Subaru Levorg (2015 – 2022) Review

Subaru Levorg (2015 – 2022) At A Glance

3/5

+Excellent handling and impressive comfort. Practical and well-equipped. Smooth CVT auto. Five star Euro NCAP rating. Improved for 2017.

-Just one engine and transmission. Dull dashboard, but improved with Starlink infotainment and satnav for 2017.

Insurance Group 24
On average it achieves 89% of the official MPG figure

When Subaru stopped selling the Legacy in 2014 it left a gap for a very niche group of buyers – one the brand is now able to fill again with the new Levorg. Its appeal is limited, but for rural drivers who absolutely need a capable car that works in all weathers and on all surfaces, it’s ideal.

It does have a rather curious specification. There is one engine choice – a 1.6-litre turbocharged boxer petrol – linked to a CVT automatic gearbox as standard, with no manual option. As is traditional for Subaru cars, the Levorg has a well-engineered and capable all-wheel drive system as standard.

It lacks the ground clearance of a true SUV, meaning it is better suited to driving on roads. However it copes with rough, potholed, undulating country lanes tremendously well, combining excellent traction with good body control and impressive ride comfort in a way very few other cars can.

Inside, the Levorg is spacious enough for a family, with plenty of rear legroom and a large, flat, low load area. The boot volume is 522 litres, expandable to 944 litres by folding the rear seats, which is easy thanks to a pair of one-touch electronic release buttons in the boot. Build quality is very impressive – everything feels like it will last for years.

The dashboard layout is functional but it lacks the feelgood factor, which is particularly disappointing when you consider the high price. Thankfully there is plenty of equipment as standard, including safety tech like blind spot assist along with heated seats, a touchscreen system, dual-zone climate control and navigation.

Even with the good levels of equipment and well-proven all-weather capability, the appeal of the Subaru Levorg is limited. Many buyers will be happier and better off with something like a cheaper, diesel-powered Skoda Octavia Scout – but for those who appreciate Subaru engineering and are willing to pay the price, the Levorg is hard to fault.

Subaru Levorg GT 1.6i 2015 Road Test

Subaru Levorg GT 1.6i Lineartronic 2017 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Subaru Levorg (2015 – 2022)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

89%

Real MPG

29–40 mpg

MPGs submitted

15

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Ask Honest John

Which petrol cars car offer 4WD?

"I need a car with 4x4 capability because I have to negotiate a muddy track every day. I need a reliable car, but it doesn’t need to be big. I do around 8000 miles per year, mainly short journeys, so I’m thinking petrol would be best. There don’t seem to be many petrol 4x4s available. I’ve got the Subaru XV on my shortlist - is that a good idea? Can you suggest anything else?"
Both the Subaru XV crossover and Levorg estate are available with four-wheel drive and petrol power. However, when it comes to value and comfort, I’d recommend the Suzuki Vitara: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/suzuki/vitara-2015/ The 1.4 BoosterJet petrol is a great engine and Suzuki’s AllGrip four-wheel drive system should be sufficient to cope with winter and muddy roads, especially if you fit a good set of all-season tyres like Michelin Cross Climate, Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons or Nokian Weatherproof.
Answered by Dan Powell

What automatic petrol SUVs do you recommend with AWD?

"I want to change my 2012 Subaru XV for a new car. I've tested a BMW X1 and a Peugeot 3008 but have now found out that the 3008 is not AWD. I'm looking for a petrol SUV, automatic, AWD 1.6 - 2.0. What do you recommend? At the moment I'm edging closer to the BMW."
The 3008 doesn't need to be 4WD. Peugeot's Grip Control that comes with all weather tyres is actually better. But, of course, the other contender is the Subaru Levorg, just tested yesterday: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/subaru/subaru-levorg-16igt-lineartronic-2017-road-test/
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Subaru Levorg (2015 – 2022) cost?