2018 Subaru Legacy Gets More than a Refresh; Here's 25 New Improvements

Subaru announced it will debut the 2018 Legacy midsize sedan at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show on February 9th, and it’s coming with at least 25 new improvements for sedan buyers. The significantly-refreshed 2018 Legacy features revised styling and significant upgrades to comfort, safety, and technology. Subaru made many major changes, and countless smaller engineering and design changes to enhance the 2018 Legacy. Here’s a rundown for consumers considering the all-wheel-drive sedan.

There are no changes to the engines, and it still comes in 2.5i model with a 175-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine, or, as the Legacy 3.6R with a 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine. Both engines come standard with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual mode and paddle shift control switches. Subaru says a retuned ECU for 2018 provides the automatic transmission with more responsive and smoother acceleration.

Outside, Legacy gets a mild refresh with wider, lower grille openings and new bumper along with a newly-designed hexagonal grille, now with distinctive wing element. The redesigned C-shaped headlights now feature distinctive “Konoji” daytime LED running lights. Out back, Legacy gets a wider, more planted stance, with a new tailpipe design integrated into the lower fascia. The sedan also gets new high-contrast wheel designs and two new exterior colors, Magnetite Gray Metallic and Crimson Red Pearl.

Underneath, engineers retuned the Legacy’s suspension to enhance agility and steering and brake feel. It features retuned dampers for a smoother ride and reduced body roll in the corners. Subaru also says it now has a smoother, more linear response from the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a firmer, more direct brake-pedal feel for a more engaging drive.

Noise reductions come from a number of upgrades. The Lineartronic CVT on 2.5-liter models now uses a quieter ultra-short-pitch chain, and adjustments to engine timing under acceleration further reduce powertrain noise. Subaru engineers reshaped the exterior mirrors to help reduce noise entering the cabin. There’s also added sound-insulating inner film glass for the front side windows making the front seat area quieter, and thicker rear wheel well aprons reduce rear seat ambient noise. More on Page 2.

The Cabin gets improvements with new premium materials and a redesigned center console with an available 8-inch display screen for enhanced multimedia capabilities. A new gray interior is now available, in addition to black or ivory. The steering wheel is all new with a sportier look and feel, and interior comfort gets upgraded with improvements to the A/C that Subaru says cools the cabin more quickly and provides a more uniform temperature throughout the cabin. Subaru moved the temperature setting indicator to inside the control dial for more intuitive operation. As an added convenience on all models, interior power is retained for a short time after the ignition has been switched off, and a redesigned clock is now larger and easier to read.

The technology is improved with its standard STARLINK 6.5” Multimedia system being upgraded from the previous 6.2” system and offers quicker performance. Two new USB power ports have been added to the back of the center console for rear seat passengers’ convenience, and eight new apps have been added for 2018.

One of Subaru’s core values is safety and the 2018 Legacy adds Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB). The sedan also gets new Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH). Available with LED headlights, SRH aims the lights into turns as the driver steers. Also for 2018, Limited models with EyeSight utilize the systems’ cameras for High Beam Assist, which automatically turn the high beams on and off depending on traffic conditions.

Also new for 2018, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) now detects pressure changes at each tire. Subaru says the Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert indicator lamp is larger and has been moved from the mirror surface to the side of the mirror. In upper trims, redesigned LED turn signals in the mirrors are easier for other drivers to see. The standard rear-view camera has been upgraded, and when reversing, the guidelines displayed on the screen move in sync with the steering to provide more accurate vehicle positioning. Also new for 2018 are automatic locking doors. Additionally, Subaru made child seat installation easier in the 2018 Legacy with improved latch anchors.

What hasn’t changed, the Legacy is the only sedan in America with standard all-wheel-drive and remains a core value for the brand. The 2018 Subaru Legacy sedan has been significantly-refreshed and gets no less than 25 new improvements. Look for the 2018 Legacy to begin arriving in showrooms this summer.

Photo credit: Subaru