Hey everyone! Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium. If you're looking for a reliable, all-wheel-drive sedan with a touch of refinement, this might just be your ride. We're going to break down what makes this particular trim level tick, covering everything from its powertrain to its interior features. Subaru has always been known for its solid engineering, and the Legacy is no exception. It’s a car that offers a great blend of practicality and comfort, making it a fantastic choice for daily commutes, road trips, and everything in between. The Premium trim really hits a sweet spot, offering more than the base model without breaking the bank. So, whether you're a seasoned Subaru fan or just curious about what the 2018 model year brought to the table for the Legacy Premium, stick around. We’ll explore the engine options, transmission, fuel economy, dimensions, safety features, and some of the standout amenities that set the Premium apart. Get ready to get informed, guys!

Engine and Performance

When we talk about the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs, the engine is a huge part of the story. This trim level typically comes standard with a 2.5-liter BOXER engine. Now, Subaru's BOXER engines are pretty unique – they have horizontally opposed cylinders, which means they sit lower in the car. This lowers the center of gravity, leading to better handling and stability. It's a naturally aspirated four-cylinder beast, producing a respectable 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This power is more than enough for most driving situations, whether you're merging onto the highway or cruising around town. It provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, avoiding that sluggish feeling you might get with smaller engines. The engine's design also contributes to its characteristic Subaru rumble, which many enthusiasts love. For those who might feel 175 horsepower isn't quite enough, it's worth noting that higher trims of the 2018 Legacy offered a more potent 3.6-liter six-cylinder option, but for the Premium, the 2.5-liter is the standard. The engineers at Subaru really focused on making this engine reliable and efficient, which are two qualities we all appreciate in our daily drivers. It's not about raw speed here; it's about balanced power and a confident ride, especially when paired with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which is standard on all Legacy models. This means you get excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a true year-round performer. The responsiveness of the throttle is well-tuned, ensuring that when you need a little extra oomph, the Legacy Premium delivers without hesitation. It’s a great combination of power, efficiency, and sure-footed capability that defines the driving dynamics of this sedan.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Continuing with our exploration of the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs, let's talk about how that power gets to the wheels. Standard on the Premium trim is Subaru's Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Now, I know CVTs sometimes get a bad rap, but Subaru's version is pretty well-executed. It's designed to keep the engine in its most efficient powerband, optimizing fuel economy while still providing a smooth acceleration. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions that have fixed gears, a CVT has a range of gear ratios, allowing for seamless shifts that you barely even notice. This contributes to a very smooth and refined driving experience, especially during everyday commuting. The CVT in the 2018 Legacy Premium also features manual mode with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. This gives you a bit more control if you want to manually select simulated gears, which can be fun on winding roads or when you need a bit more engine braking. But the real star of the show, as mentioned before, is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. This is standard across the board for the 2018 Legacy, including the Premium model. Subaru's AWD system is legendary for a reason. It continuously monitors traction and distributes power between the front and rear wheels, and even side-to-side, to maximize grip and stability. This means you're not just driving a car; you're driving a vehicle that's ready for whatever the road throws at you – rain, snow, ice, or gravel. The AWD system works in harmony with the CVT and the BOXER engine to deliver a confidence-inspiring drive that few competitors can match. It's this integrated approach to the powertrain and drivetrain that truly sets the Subaru Legacy apart. The combination of the efficient CVT and the proactive AWD system ensures you're getting a smooth, economical, and incredibly safe driving experience, no matter the conditions.

Fuel Economy

Let's get down to brass tacks, guys – fuel economy is a big deal for most car buyers, and the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs don't disappoint here. With the standard 2.5-liter BOXER engine and the Lineartronic CVT paired with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, you're looking at some pretty respectable numbers. For the 2018 model year, the Legacy Premium typically achieves an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. That's a combined EPA estimate of around 29 miles per gallon. Now, why is this noteworthy? Well, remember that this is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Many AWD cars can be significantly thirstier than their front-wheel-drive counterparts, but Subaru has done a fantastic job of balancing capability with efficiency. The advanced Lineartronic CVT plays a crucial role here, constantly optimizing engine RPMs to save fuel. The efficient design of the 2.5-liter BOXER engine also contributes to these impressive figures. These numbers mean you can enjoy the benefits of Subaru's legendary AWD system – that extra grip and confidence in bad weather – without constantly worrying about frequent stops at the gas station. For daily commuters, this translates to lower running costs, and for those longer road trips, it means more miles between fill-ups, giving you more freedom to explore. Of course, real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance, but these EPA estimates provide a solid benchmark for what you can expect. It’s a testament to Subaru's engineering prowess that they can offer standard AWD with such competitive fuel efficiency in the midsize sedan segment. So, you get the best of both worlds: a safe, capable, and comfortable sedan that’s also relatively easy on your wallet at the pump. It’s a win-win, really!

Exterior Dimensions and Features

When you're looking at the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs, the exterior is where you start to see its practical and stylish design. This midsize sedan strikes a great balance in terms of size. It measures 188.4 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and 59.1 inches in height. These dimensions place it squarely in the competitive midsize sedan segment, offering a comfortable amount of interior space without feeling too cumbersome to maneuver in tight parking spots or city streets. The wheelbase is 108.1 inches, which contributes to its stable ride and ample legroom for passengers. The exterior design of the 2018 Legacy Premium is often characterized by its clean lines and understated elegance. It’s not overly flashy, but it has a sophisticated presence. Standard exterior features on the Premium trim usually include 17-inch alloy wheels, which give it a nice stance on the road. You'll also find body-colored side mirrors and door handles, contributing to a cohesive look. Projector-beam halogen headlights are standard, providing good visibility, and the aerodynamic design helps reduce drag. For those looking for a bit more flair, options like fog lights and a sunroof were often available or part of packages. The windshield is designed for good visibility, and the overall profile of the Legacy Premium is that of a mature and well-proportioned sedan. It’s a car that looks good whether it’s parked in your driveway or cruising down the highway. The build quality is typically excellent, with tight panel gaps and a solid feel that Subaru is known for. Even though it's designed for practicality, there’s a certain robustness to its appearance that suggests durability and reliability. The shape is functional, with a trunk that offers decent cargo space, essential for families or anyone who needs to haul groceries or luggage. It’s a car that’s built to last and designed to impress without being overly ostentatious.

Interior Features and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs reveal a cabin that prioritizes comfort, convenience, and a touch of sophistication. Subaru really stepped up their game with interior design in this generation, and the Premium trim offers a nice array of features. The seats are typically upholstered in premium cloth, offering a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The driver's seat often includes 8-way power adjustment, allowing you to find that perfect driving position with ease. This is a significant upgrade from manual adjustments and really enhances the comfort for longer journeys. Front seat occupants usually benefit from heated seats, which are a godsend during those colder months. The rear seats are also designed with comfort in mind, offering ample legroom and headroom thanks to that generous wheelbase we talked about. The overall cabin layout is driver-centric and intuitive. The dashboard features a clean design with easy-to-reach controls. A key highlight is the Subaru STARLINK infotainment system, usually featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. This system integrates your essential media and connectivity options, including Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. This means you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to access navigation, music, and messages. The steering wheel often features mounted audio and cruise control buttons, as well as paddle shifters for that manual transmission mode, allowing you to adjust settings without taking your hands off the wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control is usually standard on the Premium trim, ensuring both the driver and front passenger can set their preferred temperature independently. Other thoughtful touches often include a backup camera for easier parking, illuminated vanity mirrors, and multiple cup holders. The materials used throughout the cabin feel of good quality, contributing to a premium feel without the premium price tag. It's a space designed for both functionality and relaxation, making every drive, whether it's a quick trip to the store or a cross-country adventure, a more enjoyable experience. The focus on user-friendly technology and comfortable seating makes the Legacy Premium a very appealing package for families and individuals alike.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount, and the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs include a robust suite of features designed to protect you and your passengers. Subaru has a strong reputation for safety, and this model year continues that tradition. Standard safety features on the Premium trim include a comprehensive airbag system, comprising front, side-curtain, and knee airbags. You also get the expected essentials like anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and vehicle stability control (VSC). These systems work together to help you maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations. However, what truly elevates the safety aspect of the 2018 Legacy Premium is the availability of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. While sometimes an optional package, if equipped, EyeSight is a game-changer. It uses advanced stereo cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor traffic, optimize cruise control, and even warn you if you're drifting out of your lane. The Pre-Collision Braking feature can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent frontal collision, potentially reducing the severity of an accident or avoiding it altogether. Pre-Collision Throttle Management is another part of EyeSight that can reduce engine power if a frontal collision is detected, helping to minimize impact damage. The system also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, which can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, significantly reducing driver fatigue on highways. Many models also came with a Rear-Vision Camera as standard, making parking and reversing much safer by displaying a view of what's behind the car on the infotainment screen. Additional available safety features might include Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which use radar sensors to warn you of vehicles in your blind spots or approaching from the sides when backing up. The combination of structural integrity, advanced braking and stability systems, and cutting-edge driver-assist technologies makes the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium a very safe and confidence-inspiring vehicle to drive. It's this commitment to safety that makes Subaru a preferred choice for many families and safety-conscious individuals. You can drive with peace of mind knowing that this car is looking out for you.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! We've taken a deep dive into the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs, covering everything from its capable 2.5-liter BOXER engine and smooth Lineartronic CVT paired with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, to its impressive fuel economy ratings of around 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway. We looked at its balanced exterior dimensions, practical and comfortable interior loaded with features like the STARLINK infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the crucial safety suite, including the potentially life-saving EyeSight technology. The 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium truly stands out as a well-rounded midsize sedan. It offers a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, comfort, and advanced safety features, all wrapped up in a reliable package that Subaru is known for. It’s a car that provides excellent value, especially considering the standard AWD system that enhances its all-weather capability. Whether you prioritize a smooth ride, good fuel economy for an AWD vehicle, or peace of mind with advanced safety tech, the Legacy Premium delivers. It’s a smart choice for anyone seeking a dependable sedan that’s ready for whatever life throws their way. If you're in the market for a used midsize sedan, the 2018 Legacy Premium is definitely worth considering. It represents Subaru's commitment to building quality vehicles that offer practical benefits and a superior driving experience. Thanks for joining me, and happy driving!