Subaru Japan to debut a hybrid version of the Levorg Layback wagon

Subaru is one automaker that has been aggressively pushing for electrification in its lineup working in conjunction with Toyota for its products. Its battery electric vehicles, the Solterra, Trailseeker/e-Outback, Getaway, and Uncharted all pretty much have a Toyota equivalent.

As for its hybrid models, you have the likes of the Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid and the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid, both of which are available in the Philippines. However, in Japan, Subaru will be introducing a fifth hybrid model in the Levorg Layback S:HEV, following the Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Rex (a Toyota Raize rebadge).

First off, what exactly is the Levorg Layback? In Japan, the midsize Legacy and Outback station wagons no longer exist, hence the Levorg (WRX Wagon in the Philippine market) fills in that niche, and the Levorg Layback occupies the “SUV-fied wagon” niche that the Outback used to be in with 200mm of ground clearance, plastic cladding, and slightly rugged design over sportier ambitions.

Now, the Levorg Layback S:HEV (called Strong Hybrid) takes that formula and gives it the same powertrain found in the Forester e-Boxer Hybrid—meaning there’s a 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated Atkinson and Miller-cycle flat-four gasoline engine with dual electric motors, a lithium-ion battery, the Lineartronic CVT, and a different implementation of the Symmetrical AWD system that uses a clutch-release system versus a full-time AWD system.

Like the Forester e-Boxer, it uses Toyota Hybrid System technology, so it’s a series-parallel hybrid system that promises improved fuel economy over the usual Boxer engines, which weren’t exactly renowned for their consumption. Subaru Japan promises up to 19km/L combined fuel economy figures (WLTC) versus the 1.8-liter turbo boxer gasoline model, which tops out at 14.1km/L.

Other changes include a unique front fascia with a larger front grille that extends to the headlights to give the impression of a single-piece design, new multi-spoke alloy wheels, two interior color choices of either tan and black Nappa leather or all black leather, and a slightly reduced ground clearance of 180mm vs the 200mm of the standard Levorg Layback.

Subaru Philippines currently offers the WRX Wagon as its only station wagon offering following the recent discontinuation of the Outback, so would this make sense for the automaker to introduce this to our market as an alternative for wagon lovers who don’t specifically need the WRX Wagon’s performance (and thirstiness), but want a hybrid?

^{Photos from Subaru Japan}