Skip to main content

2018
Subaru Legacy

Starts at:
$22,195
Shop options
New 2018 Subaru Legacy
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 20149
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2.5i
    Starts at
    $22,195
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5i Premium
    Starts at
    $24,295
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5i Sport
    Starts at
    $26,345
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5i Limited
    Starts at
    $29,095
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.6R Limited
    Starts at
    $31,945
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 2018 Subaru Legacy review

img 516706902 1486046738973 jpg
Our expert's take
By Kelsey Mays
Full article
img 516706902 1486046738973 jpg

CARS.COM

Competes with: Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry

Looks like: Your typical mid-cycle facelift

Drivetrains: 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder with continuously variable automatic transmission; all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Summer 2017

Just one model year after Subaru updated the Legacy with more safety features and a new trim level, the automaker’s family sedan receives a slew of small updates and new features for 2018. The sum of them makes for a significantly updated Legacy; it hits dealerships this summer. Given that Subaru often updates the Legacy in tandem with its wagon sibling, the Outback, it’s likely the latter will get similar updates soon.

More Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Exterior

Up front, the Legacy’s headlights get a more horizontal design, while the foglights also get some horizontal framework and busier openings. The lower bumper opening has sharper edges, while Subaru’s logo sits on a more prominent grille slat — a cue that recalls the automaker’s onetime attempt at a winged grille. The rear has some restyled bumper cladding with shapelier inserts on the outside edges; otherwise, it’s essentially a carryover from last year.

Interior

The interior adds some stitched dashboard veneer on higher trim levels — a feature that’s nearing ubiquity in today’s cars — and the center controls sit inside a single framework instead of last year’s stacked design. Piano black appears to be a major theme: Subaru expanded it to cover nearly all the center controls, plus the steering-wheel buttons.

Subaru overhauled the multimedia system, which has larger displays (6.5 inches standard, 8 inches optional) versus last year’s 6.2- and 7-inch screens. The 8-inch unit has much faster startup times, according to Subaru. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, formerly unavailable, are now standard; the system also incorporates more than a dozen smartphone apps. Subaru also claims more intuitive climate controls, better temperature regulation and an easier-to-read clock.

Under the Hood

Subaru claims updates for 2018 to the Legacy’s suspension, steering, brakes, aerodynamics and noise insulation will improve ride quality, agility and quietness. The automaker says it retuned the standard CVT for smoother acceleration, too. Most versions employ the automaker’s 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with Subaru’s 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder available only on the top Limited trim. As before, all-wheel drive is standard.

Safety

A backup camera is again standard, and Subaru says it updated the sedan’s Latch anchors for easier car-seat installation. Blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning automatic emergency braking are optional. New for 2018, adaptive headlights and automatic high-beams are also optional.

Assistant Managing Editor-News
Kelsey Mays

Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Kelsey Mays likes quality, reliability, safety and practicality. But he also likes a fair price.

2018 Subaru Legacy review: Our expert's take
By Kelsey Mays

CARS.COM

Competes with: Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry

Looks like: Your typical mid-cycle facelift

Drivetrains: 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder with continuously variable automatic transmission; all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Summer 2017

Just one model year after Subaru updated the Legacy with more safety features and a new trim level, the automaker’s family sedan receives a slew of small updates and new features for 2018. The sum of them makes for a significantly updated Legacy; it hits dealerships this summer. Given that Subaru often updates the Legacy in tandem with its wagon sibling, the Outback, it’s likely the latter will get similar updates soon.

More Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Exterior

Up front, the Legacy’s headlights get a more horizontal design, while the foglights also get some horizontal framework and busier openings. The lower bumper opening has sharper edges, while Subaru’s logo sits on a more prominent grille slat — a cue that recalls the automaker’s onetime attempt at a winged grille. The rear has some restyled bumper cladding with shapelier inserts on the outside edges; otherwise, it’s essentially a carryover from last year.

Interior

The interior adds some stitched dashboard veneer on higher trim levels — a feature that’s nearing ubiquity in today’s cars — and the center controls sit inside a single framework instead of last year’s stacked design. Piano black appears to be a major theme: Subaru expanded it to cover nearly all the center controls, plus the steering-wheel buttons.

Subaru overhauled the multimedia system, which has larger displays (6.5 inches standard, 8 inches optional) versus last year’s 6.2- and 7-inch screens. The 8-inch unit has much faster startup times, according to Subaru. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, formerly unavailable, are now standard; the system also incorporates more than a dozen smartphone apps. Subaru also claims more intuitive climate controls, better temperature regulation and an easier-to-read clock.

Under the Hood

Subaru claims updates for 2018 to the Legacy’s suspension, steering, brakes, aerodynamics and noise insulation will improve ride quality, agility and quietness. The automaker says it retuned the standard CVT for smoother acceleration, too. Most versions employ the automaker’s 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with Subaru’s 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder available only on the top Limited trim. As before, all-wheel drive is standard.

Safety

A backup camera is again standard, and Subaru says it updated the sedan’s Latch anchors for easier car-seat installation. Blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning automatic emergency braking are optional. New for 2018, adaptive headlights and automatic high-beams are also optional.

2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018 Subaru Legacy

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2018 Subaru Legacy base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2018
    4.7
    Subaru Legacy
    Starts at
    $22,195
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2016
    4.7
    Mazda Mazda6
    Starts at
    $21,495
    25 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2018
    4.7
    Volvo S60
    Starts at
    $34,100
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.5
    Subaru Impreza
    Starts at
    $18,595
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2014
    4.4
    Nissan Altima
    Starts at
    $22,170
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2017
    4.8
    Subaru Legacy
    Starts at
    $21,995
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 120 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.6
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Purchased new in March 2018 Legacy Limited 2.

    Purchased new in March 2018 Legacy Limited 2.5. Used as main commuting car until late 2023-now has 89000 miles. Commute 84 miles roundtrip at 80-85 mph, very steady and secure and 29-30mpg. Excellent in heavy rain (never driven in snow) we get in Houston. Will keep 4 more years but Subaru discontinued the Legacy so likely another brand if I want a sedan.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Excellent Quality at a Reasonable Price

    I purchased my 2018 Legacy Limited with 2.5 L engine (50th anniversary edition) with heritage blue exterior and black leather interior in May 2018. I’m 75 years old and have been driving since I was 15. I’ve owned many vehicles during my life, both domestic and foreign made. The ‘18 Legacy is the best car I have ever owned. Generally, I don’t care for CVT transmissions but this CVT mated to the 2.5 liter engine is surprisingly quick in city driving. On the highway it accelerates and cruises effortlessly. Surprising for a non turbo, non hybrid 4 cylinder gasoline engine. Approximately 25 mpg around town and 37 Hwy. Fit and finish are excellent on my Legacy both interior and exterior. 4 years later the cabin remains quiet with no squeaks or rattles. The ride is smooth and luxuriously comfortable. It absorbs road imperfections nicely. Seats are comfortable with plenty of legroom front and rear. Plenty of Eyesight safety features but without the annoying auto stop/start and ACTIVE lane keep assist (these 2 features were added after 2018). The infotainment system is not perfect but overall well designed - My one criticism is that the voice recognition feature is mediocre. In summary, a very, very nice well made 4 door sedan.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • First and last Subaru!

    I bought it new in 2018. Great looking car with a huge trunk for a sedan. Good gas mileage ! 2018 Legacy Limited started consuming oil over a year ago….. have to add a quart every 2-3 thousand miles! Very nervous acting car when pulling out. It hesitates and then lurches forward or backward respectively. And it suffers from excessive road noise to the point that you cannot have a comfortable phone conversation while the car is in motion. Biggest complaint-the “top of the line” Harman/Kardon Infotainment Center has completely failed after 4 years. It was always slow to respond and seemed to decide when it would answer a command rather than respond quickly. Over the last two years the touch screen on the 8 inch version has developed a fog and simply gone insane! The dealer advised I needed a program update…. and then two hours and $80 later said the update didn’t “seem to totally fix the issues” and said it could be replaced for about $900!!!! I learned that the units had been recalled in 18 and 19 but apparently I was never notified. I called Subura Customer Advocacy and was informed via email that the recall had expired and therefor no consideration was offered. I called my Advocate eight times to discuss….always received his voice mail….. and still have not heard from a live human on my issue. I don’t understand how a product can have a recall deadline when the manufacturer knew almost instantly when it was sold the product was seriously and possible dangerously defective??!! Bottom line - not the kind of product or customer service I expected from my first ever Subura. For the money….my Legacy and Subura experience has been overall a disappointment! My confidence lost!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great luxury sedan for the price!

    The Legacy has all the amenities I was looking for in a used car which is hard to find in a 2018. They style of this car inside and out is awesome.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Legacy Sport model.

    Love the style and comfort of the car so I bought out the lease. Look forward to enjoying it for a long time to come.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • so far so good one year later

    purchased used 35k miles. Put 12k on it abd love it. Past car 2018 camry and subaru feels like all around better car. Toyota’s now feel like tin cans. Dash and controls look a lot better too. Love the awd even though I don’t need it here in San Diego. Makes the car bug the corners better and gas mileage is same as camry. as of now I’m still in luv
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Comfortable but issue with battery

    I've had this car for 3 years, very comfortable, great on gas mileage. I've had 2 issues once the warranty expired - the window switch on the driver's side had to be replaced - cost me $100 at the dealer. The battery died with only 25,400 miles on this car. I will be selling it soon.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Subaru safe my life dec 2020, totaled no injuries.

    safe car, lovely interior, nice acceleration, comfortable, very large trunk, extra emergency break. great in snow and rain. good for family transportation and soccer equipment
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great in every way.

    I feel this vehicle was made especially for me. Perfect in every way. Comfort, performance, styling, ease of entry , access to controls..Great in every way.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most comfortable and reliable car I ever owned

    This car has a lot of leg room and has a lot of features we were looking for I love it thank you for offering us the car and keeping your word
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The best value for the money car ever

    THE "Perfect working man's car" and it has: AWD, Super Clean. I love this incredible car for the suspension, handling, steering, quiet drive and incredible AWD road grip. It is just a beautiful Subaru car. My car is in the best/perfect running condition and is running better than new. This car has an exceptional sound system and I love classic rock music. Engine and exhaust are all super clean. Must watch the clean, white, odorless exhaust on the cold startup to believe.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Got to have the EyeSight

    With the CVT, the Legacy gets great gas mileage. On my first 600+ mile trip, surprised that I averaged about 27.8 mpg. Of course the car was not packed. The EyeSight have its issues when its very hot outside, not sure if this is the case with the new models. Would be nice if there was a backup system to the EyeSite when there is no visibility due to heavy rain, snow and fog.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Subaru dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2018 Subaru Legacy?

The 2018 Subaru Legacy is available in 4 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Limited (2 styles)
  • Premium (1 style)
  • Sport (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2018 Subaru Legacy?

The 2018 Subaru Legacy offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2018 Subaru Legacy?

The 2018 Subaru Legacy compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2018 Subaru Legacy has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2018 Subaru Legacy owners.

Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. 92.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 120 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.8

Subaru Legacy history

Your list was successfully saved.
Your comparisons
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare