan debuts at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, three years after it was unveiled at the same show. The facelift brings revised styling and upgrades to comfort, safety, and multimedia.
The 2018 Legacy wears a sportier look highlighted by wider, lower grille openings and new bumper that complement the wider hexagonal grille and distinctive wing element. The Active Grille Shutter system helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance. The C-shaped headlights, parking lights and new horizontal lines extending outward from the grille suggests the piston motion of the BOXER engine. The redesigned headlights now feature distinctive “Konoji” daytime LED running lights and the car gets LED fog lamps as well. The 2018 Legacy also gets contrast-tone wheel designs and two new exterior colors, a metallic grey and pearlescent red. From the rear, the Legacy conveys a wider stance but measures the same width as before and the new tailpipe design has been integrated into the lower valance.
Under the bonnet, available with the 2.5i model, is a 175 hp 2.5-litre 4-cylinder BOXER engine that makes 174 lb-ft peak torque, or you can have the Legacy 3.6R with a DOHC 3.6-litre 6-cylinder BOXER engine that produces 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of peak torque, which sustains 90 percent of peak torque from 2,000 – 6,000 rpm. Both engines are coupled to a Lineartronic CVT with manual mode, paddle shifters and a retuned ECU that improves response. The 2.5i will be available in standard, Premium, and Sport trims; Limited offers a choice of 2.5i or 3.6R engines. The standard electronically controlled Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is capable of automatically directing all available torque to the wheels with the best grip – which is unique to the segment – and also standard is the Active Torque Vectoring.
The 2018 Subaru Legacy adds to its array of driver-assist features like Steering Responsive Headlights in conjunction with LED headlights and High Beam Assist for Limited models. Also comes Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB).
Ride comfort, agility, steering and brake feel has been improved thanks to retuned dampers reduce the initial impact of bumps while also reducing body roll through turns, more responsive Electric Power Steering (EPS) and better calibration of the brake pedal. A quieter short-pitch chain, timing adjustments, reshaped side mirrors, new sound-insulating inner film glass for the front side windows and thicker rear wheel well aprons has improved overall quietness.
With the 2018 Subaru Legacy debuts a similar interior but with new premium materials and a redesigned center console with an available 8-inch display screen. Higher trims gets real stitching on the dash, seats and door panels along with high-gloss black trim and silver-color bezels. A new gray interior is now available, in addition to black or ivory and the sportier steering wheel comes with black gloss buttons. The air conditioning system is also more efficient and interior power is retained for a short time after the ignition has been switched off. Even the clock is larger and easier to read.
The standard STARLINK 6.5-inch Multimedia system is an upgrade from the 6.2-inch system, while the new 8-inch display that uses a faster CPU with more smartphone-like operation. Two USB power ports have been added for rear passengers. Two new microphones and Technology by Nuance significantly improves the voice recognition capabilities and the driver can more easily use Apple Siri or OK Google voice command – now compatible with multiple languages. Among standard features are Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control, a USB port and auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha and Pandora, along with STARLINK cloud applications iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather. Apps added for 2018 include, Magellan NAVI offers advanced cloud-based mapping, Best Parking locates and compares parking rates, YELP delivers crowd sourced reviews of restaurants etc. The new Legacy STARLINK Multimedia systems are also compatible with OTA (Over the Air) updates using WiFi.
Also new for 2018 Subaru Legacy, the tire pressure monitoring system and a larger lamp for the Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert moved from the mirror surface to the side of the mirror. Higher trims get, redesigned LED turn signals in the mirrors. All Legacy trim lines come standard with a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines – new for 2018. The brand’s available award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, available on most trims, includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Vehicle Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Incline Start Assist and the electronic Hill Holder System are also standard. Standard Welcome Lighting automatically operates cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the vehicle. New for 2018 are automatic locking doors. and improved LATCH anchors for child seats.
Globally, the 2018 Subaru Legacy will go on sale mid year, while we expect it to come to UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and other GCC nations later this year.
