A revised 2018 Subaru Legacy makes its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show. Hoping to extend its eight-year run of consecutive sales records, the automaker is giving its flagship model a number enhancements for the upcoming season that focus on style, comfort and connectivity.
The most obvious changes to the 2018 Legacy are found up front where a bolder grille and bumper treatment adds a touch of aggressiveness that’s complemented by restyled C-shaped headlamps with new “Konoji” LED running lights. On Legacy models with full LED main lamps, buyers can now opt for corner-following Steering Responsive Headlights. While a bit more subtle, the new rear sports a new fascia that integrates the exhaust outlets. Also on offer are redesigned alloy wheels and two high-profile colors: Crimson Red Pearl and Magnetite Gray Metallic.
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Less visible but no less welcome, the 2018 Legacy also benefits from chassis refinements. A suspension retune enhances ride compliance and handling while its electric-assist power steering and the brake system have been tweaked to provide more linear, positive feel. Even the tire pressure monitor has been upgraded and can now detect and report changes in each individual corner.
The 2018 Legacy continues to be available in 2.5i and 3.6R forms. The former packs a 175-horsepower/2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder in standard, Premium and Limited trims while the latter, a 256-horse/3.6-liter Boxer six, is only available in the Legacy Limited. Both engines are backed by Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT and all Legacy models send power to the pavement via the automaker’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that includes Active Torque Vectoring.
More inviting cabin
The Legacy’s roomy passenger compartment gets a new selection of upscale trim and adds gray to the existing black and ivory color themes. In addition to sound-attenuating film on the front side glass, more aerodynamic mirrors and thicker rear-wheel aprons that help reduce ambient noise, the Legacy lineup gains a more efficient and effective climate control system along with a convenient retained power feature.
On the connectivity front, the 2018 Legacy boasts the latest Starlink Multimedia systems that offer Bluetooth and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay plus two added rear-seat USB ports. The Starlink package is faster to respond and has a larger 6.6-inch standard main display – up from 6.2 inches – plus better voice recognition capability. Beyond a new optional 8.0-inch screen upgrade and over-the-air update ability using Wi-Fi, it also adds eight new apps including Magellen Navi with cloud-based mapping.
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For 2018, Starlink can be augmented with a Safety Plus Package that bring SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance reminders, monthly vehicle health reports and diagnostic alerts. Also available is a Safety Plus & Security Plus Package with stolen vehicle recovery, vehicle security alarm notification, and remote locking, horn, lights and vehicle locator.The new Legacy lineup also offers the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite. The 2018 Subaru Legacy arrives this summer. Pricing will be released closer to the actual on-sale date.
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