2018 Subaru Legacy Refresh is a Game of 'Spot the Changes'

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

Subaru has refreshed its Legacy for 2018 and the updated sedan will make its debut at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

It’s tough to spot all the 2018 Subaru Legacy’s updates, but the Japanese automaker assures us they exist. Subaru has revised the Legacy’s sheetmetal, front and rear, for a sportier appearance, while upgrading the interior with more premium materials. Subaru’s engineers have also focused on making the Legacy’s ride smoother and quieter.

Heading to dealers this summer, the 2018 Subaru Legacy continues with the same two engine options as before: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower is standard equipment, while those wanting more performance can opt for a 3.6-liter six-cylinder Boxer engine with 256 hp. A Lineartronic CVT is the only available transmission, though Subaru says a retuned ECU on the 2018 model provides the CVT with more responsive and smoother acceleration.

New driver-assist features include available Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH), which aims the lights into turns as the driver steers. Limited models with EyeSight will also use the system’s cameras for High Beam Assist, automatically turning the high beams on and off depending on traffic conditions.

The Legacy gains the automaker’s latest Subaru Starlink Multimedia system — which debuted in the new 2017 Impreza — with Bluetooth wireless capability, iPod control, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard 6.5-inch system is an upgrade from the previous 6.2-inch system, and offers quicker performance to go with the larger screen. Available as an option is an 8-inch display with a faster CPU to greatly increase startup speed.

Pricing for the 2018 Subaru Legacy will be announced closer to its arrival at dealerships.

A version of this article originally appeared on AutoGuide.





Jason Siu
Jason Siu

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  • PeriSoft PeriSoft on Feb 04, 2017

    Wouldn't look half bad if the front wheels got pushed out about six inches. I guess that's a drivetrain limitation, but it's a shame.

    • John Boland John Boland on Feb 05, 2017

      I agree. That and the pedestrian safe fenders. Ugliest part of the car. It is the flat motor/AWD packaging. Even at 6'2" I have a hard time seeing over the fenders for parking.

  • John Boland John Boland on Feb 05, 2017

    I enjoy my 2016 3.6. This isn't enough to make me want a new one. I know it isn't the fastest sedan out there but it is more than enough for everyday driving. Aside from not seeing over the bulbous fenders while parking, to me the only flaw is having an older engine design. Now it is just getting older.

    • NTGD NTGD on Feb 06, 2017

      Sort of in the same boat, have a 2010 Legacy 3.6 that I love but the changes they made for the 2015 version turned me off of the car a bit. CVT and they got rid of the 40/60 RWD biased full time AWD the 3.6 used to have a replaced it with FWD until it needs to be AWD system the 4 cylinder CVT cars have had since 2010, boooo.

  • Analoggrotto Ford wishes it could be Hyundai Kia Genesis.
  • John I used to have a 2016 Chevy Spark EV (leased, 85 miles range when new) as our family's 3rd car. Loved it. When the lease ended the only cheap EV was the bolt but I couldn't stomach the tuperware interior so I bought a used Cayman instead and have been waiting now for another a cheap EV for almost 5 years. My bigger problem would be that I dislike giving Elon Musk even more $$, but the tesla supercharger network makes long trips (within CA at least) an option.
  • SCE to AUX "...it’s unclear how Ford plans to reach profitability with cheaper vehicles, as it’s slowed investments in new factories and other related areas"Exactly. They need to show us their Gigafactories that will support the high-demand affordable EV volume.
  • 1995 SC I have a "Hooptie" EV. Affordable would be a step up.
  • Buickman if they name it "Recall" there will already be Brand Awareness!
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