Subaru Levorg Layback Arrives As JDM-Only Tall-Riding Wagon

2024 Subaru Levorg Layback arrives as a jacked-up version of the Levorg wagon

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain has just entered the next-gen phase recently, offering more off-roading chops and rugged look for those who just simply refused to jump into the SUV bandwagon. However, should you be looking for something similar but with a lower price bracket, perhaps this newly-debuted Subaru Levorg Layback would make a stellar ‘downmarket’ alternative to the rugged Merc wagon.

Launched this week in Japan, the Levorg Layback is essentially a jacked-up version of the marque’s wagon model, featuring raised suspension and some rugged styling bits. As a result, the Levorg Layback boasts a pretty substantial ground clearance of 200 MM – about 55 MM more than its low-riding twin.

Aside from ground clearance, this rugged wagon also measures slightly larger than the standard Levorg, now measuring 25 MM wider and 70 MM taller at 1,820 MM and 1,570 MM respectively. However, both the car’s length and wheelbase are being kept the same as before, as well as its 561-litre boot space.

The Levorg Layback looks pretty rugged, thanks to the prominent underbody cladding

In terms of styling, the Levorg Layback looks pretty much the same as the standard ones, aside from its obvious jacked-up stance, supplemented by the rugged plastic underbody cladding, finished in dark hue. Also adding some ruggedness is the 18-inch wheels the Levorg Layback rides on, with all four shodded in all-season tyres.

In case you want more style, Subaru Japan offers the Levorg Layback with plenty of add-on accessories, ranging from sportier STI Style body kit, different design of its 18-inch wheels, new grille design with Y-shaped patterns, tailpipe covers, and many more.

Back to the standard Levorg Layback, this rugged wagon is powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged ‘boxer’ engine rated at 174 HP and 300 NM that is mated to a CVT lineartronic gearbox – the same setup used on the standard Levorg. Power is then sent to all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system – promising the Levorg Layback to have actual off-roading pedigree beyond its look.

On board, the Levorg Layback cabin gets a distinctive two-tone upholstery that is laced with a slew of tech amenities. This includes the 11.6-inch central infotainment display, a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for drivers, as well as premium Harman Kardon sound system. In addition to that, this rugged wagon also comes with mobile connectivity support, where owners can access several controls of the car like engine start-up and pre-conditioning via a dedicated smartphone app.

Should Subaru Japan consider exporting the Levorg Layback to other global markets?

The newly-launched Subaru Levorg Layback will be placed between the Crosstrek (known as XV in our market) and the Outback as part of Subaru Japan’s crossover range. While the marque has yet to unveil its prices, we can expect them to be slightly heftier than the standard Levorg wagon’s asking prices, considering the additional bits and pieces the Levorg Layback gets.

As for now, the Levorg Layback will be a Japan-exclusive model, with Subaru has yet to voice out any intent to export this rugged wagon into other markets. However, we reckon that the Levorg Layback can be a great hit in other global markets, serving as an equally-rugged and practical alternative for those who are tired of SUVs.