Likes
- Such a great practical family wagon
- Great performance thanks to its WRX underpinnings
- All-wheel drive makes it safe on the road
Used Subaru Levorg review
2016 - 2020
Dislikes
- Suspension is a little harsh
- The tyres are noisey
- There have been a few recalls, so much sure they’ve been seen to
Stuff you should know
The Subaru Levorg is a compact sports tourer produced by Japanese automaker Subaru from 2016 to 2020. The Levorg was designed to fill the gap between the Impreza and the Legacy models in the Subaru lineup, offering a sporty yet practical vehicle for families and enthusiasts alike.
The Levorg was available with two engine options: a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Both engines were paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. The Levorg was also equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing excellent handling and stability on the road.
Inside, the Levorg featured a spacious and comfortable cabin, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The dashboard was well laid out, with intuitive controls and a high-quality infotainment system. The Levorg also featured a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
Overall, the Subaru Levorg was a versatile and capable vehicle, offering a unique combination of sportiness, practicality, and safety. While it was only produced for a short period, it remains a popular choice among Subaru enthusiasts and families looking for a reliable and enjoyable vehicle.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
The electrical wire coating used in these cars is made from soy, an inexpensive and eco-friendly material. However, this coating can attract rodents, leading to damage to the electrical system. The rodents are attracted to the warm and concealed location where the wiring is located, and the soy-based coating provides an abundant supply for them to use. This can result in damaged wiring, causing plenty of electronic gremlims.
Many car owners of 2016 Subaru models have reported issues with the Starlink infotainment system. The system can become unresponsive and often freezes, which can cause drivers to lose access to important features.
Loss of power while driving due to a potential issue with the fuel pump impeller is a common complaint. The impeller may become deformed if it does not meet manufacturing specifications, this can cause the fuel pump to stop functioning and ultimately result in the engine stalling.
Interior:
Some users may encounter a problem with the Electronic Park Brake adaptor cable connector, which may not function properly. As a result, the car might roll away while the park brake is engaged.
Recalls:
24 August 2021 – A recall was issued for 2018-19 Subaru WRX vehicles due to a deformed fuel pump impeller and loss of power. The fuel pump impeller may not meet manufacturing specifications, which could result in deformation. If this occurs, the fuel pump may stop working and the engine may stall, causing a loss of power. This condition increases the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.
3 August 2022 – It was discovered that the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended due to a manufacturing issue. This could result in the vehicle moving or rolling away while the vehicle is engaged in the park position. If the vehicle moves from its parked position while unattended, it may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.
Exterior:
The electrical wire coating used in these cars is made from soy, an inexpensive and eco-friendly material. However, this coating can attract rodents, leading to damage to the electrical system. The rodents are attracted to the warm and concealed location where the wiring is located, and the soy-based coating provides an abundant supply for them to use. This can result in damaged wiring, causing plenty of electronic gremlims.
Many car owners of 2016 Subaru models have reported issues with the Starlink infotainment system. The system can become unresponsive and often freezes, which can cause drivers to lose access to important features.
Loss of power while driving due to a potential issue with the fuel pump impeller is a common complaint. The impeller may become deformed if it does not meet manufacturing specifications, this can cause the fuel pump to stop functioning and ultimately result in the engine stalling.
Interior:
Some users may encounter a problem with the Electronic Park Brake adaptor cable connector, which may not function properly. As a result, the car might roll away while the park brake is engaged.
Recalls:
24 August 2021 – A recall was issued for 2018-19 Subaru WRX vehicles due to a deformed fuel pump impeller and loss of power. The fuel pump impeller may not meet manufacturing specifications, which could result in deformation. If this occurs, the fuel pump may stop working and the engine may stall, causing a loss of power. This condition increases the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.
3 August 2022 – It was discovered that the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended due to a manufacturing issue. This could result in the vehicle moving or rolling away while the vehicle is engaged in the park position. If the vehicle moves from its parked position while unattended, it may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.
Exterior:
The electrical wire coating used in these cars is made from soy, an inexpensive and eco-friendly material. However, this coating can attract rodents, leading to damage to the electrical system. The rodents are attracted to the warm and concealed location where the wiring is located, and the soy-based coating provides an abundant supply for them to use. This can result in damaged wiring, causing plenty of electronic gremlims.
Many car owners of 2016 Subaru models have reported issues with the Starlink infotainment system. The system can become unresponsive and often freezes, which can cause drivers to lose access to important features.
Loss of power while driving due to a potential issue with the fuel pump impeller is a common complaint. The impeller may become deformed if it does not meet manufacturing specifications, this can cause the fuel pump to stop functioning and ultimately result in the engine stalling.
Interior:
Some users may encounter a problem with the Electronic Park Brake adaptor cable connector, which may not function properly. As a result, the car might roll away while the park brake is engaged.
Recalls:
24 August 2021 – A recall was issued for 2018-19 Subaru WRX vehicles due to a deformed fuel pump impeller and loss of power. The fuel pump impeller may not meet manufacturing specifications, which could result in deformation. If this occurs, the fuel pump may stop working and the engine may stall, causing a loss of power. This condition increases the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.
3 August 2022 – It was discovered that the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended due to a manufacturing issue. This could result in the vehicle moving or rolling away while the vehicle is engaged in the park position. If the vehicle moves from its parked position while unattended, it may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.
Should you buy it?
Given the Subaru Levorg is basically a WRX wagon, there’s a good reason why you’d want one. It straddles that line between performance and practicality so well, and would be a great ‘one car garage’. It has a roomie and practical interior, comes with plenty of standard gear and you drive it ‘spiritedly’ and it’ll thank you for it. A lot has been said about putting a CVT in a car intended for performance, but just like we found in our Subaru Outback guide, it’s not that bad. Plus, a manual would make the Levorg a much bigger pain in the ass given it is also a family car and you’ll spend the majority of your time trundling around town.
Being a performance car at heart, it wouldn’t be uncommon to find some that have been thrashed, so be diligent in finding a well-maintained example, make sure you do a pre-purchase inspection. Do all that and you’ll have a cracking wagon.
Given the Subaru Levorg is basically a WRX wagon, there’s a good reason why you’d want one. It straddles that line between performance and practicality so well, and would be a great ‘one car garage’. It has a roomie and practical interior, comes with plenty of standard gear and you drive it ‘spiritedly’ and it’ll thank you for it. A lot has been said about putting a CVT in a car intended for performance, but just like we found in our Subaru Outback guide, it’s not that bad. Plus, a manual would make the Levorg a much bigger pain in the ass given it is also a family car and you’ll spend the majority of your time trundling around town.
Being a performance car at heart, it wouldn’t be uncommon to find some that have been thrashed, so be diligent in finding a well-maintained example, make sure you do a pre-purchase inspection. Do all that and you’ll have a cracking wagon.
Should you buy it?
Given the Subaru Levorg is basically a WRX wagon, there’s a good reason why you’d want one. It straddles that line between performance and practicality so well, and would be a great ‘one car garage’. It has a roomie and practical interior, comes with plenty of standard gear and you drive it ‘spiritedly’ and it’ll thank you for it. A lot has been said about putting a CVT in a car intended for performance, but just like we found in our Subaru Outback guide, it’s not that bad. Plus, a manual would make the Levorg a much bigger pain in the ass given it is also a family car and you’ll spend the majority of your time trundling around town.
Being a performance car at heart, it wouldn’t be uncommon to find some that have been thrashed, so be diligent in finding a well-maintained example, make sure you do a pre-purchase inspection. Do all that and you’ll have a cracking wagon.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Power
197kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
125kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Torque
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
250Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Transmissions
8-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
6-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Fuel Consumption
7.4 – 8.7L/100km
Length
4690mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1780mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1485 – 1490mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2650mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1578 – 1631kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked) (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
750kg (unbraked), 800kg (braked) (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
750kg (unbraked), 1500kg (braked) (2.0 GT-S)
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars – Tested 2016
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Power
197kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
125kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Torque
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
250Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Transmissions
8-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
6-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Fuel Consumption
7.4 – 8.7L/100km
Length
4690mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1780mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1485 – 1490mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2650mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1578 – 1631kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked) (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
750kg (unbraked), 800kg (braked) (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
750kg (unbraked), 1500kg (braked) (2.0 GT-S)
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars – Tested 2016
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Power
197kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
125kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Torque
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
250Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Transmissions
8-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
6-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
Fuel Consumption
7.4 – 8.7L/100km
Length
4690mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1780mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1485 – 1490mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2650mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1578 – 1631kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked) (2.0 GT, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport)
750kg (unbraked), 800kg (braked) (1.6 GT, 1.6 GT Premium)
750kg (unbraked), 1500kg (braked) (2.0 GT-S)
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars – Tested 2016
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / unlimited km
- 5 years / unlimited km (2016 1.6 GT, 2016 1.6 GT Premium, 2016 2.0 GT-S, 2016 2.0 STI Sport)
Service Intervals
- 12,500 km / 6 months
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of April 17, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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