Used Subaru Levorg review

Likes

Such a great practical family wagon
Great performance thanks to its WRX underpinnings
All-wheel drive makes it safe on the road

Dislikes

Suspension is a little harsh
The tyres are noisey
There have been a few recalls, so much sure they’ve been seen to

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Wagon

Publish: April 17, 2023

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

2.0 GT

Price when new: $43,240 - $43,240

Price used: $22,800 - $29,500

Features:

12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
18″ Alloy Wheels
4 Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
6 Speaker Stereo
ABS (Antilock Brakes)
Active Torque Transfer System
Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
Airbag – Driver
Airbag – Knee Driver
Airbag – Passenger
Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
Armrest – Rear Centre (Shared)
Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
Bluetooth System
Body Colour – Bumpers
Body Colour – Door Handles
Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
Body Kit – Lower (skirts, F & R Aprons)
Bonnet Scoop(s)
Bottle Holders – 1st Row
Bottle Holders – 2nd Row
Brake Assist
CD Player
Camera – Rear Vision
Cargo Blind – Rear
Cargo Tie Down Hooks/Rings
Central Locking – Key Proximity
Chrome Door Handles – Interior
Chrome Rear Garnish
Chrome Window Surrounds – Exterior
Clock – Digital
Collision Mitigation – Forward (Low speed)
Collision Warning – Forward
Control – Electronic Stability
Control – Traction
Cruise Control – Distance Control
Cup Holders – 1st Row
Cup Holders – 2nd Row
Data Dots – Part Identifiers
Daytime Running Lamps
Demister – Rear Windscreen with Timer
Diffuser – Rear
Digital Instrument Display – Partial
Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
Door Pockets – 2nd row (rear)
Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
Engine Immobiliser
Exhaust System – Dual
Fog Lamps – Front
Footrest – Drivers
Gauge – Boost
Gear Shift Paddles behind Steering Wheel
Gloss Finish Inserts in Centre Stack/ HVAC
Headlamps – Electric Level Adjustment
Headlamps – LED
Headlamps – See me home
Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
Hill Holder
Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Front Passenger
Independent Front Suspension
Independent Rear Suspension
Intermittent Wipers – Variable
Lane Departure Warning
Leather Gear Knob
Leather Steering Wheel
Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
Multi-function Steering Wheel
Park Brake – Electric
Pedals – Sports
Power Door Mirrors – Folding
Power Steering – Electric Assist
Power Windows – Front & Rear
Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy
Remote Fuel Lid Release
Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
Seatback Pockets – 1st Row (Front) seats
Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
Seats – 2nd Row Reclining
Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
Starter Button
Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Driver
Tail Lamps – LED
Trim – Cloth
Trip Computer
Voice Recognition

2.0 GT-S/2.0 STI Sport

Price when new: $49,140 - $53,240

Price used: $28,100 - $50,300

Features:

Blind Spot Sensor
Camera – Side Vision
Electric Seat – Drivers with Memory
GPS (Satellite Navigation)
Grille – Black
Headlamp – High Beam Auto Dipping
Headlamps – Blacked Out Surrounds
Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
Heated Seats – 1st Row
Leather Seats – Partial
Metallic Finish Door Mirrors
Power Door Mirrors – Heated
Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
Scuff Plates (on door sills)
Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
Sunroof – Electric
Suspension – Sports
Warning – Rear Cross Traffic (when reversing)

From 2017

Driving Mode – Selectable
Gauge – Boost

1.6 GT (From 2017)

Price when new: $35,990 - $37,240

Price used: $20,400 - $35,100

Features:

12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
17″ Alloy Wheels
4 Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
6 Speaker Stereo
ABS (Antilock Brakes)
Active Torque Transfer System
Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
Airbag – Driver
Airbag – Knee Driver
Airbag – Passenger
Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
Armrest – Front Centre (Shared)
Armrest – Rear Centre (Shared)
Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
Bluetooth System
Body Colour – Door Handles
Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
Bonnet Scoop(s)
Bottle Holders – 1st Row
Bottle Holders – 2nd Row
Brake Assist
CD Player
Camera – Rear Vision
Cargo Blind – Rear
Cargo Tie Down Hooks/Rings
Central Locking – Key Proximity
Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
Chrome Door Handles – Interior
Chrome Exhaust Tip(s)
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Chrome Rear Garnish
Clock – Digital
Collision Mitigation – Forward (Low speed)
Collision Warning – Forward
Control – Electronic Stability
Control – Pedestrian Avoidance with Braking
Control – Traction
Cruise Control – Distance Control
Cup Holders – 1st Row
Cup Holders – 2nd Row
Data Dots – Part Identifiers
Daytime Running Lamps – LED
Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
Door Pockets – 2nd row (rear)
Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
Engine – Stop Start System (When at idle)
Engine Immobiliser
Exhaust System – Dual
Fog Lamp/s – Rear
Fog Lamps – Front LED
Footrest – Drivers
Front Stabiliser
Gear Shift Paddles behind Steering Wheel
Gloss Finish Inserts in Centre Stack/ HVAC
Headlamps – Active (Cornering/steering)
Headlamps – Electric Level Adjustment
Headlamps – LED
Headlamps – See me home
Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
Hill Holder
Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Front Passenger
Independent Front Suspension
Independent Rear Suspension
Intermittent Wipers – Variable
Keyless Start:- Key/FOB Proximity related
Lane Departure Warning
Leather Gear Knob
Leather Steering Wheel
Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
Multi-function Steering Wheel
Park Brake – Electric
Pedals – Sports
Power Door Mirrors – Folding
Power Door Mirrors – Heated
Power Steering – Electric Assist
Power Windows – Front & Rear
Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
Rear Stabiliser
Rear Wiper/Washer
Remote Boot/Hatch Release
Remote Fuel Lid Release
Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
Seatback Pockets – 1st Row (Front) seats
Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
Seats – 2nd Row Reclining
Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
Side Skirts
Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
Starter Button
Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Driver
Tail Lamps – LED
Tool Kit
Trim – Cloth
Trip Computer
Voice Recognition

1.6 GT Premium (From 2017)

Price when new: $42,890 - $44,140

Price used: $25,000 - $41,600

Features:

18″ Alloy Wheels
Blind Spot Sensor
Camera – Front Vision
Camera – Side Vision
Coloured Door Mirrors
Electric Seat – Drivers with Memory
GPS (Satellite Navigation)
Headlamp – High Beam Auto Dipping
Heated Seats – 1st Row
Leather Seats – Partial
Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
Scuff Plates – Embossed or personalised
Seat – Driver with Electric Lumbar
Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
Sunroof – Electric
Suspension – Sports
Warning – Rear Cross Traffic (when reversing)

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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Used Subaru Levorg review

2016 - 2020

Likes

Dislikes

Stuff you should know

What goes wrong

Should you buy it?

Should you buy it?

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

Loan Amount

Finance estimate ~

$30

8.49%

Models, pricing & features

2.0 GT

2.0 GT-S/2.0 STI Sport

1.6 GT (From 2017)

1.6 GT Premium (From 2017)

Tech specs

Warranty & servicing

Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.

In the market?

Disclaimer

Used Subaru Levorg review

2016 - 2020

Likes

Dislikes

Stuff you should know

What goes wrong

Should you buy it?

Should you buy it?

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

Loan Amount

Finance estimate ~

$30

8.49%

Models, pricing & features

2.0 GT

2.0 GT-S/2.0 STI Sport

1.6 GT (From 2017)

1.6 GT Premium (From 2017)

Tech specs

Warranty & servicing

Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.

In the market?

Disclaimer

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