Subaru Levorg
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a sporty estate that blends practicality with performance? The Subaru Levorg might be exactly what you’re looking for. This distinctive Japanese wagon offers something different in a market dominated by SUVs, delivering all-wheel drive capability with the space and versatility that only a proper estate can provide. It’s the car for drivers who want something unique without sacrificing everyday usability.

From the moment you see it, the Levorg stands out with its bold, angular design that clearly marks it as a Subaru. The distinctive front grille and sculpted bodywork give it a purposeful appearance that sets it apart from more conventional rivals like the Ford Focus estate or Volkswagen Golf wagon. But the real appeal lies in its combination of practicality and all-weather confidence that comes standard with Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Driving the Levorg feels reassuring and capable. The standard all-wheel drive provides exceptional grip in all conditions, making it ideal for UK weather and those who venture off the beaten track. While it may not have the premium badge appeal of some German alternatives, the Levorg offers genuine value with generous equipment levels and that distinctive Subaru character. It’s a car that aims to be different in a world of increasingly similar crossovers, offering wagon practicality with sports car inspiration.

How Does the Subaru Levorg Drive?

The Subaru Levorg is designed to offer a blend of everyday usability and engaging dynamics. The range features turbocharged petrol engines that provide decent performance for the class. The 1.6-litre turbo produces around 170 horsepower, delivering adequate power for both city driving and motorway cruising. There’s also a 2.0-litre option that offers stronger acceleration and more confident overtaking ability. The CVT automatic transmission is smooth in operation, though it can feel less engaging than a traditional manual or conventional automatic.

Where the Levorg truly shines is in its all-weather capability and handling balance. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides exceptional traction in challenging conditions, making it feel planted and secure on wet or slippery roads. The suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and control, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the security of permanent four-wheel drive in a practical estate package that handles well year-round.

Inside the Subaru Levorg: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Levorg and you’ll find a well-built cabin that prioritises functionality over flashy design. The dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with clearly marked controls and a central infotainment screen that includes smartphone connectivity. Materials feel solid and durable, typical of Subaru’s practical approach to interior design. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help you find an ideal driving position.

The cabin is notably quiet for a car in this class, with good sound insulation that keeps road and wind noise to a minimum. Standard equipment is generous, with features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a comprehensive safety package included across the range. The rear seats offer adequate space for adults on shorter journeys, though taller passengers might find legroom a bit tight on longer trips. Overall, it’s a sensible and comfortable environment that prioritises practicality and long-distance comfort over premium styling flourishes.

The Subaru Levorg occupies a unique position in the estate car market by offering standard all-wheel drive in a practical and well-equipped package. It successfully combines the space and versatility of a traditional estate with the all-weather confidence that Subaru is famous for. The build quality is solid, equipment levels are generous, and the distinctive styling ensures it stands out from more conventional alternatives. The all-wheel drive system provides genuine benefits for UK driving conditions. The trade-offs include higher fuel consumption than front-wheel drive rivals and a price premium that reflects its specialist nature. It’s not the most spacious estate in its class, and the CVT transmission won’t appeal to all drivers. However, for those who value the unique combination of practicality, capability, and reliability that Subaru offers, the Levorg makes a compelling case. It’s particularly well-suited to buyers who want something different from the mainstream, with the confidence that comes from permanent four-wheel drive traction.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Subaru Levorg?

As a specialist all-wheel drive estate, the Levorg sits in a unique position when it comes to running costs. Fuel economy is reasonable for the class, with real-world figures typically falling in the mid-30s to low-40s MPG range, depending on your driving style and conditions. The all-wheel drive system does impact efficiency compared to front-wheel drive alternatives, but the trade-off is worthwhile for the enhanced capability it provides. Insurance groups are moderate, reflecting the car’s performance and relative rarity.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price and depreciation. The Levorg commands a premium over some mainstream alternatives due to its standard all-wheel drive and comprehensive equipment. However, this is offset by generous specification levels and strong build quality that should prove durable over time. Servicing costs are reasonable, and Subaru has a good reputation for reliability. For those who value the unique combination of estate practicality and all-weather confidence, the Levorg represents good value, especially with car finance options making monthly payments more manageable.

Is the Subaru Levorg Practical for Everyday Use?

For an estate car, the Subaru Levorg offers excellent real-world practicality. The 522-litre boot is a good size for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or several large suitcases for family holidays. The rear seats fold flat as standard, creating a genuinely useful load area for longer items like flat-pack furniture or sports equipment. The wide tailgate opening and relatively low loading lip make it easy to load bulky items without straining your back.

Where the Levorg particularly excels is in its versatility across different driving conditions. The standard all-wheel drive system makes it equally at home in urban environments and rural settings, providing confidence on muddy lanes or snowy roads where front-wheel drive estates might struggle. For families who enjoy outdoor activities or live in areas with challenging weather, this capability is invaluable. While it may not have the absolute load space of some larger rivals, the combination of decent cargo capacity and exceptional all-weather ability makes it highly practical for active lifestyles. It’s an ideal choice compared to other used Subaru cars for those who need estate versatility with SUV-like capability.

The Subaru Levorg stands out in the competitive estate car market by offering something genuinely different. It combines traditional wagon practicality with Subaru’s renowned all-wheel drive technology and comprehensive safety features in an attractively styled package. While it may not be the most economical or spacious estate available, it excels in areas that matter to many UK drivers, particularly all-weather capability and long-term reliability.

You choose the Levorg because you want an estate that can handle whatever the British weather throws at it while providing generous equipment and distinctive styling. Its practical dimensions make it suitable for family life, while the all-wheel drive system provides confidence in challenging conditions. If you’re looking for an estate that offers more than just cargo space, with proven reliability and unique character, the Subaru Levorg should definitely be on your consideration list, especially with how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk helping make ownership more affordable.