Hey guys, let's dive into the awesome 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs! If you're eyeing this mid-size sedan, you're probably wondering what makes it tick. Subaru has always been known for its reliability and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and the 2018 Legacy Premium is no exception. This trim level sits comfortably in the middle of the Legacy lineup, offering a sweet spot of features and value. We're talking about a car that's practical for daily commutes, capable enough for weekend adventures, and equipped with tech that keeps you connected and safe. So, buckle up as we break down exactly what you get with the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium, covering everything from its engine and performance to its interior comfort and safety features. Get ready to understand why this car has been a solid choice for so many drivers looking for a dependable and well-rounded sedan.

Engine, Performance, and Drivetrain

Alright, let's talk power! The heart of the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium is its robust engine. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine. Now, this isn't just any engine; it's designed for a low center of gravity, which contributes significantly to the car's stable and responsive handling. This engine puts out a healthy 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of get-up-and-go for merging onto highways, passing slower traffic, and generally making your driving experience feel smooth and confident. One of the standout features, and honestly, a huge selling point for Subaru, is the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This system is available on all Legacy models, including the Premium trim, which is pretty rare in this segment. Unlike many competitors that only offer AWD on higher trims or as an option, Subaru gives it to you standard. This means superior traction and stability in all sorts of weather conditions – rain, snow, or even just slippery roads. You'll feel more secure knowing your car is constantly adapting to maintain grip. Mated to this engine is Subaru's Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Now, CVTs sometimes get a bad rap, but Subaru's version is pretty well-tuned. It’s designed to keep the engine in its most efficient power band, maximizing fuel economy while still providing a smooth acceleration. It also offers a manual mode with paddle shifters for those times you want a bit more control over gear selection, adding a touch of sportiness to the drive. Fuel economy is also a strong point, with the 2018 Legacy Premium achieving an estimated 25 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. This makes it a great choice for commuters who want to save on gas without sacrificing performance or capability. The combination of the Boxer engine's balance, the AWD system's grip, and the efficient CVT makes the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium a truly capable and enjoyable car to drive, whether you're navigating city streets or tackling longer road trips. It’s a package that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and a confident driving experience.

Exterior and Interior Features

Stepping up to the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium means you get a noticeable bump in exterior and interior refinement compared to the base model. On the outside, the Premium trim gives you some nice touches that elevate its look. You'll find 17-inch alloy wheels, which look much sportier than the steel wheels found on lower trims. These wheels aren't just for show; they contribute to a better ride quality and handling. The car also features body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, adding a sleeker appearance and enhancing safety by making your intentions clearer to other drivers. Standard fog lights are included, which not only improve visibility in poor weather but also give the front end a more premium and aggressive stance. The headlights are automatic halogen headlights, ensuring you always have proper illumination without having to manually turn them on or off. For convenience, the Legacy Premium comes with body-color door handles and a body-color side sills, creating a cohesive and polished look. When you move inside the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium, the upgrades continue, focusing on comfort and convenience for you and your passengers. The seats are upholstered in a premium cloth material, which feels more upscale and durable than standard cloth. The driver's seat is a 6-way power-adjustable seat, allowing you to easily find your perfect driving position. This is a huge upgrade for comfort on longer drives. The front passenger seat also gets some love with a 4-way manual adjustment. For those chilly mornings, you'll appreciate the front seat heaters, which come standard on the Premium trim. These make a world of difference during colder months. The steering wheel is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, making it easy to manage your infotainment and driving aids without taking your hands off the wheel. The steering wheel also tilts and telescopes, further enhancing driver comfort and ergonomics. In terms of infotainment, the Premium trim boasts a 6.5-inch Subaru STARLINK™ touchscreen infotainment system. This system is your central hub for entertainment and connectivity. It includes AM/FM/CD/MP3 capability, HD Radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility are also included, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. The system also features dual USB ports in the front, so you and your passenger can keep your devices charged. The cabin is also designed with practicality in mind, featuring cup holders, door pockets, and a center console with storage. The rear seats offer a comfortable space for passengers, and they split 60/40 for added cargo flexibility, allowing you to fold them down to expand the trunk space when needed. The overall ambiance inside the 2018 Legacy Premium is one of comfort, quality, and user-friendly technology, making every drive a more pleasant experience.

Safety and Technology Features

When it comes to safety, the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium really shines, offering a suite of features designed to protect you and your passengers. Subaru has a stellar reputation for safety, and this model is no exception, consistently earning top ratings in crash tests. Standard on the Premium trim is the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which, as we've mentioned, provides excellent traction and stability, significantly reducing the risk of skids and loss of control in adverse conditions. This is a fundamental safety feature that sets Subaru apart. Beyond the inherent safety of its AWD system, the Legacy Premium comes equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, including front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags, offering multi-directional protection in the event of a collision. It also features vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control system (TCS), which work in tandem with the AWD to help you maintain control during emergency maneuvers. For braking, you get four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist, ensuring you can stop effectively and safely. Now, let's talk about one of the most impressive tech features available on the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium: the optional EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. While not standard on the Premium trim, it's a highly recommended option that truly elevates the car's safety profile. EyeSight® acts like a second pair of eyes on the road, utilizing two high-definition cameras to monitor traffic, alert you to potential danger, and even apply the brakes if necessary. Key functions within the EyeSight® suite include Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. These features work together to help prevent accidents or mitigate their severity. Even without the full EyeSight® package, the Premium trim includes a rear-view camera, which is invaluable for safe reversing and parking. The infotainment system, mentioned earlier, also contributes to safety by offering Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, allowing you to keep your focus on the road. The 6.5-inch STARLINK™ touchscreen is user-friendly, minimizing driver distraction. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration further enhance safety by providing access to navigation and communication apps through a familiar interface, often controllable via voice commands. The automatic climate control system also helps maintain a comfortable cabin environment, reducing driver fatigue. In summary, the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium provides a robust foundation of passive and active safety systems, with the availability of advanced driver-assistance technologies that make it one of the safer choices in its class. It’s this commitment to safety that gives drivers peace of mind on every journey.

What Makes the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium Stand Out?

So, guys, after breaking down the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs, what really makes this car a standout in the crowded mid-size sedan market? For starters, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive being standard is a massive differentiator. Seriously, in this class, most competitors make you pay extra or only offer it on their priciest trims. Subaru includes it across the board, meaning you get all-weather confidence and superior handling year-round, no matter which trim you choose. This alone is a huge value proposition. Then there's the SUBARU BOXER® engine. Its unique flat design gives the Legacy a lower center of gravity, which translates into remarkably stable and engaging driving dynamics. It feels planted and confident on the road, especially when combined with that standard AWD. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about how that power is delivered smoothly and efficiently, thanks to the Lineartronic® CVT. Beyond the core mechanicals, the Premium trim hits that sweet spot for features. You're getting comfortable, power-adjustable seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a good-sized touchscreen with smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These aren't just luxury niceties; they significantly enhance the daily driving experience, making it more comfortable and connected. And let's not forget Subaru's legendary safety reputation. The 2018 Legacy Premium comes with a solid array of standard safety features, and the availability of the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is a game-changer. Features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking can significantly reduce stress and the risk of accidents, especially in highway driving or heavy traffic. It’s this combination of standard AWD, a well-engineered powertrain, a thoughtfully equipped interior, and a strong emphasis on safety that makes the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium a compelling package. It offers a level of capability and peace of mind that many rivals simply can't match, especially at its price point. It’s a practical, reliable, and surprisingly fun-to-drive sedan that’s ready for whatever your life throws at it.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium really does offer a fantastic blend of features, performance, and value. We've covered its solid 2.5-liter Boxer engine, the game-changing standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and the smooth Lineartronic® CVT. Inside, you get comfortable seating with power adjustments for the driver, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 6.5-inch STARLINK™ infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making your drives more enjoyable and connected. Safety is, as always with Subaru, a top priority, boasting a comprehensive suite of airbags, stability control, and the availability of the advanced EyeSight® driver assistance technologies. For anyone looking for a reliable, safe, and capable mid-size sedan that can handle diverse weather conditions with confidence, the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium is definitely worth considering. It punches above its weight in terms of standard features and overall driving experience, making it a smart choice for many drivers out there. Thanks for joining me to explore the specs of this awesome car!