Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs. If you're considering this ride or just curious about what makes it tick, you've come to the right place, guys. The 2018 Legacy Premium was a solid contender in the mid-size sedan market, blending practicality with Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive capability. We'll break down the engine options, interior features, safety tech, and all the nitty-gritty details that matter when you're looking at a car. So, buckle up, and let's explore what the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium had to offer!

Engine and Performance

Let's kick things off with the heart of the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium: its engine and performance. This model came standard with a capable 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine. Now, for those not in the know, 'BOXER' refers to the horizontally opposed cylinders, which means a lower center of gravity, leading to better handling and reduced vibration. Pretty neat, right? This engine churned out a respectable 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It was paired exclusively with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). While some folks aren't CVT fans, Subaru's version is known for being smooth and efficient, especially when combined with their standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This AWD system is a huge selling point for Subaru, folks. Unlike many competitors who offer AWD as an option, it's standard on almost all Legacy models, including the Premium. This means you get excellent traction and stability in all sorts of weather conditions, from rain-slicked roads to snowy byways. The fuel economy for this setup was pretty decent too, typically rated around 25 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, which is great for a car with standard AWD. The ride itself was comfortable and composed, making it a great daily driver. Steering was responsive, and the suspension did a good job of soaking up bumps, providing a pleasant experience for both the driver and passengers. For those looking for a bit more pep, while the Premium didn't offer the 3.6R's six-cylinder engine, the 2.5-liter was more than adequate for everyday driving needs. It provided enough power for merging onto highways and navigating city traffic without feeling sluggish. The integration of the engine and the CVT was seamless, making for a driving experience that felt natural and unobtrusive. The standard AWD truly shines here, offering confidence and security that many other sedans in its class simply couldn't match without an expensive upgrade. So, if performance is about more than just raw horsepower, and you value stability and all-weather capability, the 2018 Legacy Premium definitely delivers.

Exterior and Interior Design

Moving on, let's talk about the looks and feel of the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium. On the outside, the Premium trim offered a slightly more refined appearance compared to the base model. You'd typically find 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored side mirrors, and chrome exterior accents that gave it a touch more sophistication. The overall design of the Legacy was, and still is, a bit understated. It’s not the flashiest car on the road, but it’s a clean, mature design that tends to age well. It’s a car that looks at home in a business parking lot as it does on a weekend getaway. Inside, the 2018 Legacy Premium really stepped up. The cabin felt spacious and well-appointed for its class. Subaru focused on usability and comfort, and it shows. You got a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control, which are fantastic creature comforts, especially if you live somewhere with chilly mornings or evenings. The materials used felt good to the touch, with soft-touch surfaces on the dash and door panels. The layout of the controls was intuitive and easy to figure out, even for first-time Subaru drivers. The infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen display that included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which was a big deal back in 2018 and still is today! This meant easy access to your navigation, music, and calls right through the car's screen. The Legacy also boasted a generous amount of passenger space, particularly in the rear, with ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adults on longer journeys. The trunk offered a decent amount of cargo space, too, suitable for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The Premium trim also often included upgrades like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, adding to that premium feel. It wasn't a luxury car by any stretch, but for a mid-size sedan focused on value and practicality, the interior of the 2018 Legacy Premium was definitely a highlight. It struck a great balance between functionality and comfort, making it a pleasant place to spend time. The visibility from the driver's seat was also excellent, thanks to the car's design and large windows, which is always a plus for safety and ease of driving. The integration of technology, like the smartphone connectivity, was well-executed, making it easy to stay connected on the go without being overly distracting. All in all, the exterior might have been subtle, but the interior was where the 2018 Legacy Premium really showed its strengths, offering a comfortable, convenient, and tech-savvy environment for its occupants.

Safety Features and Technology

When it comes to safety, Subaru has always been a brand that prioritizes it, and the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium is no exception. This car came packed with a suite of advanced safety features, especially if you opted for the available EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package. This package is seriously impressive, guys. It included features like Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. Imagine the car automatically braking if it detects an imminent collision or maintaining a set distance from the car in front of you – pretty cool, right? The EyeSight system uses a stereo camera setup mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead, providing a visual and auditory warning to alert the driver of potential hazards. Beyond EyeSight, the Legacy Premium also came standard with essential safety features like multiple airbags (front, side, curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC). The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive itself is a significant safety advantage, providing enhanced grip and stability in slippery conditions, reducing the likelihood of skidding or losing control. For visibility, the Premium trim often included a rear-view camera, making backing up much safer and easier. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) awarded many Subaru models, including the Legacy, with top safety ratings, often earning a TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation when equipped with specific headlights and the EyeSight system. This reflects Subaru's commitment to building robust and safe vehicles. The car's structure was designed with advanced high-strength steel to help absorb and redirect impact energy. So, if you're looking for a car that puts safety first, the 2018 Legacy Premium was definitely a strong contender. The combination of active safety systems (like EyeSight) and passive safety features (like airbags and strong structure) provided a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers. The availability of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist not only enhanced safety but also reduced driver fatigue on long trips, making the driving experience more relaxed and secure. It's this dedication to safety that has earned Subaru such a loyal following over the years, and the 2018 Legacy Premium was a prime example of that commitment in action. Parents, especially, would find peace of mind knowing their vehicle is equipped with these cutting-edge safety technologies designed to protect their most precious cargo.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Let's talk tech! The 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium wasn't just about safety and comfort; it also kept you connected and entertained. The centerpiece of the infotainment system was the 7-inch Subaru STARLINK touchscreen. As mentioned before, a huge plus for the Premium trim was the standard inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This integration was a game-changer, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access familiar apps like Maps, Music, Messages, and more directly on the car's display. No more fiddling with your phone while driving! The STARLINK system also offered Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, so you could easily make calls and play your favorite playlists wirelessly. SiriusXM Satellite Radio was often included or available, giving you a wide range of entertainment options. For navigation, while not always standard on the Premium, an integrated navigation system was usually available as part of an option package, or you could simply use your preferred navigation app via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – which many people found more convenient and up-to-date anyway. Sound quality from the audio system was decent, providing clear sound for music and calls. Beyond the touchscreen, the steering wheel often featured audio and Bluetooth controls, allowing you to manage these functions without taking your hands off the wheel – a nice safety and convenience feature. USB ports were available to charge your devices, ensuring you wouldn't run out of juice on longer drives. The system was generally user-friendly, with responsive touch inputs and a logical menu structure. While it might not have had the absolute cutting-edge features of some luxury brands, for its price point and segment, the 2018 Legacy Premium offered a very competitive and user-friendly technology package. The focus on integrating smartphone mirroring like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was particularly forward-thinking for 2018 and significantly enhanced the daily usability of the car. It made the infotainment system feel modern and relevant, even a few years down the line. Accessing podcasts, audiobooks, or even making hands-free calls became incredibly simple, adding a layer of convenience that drivers truly appreciate. The combination of a good-sized screen, standard smartphone integration, and essential features like Bluetooth and a backup camera made the 2018 Legacy Premium a well-equipped choice for the tech-savvy driver.

Practicality and Comfort

When you're looking at a car like the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium, practicality and comfort are usually high on the list of priorities, and this sedan delivers. As we've touched upon, the interior is quite spacious. Rear legroom is particularly generous, meaning passengers in the back won't feel cramped, even on extended trips. This makes it a great choice for families or if you frequently carpool. The trunk offers a respectable 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is ample for your weekly grocery runs, a couple of large suitcases, or gear for a weekend camping trip. Plus, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats add a significant layer of versatility, allowing you to easily accommodate larger items like furniture or sports equipment that wouldn't normally fit in the trunk. The ride quality is another comfort factor. The suspension is tuned for a smooth and compliant ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections without feeling floaty. This makes daily commuting or long road trips much more enjoyable. Subaru also did a commendable job of minimizing road and wind noise inside the cabin, creating a relatively quiet environment. The dual-zone automatic climate control is a godsend, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their own preferred temperatures, ensuring everyone stays comfortable regardless of the outside weather. The heated front seats are another perk that significantly boosts comfort during colder months. Ergonomics were also well-thought-out. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, and the placement of controls, pedals, and the steering wheel is generally comfortable and intuitive, reducing driver fatigue. Visibility is excellent in all directions, thanks to the large windows and well-positioned pillars, which contributes to both comfort and safety. The overall cabin design emphasizes ease of use, with physical buttons for common functions like climate control and audio volume, which many drivers still prefer over purely touchscreen controls. The combination of ample passenger space, flexible cargo options, a comfortable ride, and user-friendly ergonomics makes the 2018 Legacy Premium a highly practical and comfortable sedan for a wide range of needs. It strikes a good balance, offering enough refinement for comfortable daily driving while retaining the ruggedness and practicality that Subaru is known for. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Legacy Premium aims to make every journey as pleasant as possible for everyone inside.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! The 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs paint a picture of a well-rounded, practical, and safe mid-size sedan. It offered a compelling package with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a comfortable and spacious interior, user-friendly tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a strong emphasis on safety, especially with the available EyeSight system. While it might not have the most powerful engine in its class or the most aggressive styling, its strengths lie in its dependability, all-weather capability, and overall value. It’s a car that just makes sense for a lot of people, providing a secure and comfortable driving experience day in and day out. If you were in the market for a sedan that could handle diverse conditions with confidence and didn't break the bank, the 2018 Legacy Premium was a fantastic option. It embodied Subaru's core values: safety, longevity, and practicality. Thanks for joining me to break down these specs!