Hey guys, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs. If you're eyeing this particular trim, you're probably looking for that sweet spot between comfort, features, and value, and trust me, the Premium delivers. Subaru has a reputation for building cars that are not only reliable but also incredibly practical, and the 2018 Legacy Premium is a prime example. We're talking about a sedan that's designed for everyday life, whether that's commuting to work, hauling groceries, or embarking on a weekend road trip. The Premium trim is often considered the 'just right' option in the Legacy lineup, offering a significant step up in features from the base model without breaking the bank. So, what exactly makes this car tick? Let's break down the engine options, interior comforts, safety tech, and more. Understanding these 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs is crucial for anyone considering this vehicle, ensuring it meets your needs and expectations. We'll cover everything from horsepower and torque to fuel economy and the dimensions that make it a comfortable ride for you and your passengers. Get ready to get familiar with a car that's built to last and designed to please.

Engine and Performance: What Powers the 2018 Legacy Premium?

When we talk about the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs, the engine is a big part of the story. For the Premium trim, Subaru typically offered a choice that balances efficiency with capable performance. Most 2018 Legacy Premium models came standard with a 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER engine. Now, what's a BOXER engine? It's a horizontally opposed engine design where the pistons move towards each other, which Subaru has been using for ages. This design helps lower the car's center of gravity, contributing to better handling and stability – something Subaru is famous for, especially with their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which is also standard on almost all Legacy models, including the Premium. This 2.5-liter mill typically pumps out around 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It's not going to win any drag races, but it's more than enough oomph for daily driving, merging onto highways, and tackling inclines with confidence. The engine is paired with Subaru's Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Now, CVTs can sometimes get a bad rap, but Subaru's version is pretty smooth and refined, designed to keep the engine in its sweet spot for optimal fuel economy and power delivery. You'll also find paddle shifters on the steering wheel for a more engaging driving experience when you want it. Fuel economy is another win here; you're generally looking at figures around 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, which is pretty respectable for an AWD sedan. For those who might want a bit more grunt, some higher trims could offer a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine, but the 2.5-liter is the heart of the Premium model, offering a fantastic blend of everyday usability and Subaru's signature all-weather capability. This setup ensures you're getting a reliable, efficient, and surprisingly agile sedan for its class.

Interior Comforts and Technology: A Cozy Cabin Experience

Stepping inside the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs reveal a cabin that prioritizes comfort, practicality, and user-friendly technology. Subaru interiors are known for being thoughtfully designed, and the Premium trim really shines here. You'll find comfortable cloth upholstery as standard, often with a nice texture and good support for longer drives. The seats are usually 6-way manually adjustable for the driver, with lumbar support to help keep aches at bay on those extended road trips. But the real magic is in the details. The Premium trim adds features that make daily life easier and more enjoyable. Think heated front seats – a lifesaver during those cold winter mornings! You also get dual-zone automatic climate control, so you and your front passenger can set your preferred temperatures independently. No more fighting over the thermostat, guys!

When it comes to tech, the 2018 Legacy Premium is well-equipped for its time. It features Subaru's STARLINK™ infotainment system displayed on a 6.5-inch touchscreen. This system integrates your smartphone connectivity, allowing for Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were becoming increasingly standard and are huge game-changers for navigation, music, and communication on the go. Voice commands are usually integrated, making it easier to control the system without taking your eyes off the road. Beyond the infotainment screen, you'll find other convenient features like a backup camera, which is a must-have these days for parking and reversing safely. The steering wheel is a leather-wrapped unit, adding a touch of premium feel, and it houses controls for the audio system, cruise control, and even paddle shifters for that CVT. Keyless entry with push-button start is often included, adding to the convenience factor. The overall impression is an interior that’s functional, comfortable, and equipped with the tech you need to stay connected and entertained without being overly complicated. It’s a space designed for real people and real driving.

Safety Features: Subaru's Commitment to Protection

Subaru has built a rock-solid reputation for safety, and the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs are a testament to that commitment. This car was designed with driver and passenger protection as a top priority, earning excellent safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. A cornerstone of Subaru's safety suite is the availability of EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. While not always standard on the Premium trim initially, it was often an option that significantly boosted the car's safety credentials. EyeSight® is essentially a dual-camera system mounted near the rearview mirror that monitors traffic, warns you of potential dangers, and can even apply the brakes automatically if needed. Features included in EyeSight® often comprise: Pre-Collision Braking, which can help mitigate or avoid frontal impacts; Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead; Lane Departure Warning, alerting you if you drift out of your lane; and Lane Keep Assist, which can gently steer the car back into its lane. These systems work together to provide an extra layer of vigilance, acting like a co-pilot keeping an eye out for you.

Beyond the advanced EyeSight® system, the 2018 Legacy Premium comes standard with other crucial safety features. All-Wheel Drive, standard on virtually every Legacy, is a major safety asset, providing superior traction and stability in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. You also get a robust set of airbags, including front, side-curtain, and knee airbags, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The vehicle's structure itself is built with high-strength steel, creating a strong safety cage. Standard electronic stability control and traction control systems help the driver maintain control during emergency maneuvers. Add to this the standard backup camera, which is invaluable for preventing accidents while reversing, and you have a vehicle that is comprehensively equipped to protect you and your loved ones. The focus on safety is a huge part of the Subaru appeal, making the 2018 Legacy Premium a reassuring choice for those who value peace of mind on the road.

Exterior Design and Practicality: Style Meets Function

Let's talk looks and utility – the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs on the exterior offer a blend of understated style and everyday practicality. Subaru doesn't typically go for flashy, aggressive styling; instead, they focus on clean lines and a functional aesthetic that ages well. The 2018 Legacy Premium features a sleek, modern sedan profile. It has a distinctive front grille, signature Subaru headlights, and a confident stance on the road, thanks in part to that standard AWD system and its wheels. The Premium trim usually rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels, which strike a nice balance between style and comfort, providing a smoother ride than larger wheels would. Body-colored side mirrors and door handles contribute to a cohesive and refined look.

Practicality is where the Legacy truly shines for families and commuters. As a mid-size sedan, it offers a generous amount of interior space, which we touched on with comfort, but the exterior dimensions allow for this. The trunk is impressively spacious, offering ample room for groceries, luggage for a family vacation, or sports equipment. With around 15 cubic feet of cargo space, it's competitive within its segment. The trunk also features a wide opening, making it easier to load and unload bulky items. Another practical aspect of the Subaru design is the generous ground clearance for a sedan. While not an SUV, the Legacy typically offers a bit more clearance than many rivals, which can be helpful when navigating poorly maintained roads, speed bumps, or even a bit of light snow accumulation. Visibility from the driver's seat is also a strong point for Subaru vehicles. The large windows and well-placed pillars ensure good all-around visibility, reducing blind spots and making maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The exterior might not scream 'look at me,' but it embodies a thoughtful design that prioritizes function, durability, and a clean, professional appearance that suits a wide range of drivers. It’s a car that looks good in the driveway and performs admirably in real-world conditions.

Dimensions and Space: Room to Breathe

When you're considering a new car, interior space and exterior dimensions are key 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs that directly impact your daily comfort and usability. The Legacy Premium hits a sweet spot as a mid-size sedan, offering a comfortable environment for both front and rear passengers without feeling overly large to maneuver in urban settings. Let's start with the exterior. The 2018 Legacy measures approximately 184 inches in length, around 73 inches in width, and stands roughly 59 inches tall. These dimensions place it squarely in the competitive mid-size sedan segment, making it slightly more compact than some rivals, which can be a benefit in crowded parking lots or narrow streets. The wheelbase, measuring around 108 inches, contributes to a stable and comfortable ride, providing good legroom for occupants.

Now, let's talk about the interior space, which is often more important than the exterior footprint. Subaru is known for maximizing cabin space, and the Legacy Premium is no exception. You'll find ample legroom and headroom for front passengers, making it comfortable for drivers of all sizes. The seats are ergonomically designed, as we mentioned, but the actual space around them is also generous. In the rear, the Legacy Premium offers a commendable amount of legroom, typically around 35.4 inches, which is enough for adults to sit comfortably on longer journeys without feeling cramped. This is a significant advantage over many compact cars or even some other mid-size sedans. Shoulder room and hip room are also well-managed, ensuring that three adults can fit across the rear bench if necessary, although it might be a bit snug for a very long trip. The cabin feels airy, partly due to Subaru's focus on outward visibility, which we discussed earlier. Cargo space in the trunk is also a strong point, offering about 15.1 cubic feet of storage. This is plenty for everyday needs, like weekly grocery runs, and can accommodate multiple suitcases for family vacations. The rear seats also feature a 60/40 split-folding design, allowing you to expand the cargo area significantly when you need to haul larger or longer items, like furniture or sporting equipment. Overall, the dimensions and space within the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium are carefully considered, providing a comfortable, practical, and versatile environment for passengers and cargo alike, making it a truly usable sedan for various lifestyles.

Conclusion: Why the 2018 Legacy Premium Stands Out

So, there you have it, guys! We've covered the key 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium specs, from its reliable 2.5-liter BOXER engine and standard All-Wheel Drive to its comfortable and tech-savvy interior, comprehensive safety features, and practical exterior design. The 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium really hits a sweet spot in the market. It offers a compelling package that balances everyday usability with Subaru's renowned reliability and safety. The standard AWD system is a massive plus, providing confidence and security in all sorts of weather conditions, which is a significant differentiator in its class. The interior, while not luxurious, is thoughtfully designed, comfortable, and packed with useful technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it feel modern and connected. Safety is, as always with Subaru, a major selling point, especially if you opt for the EyeSight® suite, offering advanced driver assistance that can provide invaluable peace of mind. The exterior styling is mature and functional, and the dimensions offer a great balance of passenger comfort and manageable exterior size, along with a decent-sized trunk. If you're looking for a sensible, safe, and capable sedan that offers great value and won't let you down, the 2018 Subaru Legacy Premium is definitely worth considering. It’s a car that’s built for the real world, offering a solid, dependable, and enjoyable driving experience that Subaru owners have come to love. It's a smart choice for commuters, families, and anyone who appreciates a well-rounded vehicle.