2018 Subaru Legacy review

What We Like

Standard all-wheel drive: The 2018 Subaru Legacy is the only sedan in its class that includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment. That makes it an excellent choice for those in wet or snowy regions since it greatly improves traction and stability on slick roads. By comparison, few sedans offer all-wheel drive as an option and those that do are typically much more expensive.

Plenty of driver-assist features: The Legacy is equipped with Subaru's EyeSight^® advanced driver-assist technology features as a standard across the lineup. This package includes frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance. In addition, the Sport trim comes with blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and options for automatic reverse braking and automatic high beams are available.

Great visibility: Many other sedans in the class are hampered by limited visibility due to thick roof pillars that block the view. However, the Subaru Legacy ingeniously designs its structure and components to minimize these obstructions, resulting in a clearer view. Not only is that safer, but the better view also makes the interior feel more spacious and airy.

What Needs Improvement

Weak performance: The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the Legacy only generates 175 horsepower, which is noticeably weak when compared to its competitors. It takes 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, a slow performance for its class. Upgrading to the 3.6-liter V6 increases the output to 256 hp, but it still lags behind other vehicles with similar engine upgrades.