Inside the 2018 Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy has been one of the greatest family sedans on earth, and despite being sold with a CVT (continuously variable transmission), it still manages to retain that title. It is arguably the best-looking family sedan on the market today, with simple yet beautiful body lines.

The Legacy is Subaru’s premium model that is sold above the Subaru Impreza. While there is the brilliant WRX variant of the Impreza, I argue that the Legacy is an all-round better car, even with the stupid CVT. The previous generation Legacy with a manual was a much better car than the Impreza WRX.

The 2018 Legacy starts at just $21,995 for the base 2.5i model. The 3.6R starts at $31,640. Both engine variants are available with a plethora of optional extras.

Performance Specifications

The 2.5i trim level is powered by a 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This takes the Legacy from 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, which is admittedly a bit sluggish. It is capable of a top speed of 135 miles per hour.

The Legacy 3.6R is powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six producing 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This takes the Legacy from 0-60 in 7.1 seconds, and onto a top speed of 145 miles per hour.

Fuel Economy

The 2018 Subaru Legacy 2.5i is capable of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway. When fitted with the 3.6-liter flat-six, the Legacy is capable of 20 mpg city, 34 mpg highway.

Safety and Entertainment Features

The 2018 Subaru Legacy is available with a backup camera and auto-dimming headlights. The Legacy also has a feature called “Rear Cross-Traffic Alert,” which is a fancy way of saying “parking sensors.” Like many new cars the Legacy has a blindspot monitoring system. The Legacy comes standard with eight airbags.

Additionally, the Legacy features a “ring-shaped reinforcement frame” which lowers the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. The Legacy also features “Reverse Automatic Braking,” a brake system that will apply the brakes if the car thinks you’re about to hit something when reversing. Brake assist is also a standard feature.

The optional upgraded infotainment system in the new Legacy features Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and a 12-speaker audio system. The Legacy also features an LCD gauge cluster, dual-zone active climate control, and optional power and heated seats.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

The 2018 Subaru Legacy is a worthy adversary to its competition. It sits in the same price bracket as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Chevrolet Malibu. The Legacy is the best midsize family sedan out there. It is an attractive design, it’s well equipped, and has decent performance. What more could you want from a car?

Just like the Camry and Accord, the Legacy has a CVT. And while Subaru’s CVT is far from perfect, it is definitely the best one out there. Furthermore, it has a flat-four and flat-six engine available. What other mainstream manufacturer offers boxer engines in their cars?

Furthermore, Subaru is sticking to decently sized and naturally aspirated engines, instead of small, turbocharged engines. If you ignore the WRX, Subaru makes naturally aspirated 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter boxer engines. While turbos are fantastic, you cannot beat natural aspiration.

Pros

• Attractive styling
• Low price
• Well equipped
• Very comfortable

Cons

• While it has the best continuously variable transmission out there, it still leaves a lot to be desired
• No manual transmission option
• Not exactly “fast”
• Iffy fuel economy