2018 Subaru Legacy – Redline: First Look – 2017 Chicago Auto Show REVIEW
Channel: Premium Cars
Date: 23/12/2017

It may not look all that different from last year's model, but the 2018 Subaru Legacy boasts some worthwhile upgrades as it enters the middle of its lifespan.

The most recent Legacy debuted to critical acclaim for the 2015 model year—we named it our Best Car to Buy at the time—and the 2018 updates some of its technology and adds more features, even if it doesn't address the sedan's clean but tepid style. 

The Legacy remains a "three box" sedan with conservative looks. Sure, there are new bumpers and revised alloy wheels, but by and large the Legacy doesn't change much outside. 

Four trim levels remain on offer—base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. All four come standard with a largely carried-over 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, while the Limited offers an again unchanged 3.6-liter 6-cylinder as an option. All models will continue to utilize a continuously variable transmission that features revised tuning designed to make what was previously fairly jumpy immediate throttle response more progressive. The 4-cylinder's CVT sees some refinements designed to reduce powertrain noise, too.

Both engines are "flat" designs, meaning their cylinders are opposed, not in the far more common V or inline configurations used by rivals. Only Porsche and Subaru have remained committed to this engine layout, although the two automakers don't collaborate on engine development.

The 4-cylinder remains rated at 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, while the 6 comes in with 256-hp and 247 pound-feet. All models come exclusively with all-wheel drive, a Subaru signature that can send 100 percent of power to a wheel as-needed. Subaru hasn't yet announced fuel economy for the 2018 Legacy.