2018 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Walkaround (with 2017 Differences)

2017 vs 2018 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited.

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"The Legacy wears a sportier and more elegant look for 2018, highlighted by wider, lower grille openings and new bumper that complement the wider Subaru hexagonal grille, now with distinctive wing element. The C-shaped headlights and parking lights and new horizontal lines extending outward from the grille subtly suggest the piston motion of the BOXER engine, a Subaru core technology. The redesigned headlights now feature distinctive “Konoji” daytime LED running lights.

Available LED fog lamps lend a sophisticated image. Other design details bolster the luxury-class appearance for the 2018 Legacy, including new high-contrast wheel designs and two rich new exterior colors, Magnetite Gray Metallic and Crimson Red Pearl. From the rear, the 2018 Legacy conveys a wider, more planted stance, although the car measures the same width as before. The new tailpipe design integrated into the lower fascia adds a premium touch.

More Responsive and Quieter

Subaru went through the Legacy chassis to make the 2018 model even more comfortable to drive, while also retuning its suspension to enhance agility and steering and brake feel. Retuned dampers reduce the initial impact of bumps while also reducing body roll through turns. Smoother, more linear response from the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a firmer, more direct brake-pedal feel also make the Legacy more engaging to drive.

Already lauded for its quiet ride, the Legacy moves another step up in cabin comfort for 2018 with further reductions from all noise sources. The Lineartronic CVT on 2.5-liter equipped cars now uses a quieter ultra-short-pitch chain, and adjustments to engine timing under acceleration further reduce powertrain noise. Reshaped exterior mirrors are among a number of enhancements that help reduce noise entering the cabin. New sound-insulating inner film glass for the front side windows makes the front seat area quieter, while thicker rear wheel well aprons reduce rear seat ambient noise.

More Comfort, More Tech

The 2018 Subaru Legacy debuts an interior with new premium materials and a redesigned center console with an available 8-inch display screen for enhanced multimedia capabilities. On Premium and higher trims, real stitching on the dash, seats and door panels along with high-gloss black trim and silver-color bezels for various controls enhance the high-quality feel of the Legacy cabin. A new gray interior is now available, in addition to black or ivory. The steering wheel is all new with a sportier look and feel.

Subaru enhanced Legacy comfort in both large and small ways for 2018. The air conditioning system cools the cabin more quickly and provides more uniform temperature throughout the cabin. Subaru moved the temperature setting indicator to inside the control dial for more intuitive operation. As an added convenience on all models, interior power is retained for a short time after the ignition has been switched off. A redesigned clock is now larger and easier to read.

SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia

The 2018 Legacy gains the brand’s latest SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system with Bluetooth wireless capability, iPod control, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more. The top-level system includes TomTom navigation with 3 years of free map updates. Two USB power ports are added to the back of the center console for rear seat passengers’ convenience.

The standard STARLINK 6.5” Multimedia system is an upgrade from the previous STARLINK 6.2” system and offers quicker performance. The available STARLINK 8.0” system debuts a new 8-inch central display that uses a faster CPU to greatly increase startup speed, giving the touch screen a more smartphone-like operation and feel. More smartphone-linked operations improve the multimedia experience while reducing the need to divert eyes from the road or hands from the steering wheel.

The use of two microphones and Technology by Nuance (maker of Dragon Dictation apps for PCs and other devices) significantly improves the voice recognition capabilities. The driver can more easily use Apple Siri or OK Google voice commands. The system is also compatible with multiple languages.

Among standard features on all SUBARU STARLINK systems are Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control, a USB port and auxiliary input jack. High-line trims add more features, including dual USB ports. Smartphone integration features Aha and Pandora, along with STARLINK cloud applications iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather."