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Key Takeaways
- Subaru introduced the Levorg Layback in Japan, a crossover variant of the Levorg wagon, essentially an Impreza wagon.
- The Levorg Layback has a 1.8-liter turbo flat-four engine, producing 174 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and offers 7.9 inches of ground clearance.
- The new model is not expected to be sold in the USA and is notably larger than the Crosstrek, providing increased passenger and cargo volume.
Subaru has just pulled the covers off a new model in Japan—the Levorg Layback. You might be scratching your head if you’re familiar with Subaru’s lineup. The Levorg Layback is essentially a crossover version of the Levorg wagon, a variant of the Subaru Impreza wagon.
Confused yet? Don’t be. While the U.S. market already has the Crosstrek as a crossover variant of the Impreza, the Levorg Layback serves as a unique proposition for the Japanese market.
The Levorg Layback is powered by a 1.8-liter direct-injection turbo flat-four engine that churns out 174 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. These figures are sent to all four wheels via a CVT gearbox with active torque vectoring.
Interestingly, the torque output is substantially more potent than the U.S.-spec Crosstrek, making the Levorg Layback a compelling option for those who crave a bit more oomph in their ride.
Off-Road Capabilities
When it comes to off-road credentials, the Levorg Layback offers 7.9 inches of ground clearance. While this is 0.8 inches less than what the U.S.-spec Crosstrek offers, it’s still respectable for a crossover and should easily handle most terrains.
Size
The Levorg Layback measures 187.8 inches in length, 71.7 inches in width, and 61.8 inches in height. This makes it around 11 inches longer than the Crosstrek. The extra length doesn’t translate to more cargo space, though. The SUV has 19.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, almost the same as the Crosstrek. However, the additional length seems to benefit passenger legroom, making it a more comfortable option for those long drives.
Interior and Tech Features
Inside, the Levorg Layback offers a range of upholstery options, including default cloth and available genuine leather, both in a combination of black and ash colors with copper stitching.
Tech-wise, the SUV comes equipped with Subaru’s familiar 11.6-inch portrait orientation touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety
From a safety standpoint, the Levorg Layback is well-equipped. It features the latest generation of Subaru’s EyeSight systems, which include three cameras and radar functionality to help detect and prevent incidents. The package includes a multi-view camera system and hands-free traffic jam driving assistance.
Final Thoughts
The Levorg Layback is a curious addition to Subaru’s lineup, especially given its overlap with the Crosstrek. However, it’s worth noting that the model is not expected to be sold in the USA, where the Crosstrek and Forester already enjoy strong support.
For now, the Levorg Layback remains a unique offering for the Japanese market, filling a niche that Subaru believes is worth exploring.
