The upcoming edition of Japan’s beloved sports wagon may come with an unexpected powertrain feature | Carscoops

      A revised performance wagon may be on the horizon, showcasing sharper aesthetics and new powertrain choices.

      August 10, 2025, 09:21

      by Thanos Pappas

      Subaru is said to be working on an updated Levorg that could launch in 2026.

      Speculations indicate that it will maintain a sporty wagon profile while introducing a hybrid variant.

      Japan will continue to be the primary market for the Levorg, along with a few selected export regions.

      Despite Subaru's focus on the U.S. market, which constitutes nearly 70% of its global sales, the company still produces certain models specifically for its domestic market in Japan. Among these is the Levorg, a sporty wagon that is rumored to receive a redesign next year.

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      Initially launched in 2014 as a wagon variant of the WRX sedan, the Levorg saw a second generation in 2020. Should Subaru stick to its six-year product cycle, the next iteration is expected to arrive in fall 2026. This update is predicted to be a meaningful facelift rather than a complete overhaul, possibly introducing a hybrid powertrain. However, Japanese publication Best Car suggests that it might be positioned as a third generation.

      Sharper Aesthetics

      According to insider sources, the upcoming Levorg is expected to sport a more aggressive design, featuring a sharper front and a boxier silhouette. This approach diverges from the larger Outback, which has evolved from a crossover wagon into a more SUV-like form. Following the introduction of the Levorg Layback body style in 2023, the standard model is expected to maintain its low profile.

      The revamped Levorg will reportedly measure 4,780 mm (188.2 inches) in length, 1,820 mm (71.7 inches) in width, and 1,480 mm (58.3 inches) in height, making it slightly longer, a tad wider, and marginally lower than the current version. It will likely continue to utilize an upgraded version of Subaru’s existing Global Platform instead of a completely new design, suggesting that the wheelbase will remain unchanged at 2,670 mm (105.1 inches).

      Subaru Levorg (Japan)

      Subaru Levorg Layback (Japan)

      Subaru

      Inside, the sporty wagon is anticipated to include the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight ADAS suite. It may also feature a more advanced digital cockpit similar to the one found in the 2026 Subaru Outback. Space and practicality are expected to remain comparable to the outgoing model.

      Hybrid and Gasoline Variants

      The most notable change might occur under the hood. Following the examples set by the Crosstrek and Forester, the new Levorg is expected to incorporate Subaru’s Strong Hybrid (S:HEV) system, which will combine Toyota's electric motor and generator with Subaru's 2.5-liter boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. This setup, as seen in the Forester Hybrid, produces 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS), and the Levorg could achieve similar performance, potentially benefiting from enhanced efficiency due to better aerodynamics.

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      In addition to the hybrid model, the Levorg is likely to retain the existing 1.8-liter turbocharged boxer engine as an option. The more powerful turbo 2.4-liter engine may not be available at launch, but it could reappear later in the model cycle, paving the way for a performance variant with STI Sport branding.

      Pricing and Launch

      The new Levorg is expected to start at approximately ¥4.3 million ($29,100) in Japan upon its release next year. The current model is priced between ¥3,630,000 and ¥5,368,000.

      While Japan will remain the primary market, the Levorg is also exported to countries like Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia. Sales in North America remain unlikely, given that buyers in the region prefer crossovers and SUVs over wagons.