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2018 Subaru Legacy: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Subaru Legacy gets a meaningful mid-cycle refresh, led by revised styling, a quieter and smoother drive, and updated infotainment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup.
About the 2018 Subaru Legacy
6th generation (2015-2019), mid-cycle refresh year
Subaru positions the Legacy as a roomy, safety-focused midsize sedan with one standout advantage: standard all-wheel drive on every trim. In 2018, the pitch centers on all-weather confidence, a quiet and comfortable ride, a large cabin for family use, and easier phone integration through the updated touchscreen system. Against front-wheel-drive rivals, the Legacy’s identity is less about flash and more about secure traction, everyday comfort, and long-distance usability.
The 2018 Legacy ranges from the practical, all-wheel-drive 2.5i to the leather-trimmed 2.5i Limited and stronger 3.6R Limited. The Sport adds a more athletic look rather than more power, while the 3.6R Limited stands out with a 256-hp six-cylinder engine and headlights that turn with the steering.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Subaru revised the automatic transmission programming for smoother response. The existing 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter six-cylinder engines carry over.
Styling
The front and rear were refreshed with a new grille, updated bumpers, and reshaped lighting details. The cabin also received updated controls and trim details.
Tech
Every trim received Subaru’s newer touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base 2.5i uses a 6.5-inch screen, while Premium and Sport trims have an 8-inch screen. Retained accessory power and automatic door locking were also added.
Structural
Suspension, steering, and brake feel were retuned, and changes aimed at reducing cabin noise made the Legacy quieter and smoother to drive.
2018 Subaru Legacy specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 256 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 3000 lb | |||
| Trunk/Cargo | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy a major update over the 2017 model?
Yes. The 2018 Legacy is a mid-cycle refresh with revised front and rear styling, a quieter cabin, retuned suspension and steering, smoother automatic transmission response, and updated infotainment.
Does every 2018 Subaru Legacy have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2018 Legacy lineup. The base 2.5i has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while several higher trims use an 8-inch screen.
Did the 2018 Subaru Legacy get new engines?
No. The 2018 Legacy retains its 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder engines. Subaru instead revised the automatic transmission programming for smoother response.
Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy Sport more powerful than the other 2.5i trims?
No. The 2018 Legacy Sport uses the same 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the other 2.5i trims. Its differences are mainly visual and equipment-related, including 18-inch wheels, a sport grille, spoilers, LED fog lights, and a moonroof.
What distinguishes the 2018 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited?
The 3.6R Limited is the strongest and most richly equipped 2018 Legacy. It has a 256-hp six-cylinder engine, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, premium audio, and LED headlights that turn with the steering.
2018 Subaru Legacy Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Subaru Legacy.
4.2
2018 Subaru Legacy
(276 reviews)
“Offers the same perks as any other competitor in the same car class, but with additional safety features that you cannot find and are effective”
“It is a delight to drive. It handles well. The back up camera is wonderful, I will never own a car without one. The fuel economy is not the best on the road but the tank is so large I drive 400-500 miles between fill ups. With all the seat adjustments everyone can find the perfect fit. I have driven 6000 miles in 5 months and have only good comments to share.”