Is the wagon a true WRX? (Subaru WRX Sportswagon GT / Levorg 2022 review)

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This week we’re checking out the WRX GT Sportswagon. Next week, we’ll look at the WRX tS Wagon on adaptive dampers, which is probably a better way to go for $2500 more than this $55,490 GT estate. But is the new Subaru WRX Sportswagon, previously known as the Levorg, worth your cash? Chasing Cars deputy editor Nathan Ponchard finds out.
The new Subaru WRX wagon competes with the Skoda Octavia RS wagon, Mazda 6 turbo wagon and Volkswagen Golf R wagon, among other performance states.
In Australia, the 2022 Subaru WRX Sportswagon starts at $49,990 for a base model. They are 2.4-litre turbo but CVT automatic only, unlike the new WRX sedan, which has the option of a six-speed manual on some trims.
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro and design
3:40 - Interior
9:07 - Back seats
12:03 - Boot space
13:22 - Running costs
13:45 - Driving dynamics
19:16 - Should you buy one?
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[@chasingcars]

*Do you need the WRX tS model on adaptive dampers?* Tom was adamant in his review of the WRX Sportswagon that the specification you want is the tS, on adaptive dampers. Next week, Ponch dives into the WRX tS Wagon to see he agrees with Tom that the upgraded suspension is worth the extra $2500…

[@jasonlewis2990]

The dampers make a world of difference to this car

[@santouchesantouche2873]

Surely wagon buyers are eschewing suvs? In other words, is not the SUV and wagon competitors?

[@jasonlewis2990]

@@santouchesantouche2873 the answer to your first question is yes. I don't like SUV's

[@clintwatson4754]

The death of subaru. Wheres the manual

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

Subaru is fixing to offer this in both CVT and in manual transmission in Mexico. 2024

[@ryant2568]

The Lavorg was a rebadged WRX wagon to begin with. Glad they finally came to their senses and just named it properly.

[@ciello___8307]

The regular levorg has a smaller engine than the wrx

[@aidengillzy]

@@ciello___8307 depending on trim and market.

[@davidarter9670]

If it came in a manual it would be absolutely fantastic. CVT transmissions are an automatic no go for me. Excellent review once again!

[@mistamaog]

"an automatic no go" i see what you did there 🙂

[@jasonlewis2990]

Picked up my TS Wagon this morning. Couldn't be more happy, a lot fun adventuring coming my way

[@Kevin-qd5bz]

Waiting for mine to arrive early next year in Australia. Hows the car holding up ?

[@jasonlewis2990]

@@Kevin-qd5bz I have to yield to the experts on this one. Tom was right, this "SPT" Subaru craps on about is not very good. Its sloppy, clunky, rubber bandy. But other than that the car is great, roomy, plenty of power for me, comfort mode suspension is a dream to drive on. It does everything I need it to

[@jasonlewis2990]

I pick up my TS in a few days. Can't wait. Great review as well Ponch

[@kcranny9375]

I agree. It’s a good car and the rev matching and downshifting in the SVT was very impressive when I drove it.

[@Danlow23]

Great review thanks Nathan. I have only seen, driven and read reviews on the tS so far. My silver GT is due to dock tomorrow and I almost made a last minute change to upgrade to tS. After seeing this I'm more comfortable that the car will be all I've hoped it will!

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks for the good detailed well-paced review - this model does not have an identity crisis because it’s a Subaru - I’ve owned 10 of them over forty years and wouldn’t drive anything else - yes they’re not a fashion statement but generally well built, reliable and quality fitting with a superior AWD system and uniform assembly especially when you examine the consistency with panel gaps compared to some other brands - I’d happily own a red one with black wheels and updated but not excessive exhaust.

[@christopherdounis6729]

Excellent review and narrative. Balanced view with logical conclusions. Well done! CCs!

[@c.s2001]

Always enjoy your reviews Nathan.

[@c.s2001]

Please come back and do more reviews Nathan. From an admirer.

[@brendanberry6263]

I desperately want this in the states. A reasonably priced sport wagon. Please, Subaru (with the manual)!

[@edwinmedina4338]

Reasonably is 40 to 50k, thats steep for a wagon! Then again thats normal new car pricing. Already trying to get one in to the states 😆

[@j3rkk]

This review is better, more relevant and makes more sense than any other review I've seen for this car

[@MBaDog-hn6ot]

Great review mate! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@vtv8man]

My TS should be here in 10 days. I pre-ordered and when I test drove thought it was really good. That’s a big call given I am coming from a BMW m135i rear drive that I absolutely love. However I need the space and I drive on dirt roads often these days. Thanks for the review.

[@OliIsLazy]

Coming from a M135i you will be deeply disappointed.

[@cyclemoto8744]

@@OliIsLazy obviously you know Ian better than he does. I guess...

[@OliIsLazy]

@@cyclemoto8744 I have owned 3x WRXs and now a M140i, so yeah I probably do mate.

[@TasimanaOG]

@@OliIsLazy he already test drove the wrx.. and it suits his needs way better. Shut up lmfao.

[@sxcode]

very good review video!

[@mistamaog]

I wish we got this in the states with a manual. It would be a no brainer purchase for me.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great that its available and couldn’t give a rats what it’s called - would love to have a base manual wagon though 🙏👍

[@ford26ers]

This car would be my game changer and can't wait to enjoy driving with the WRX badge. See you very soon in Thailand ;)

[@McRex203]

Just picked up my 2022 wrx sedan here in the states, it’s magnetite grey and I actually love the cladding, love the car, great piece of machinery, but I wish they offered the wagon as an option here, probably would have opted for the 5 door instead of the sedan

[@stephenkozakiewicz8704]

Having owned every previous Liberty wagon... hearing you mention the Liberty makes me wish they would bring the wagon back!

[@Dylan_Scott]

3.0R Spec B ex-owner here... I still miss it all the time 🥲 Can't wait to one day get a sportswagon back... hoping Subaru are still doing something decent when I am in the position to do so.

[@djizzah]

great car, great review, new subscriber

[@53glowe]

Much better review Ponch...way less personal subjective opinion in this review than previous efforts. Well done mate...more of these objective reviews 👍😁

[@josetomasoyarzun895]

Dream car 😍😍😍😍

[@markthibault8579]

Consider yourself lucky that you have this option. In North America, we're stuck with the sedan.

[@rjblue42]

Owning the first gen Levorg I can say I believe it to be better looking than the Sportwagon and, after I switched out the terrible shocks to after-market coil overs, drives quite well. Not willing to pay the price hike for not much better car.

[@1MrBryn]

I really like this. What's the real world fuel economy like?

[@Glofindel]

I like this a lot.

[@MaxFromSydney1]

Thanks, Nathan. This car is not that dissimilar to the Golf R wagon. Reliability wise, is a buyer better off these days with the VW dual port / direct fuel injection and DSG transmission than the direct injection only and CVT of the Subaru? Subaru does concern me a bit with their mechanicals.

[@jasonlewis2990]

Subaru, no question

[@jasonlewis2990]

@@user-vk4vd7vr5t you forgot to add VW's shitty reliability, shitty aftersales service and support, oh and lets not forget that VW are criminals. Don't tell half the story

[@MaxFromSydney1]

@D, Are you sure that dual DI/port injection isn’t still on the EA888 outside the North American market? I’m in Australia.

[@christopherdounis6729]

VW is the last car company i would look to for minimal failure rates.. speaking from experience.

[@christopherdounis6729]

@@user-vk4vd7vr5t VW post sales support is atrocious… personal experience and opinion.

[@OzBloke]

Seems like a damn fine thing to me 😎👍

[@falsebroadcast]

Usa needs these. Badly.

[@dreaminofthedrive5343]

So the sport's wagon is better the the sedan?

[@felali]

like the big screen

[@JF-di1nr]

Just some feedback. When you’re talking about the camera view and driver settings etc on the screen. Show the screen instead of you pressing stuff on a screen that the viewer can’t see.

[@jashugg]

That would be a very desirable car if only it were available as a manual. I can’t believe you said at 16:02 that the CVT’s programming “makes up” for no manual lol

[@zaamuro8408]

The current consumer demand means that for most people its not a big deal.

[@jashugg]

@@zaamuro8408 if you search for used 2017-2021 model WRX across Australia on car sales, there are more than 3 manuals available for every CVT, indicating that recent new WRX buyers have overwhelmingly favoured the manual. Your statement is correct but not so relevant in this section of the market.

[@santouchesantouche2873]

@@jashugg wait, so more people are selling their manuals? Why?

[@grantlette6253]

Is it really worth the price?

[@mirceamunteanu4791]

I wish they will sell It in Canada...I'm bored of driving my 2.0l 2017 Impreza hatchback

[@jasonwishart6800]

Nice. Would be good as an xv version with ground clearance

[@Dylan_Scott]

Just get an Outback 🤷‍♂️

[@just_chris1630]

The problem with Subaru s has always been the fuel economy or lack thereof. I fully expect to see a news special in 5 years time with someone standing in front of this car complaining about the price of petrol.

[@simonliu2008]

I complain the price of petrol now :( My fuel economy combined is 9.2L/100km after driven 11000km. a lot lot more than officialy claimed 7.4L/100km combined

[@Dylan_Scott]

So subjective on how you drive it given it has what 3 different drive modes, let alone how the driver boots it. That being said, it's an AWD... and that'll always work harder than a RWD but the pay-off is a much more fun drive.

[@jinsei1202]

I wouldn't want to be seen in a Civic Rs or i30N in my 40's. A perfect alternative for those who still don't want to end up with a Golf Gti either.

[@dimsoneill]

Octavia RS wagon FTW!

[@twerpeater]

News flash: nobody gives a toss what you drive.

[@MrBenHaynes]

I'd hope by your 40's, you'd be mature/secure enough to drive what you desire, not what peers deem age appropriate. Liberate yourself!

[@davidzhang1704]

@@MrBenHaynes Perfectly said

[@santouchesantouche2873]

Completely agree with this statement 👍

[@GiovanniCorsa]

they have should name it since the first levorg came out, which I have ;)

[@johnm7251]

Why not give us seat cooling for our climate ?

[@santouchesantouche2873]

This.

[@Blade43]

I hope the touch screen works better than the way you were banging at the screen

[@Kevin-nv9jp]

Subaru really needs to change their entire designing team

[@dominicmota5564]

Went to the showroom last week see the real wrx sedan, I still believe the last version look much better than the new one.

[@steamroller231]

@@dominicmota5564 saw the new one yesterday and i really didnt like the rear end with all that plastic rubbish. Its too busy in my opinion but it was a light colour. Might looked better in darker colours but still can we not have the plastic.

[@AY781]

I could only dream! Though, with current fuel prices and climate change being top of mind for so many, I wonder how big the market for cars like this is.

[@MrBenHaynes]

THIS 👍. It's not future proofed enough and Subaru's attempts at (mild) hybrids have been in the "why bother" category too.

[@simonliu2008]

@@MrBenHaynes Their hybrid engine power and Fuel Economy is a joke tbh...

[@Dylan_Scott]

Agreed, would much rather see a full electric version with this body.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@Dylan_Scott The only electric version of this body shape that I've seen is MG5 Estate (that doesn't come to Australia)

[@Dylan_Scott]

@@MrBenHaynes doesn't look half bad. Though it seems many people have had charging faults with it and become stuck.

[@KietLe-op4bt]

I wish it uses a stick shift instead of CVT in this wagon style

[@Aayush588]

How this car compares with Mazda 6 wagon?

[@andyz9455]

Nathan sits so upright at back seat lol, look at that angle

[@dhanipersaud6227]

This is the current replacement for the Legacy/Liberty wagon. Maybe they should just make a sporty Liberty again.

[@michaelcarter9863]

I thought I wanted one but it doesn’t come with a manual transmission 😢

[@jjhoops023]

I really don't understand Subaru's lineup decisions between the AUS and US. We have the Impreza wagon here in the states but you guys get the sportwagon WRX? The only reason I went with the Impreza over the WRX was because I needed the practicality. Subaru America, please sell the sportwagon here

[@SSchithFoo]

Wow 12 month intervals instead of 6 like they used to do. But I m still not sure that is enough appeal to get one.

[@roberthart9886]

very disappointed it's not available in the US

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

They do make these in manual transmission to.

[@steamroller231]

Sucks there isnt a digitial guage cluster.

[@rhinoTube]

It has to be blue, my XV is blue and my next Subaru is also going to be blue

[@charlotterusson2885]

There are 2 blues. I am getting the racing rally blue

[@adambester3673]

i cant imagine ever wanting seat heaters in Australia. I dont ever use mine unless its -20c or lower and im desperate for any heat. i find the heat from heated seats unpleasant. heated steering wheel though, that's luxury on any chilly day.

[@daweigo6851]

Use mine often, Australia does get winters 😅

[@andrewmaher8409]

…Depends whether you live in Cairns or Hobart.

[@tonycurtin9543]

Better looks from behind and better and ride on rough roads - However the 2.0 Engine is better, with more power and torque -

[@michaelmanley3294]

It’s a shame that the WRX Sportswagen looks better than the sedan. The sedan would look so much better if they would change the back end by using the sportswagens taillights and get rid of the Tupperware fender flares in favor of smooth body colored or gloss black ones.

[@MrBenHaynes]

I don't mind the Grovel wagon, but I think that a Kia Cerato GT hatch for two thirds the price of the Subie would be a better value for money proposition and capable enough.

[@jasonlewis2990]

I actually tossed this idea around for a while, but i wanted more boot space

[@santouchesantouche2873]

But it's a hatch. If you want a hatch get a hatch. If you want a wagon get a wagon.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@santouchesantouche2873 A wagon is just a bigger hatch. A hatch is just a smaller wagon. They are same-same. Just a difference of size. When does a hatch morph into a wagon? At what length or cubic capacity of luggage area?

[@charlotterusson2885]

You need to test drive before deciding. I have ordered a wrx wagon top spec after test driving. I love my impressa which i have driven for 8 years but km up. I need a reliable car that has some power to get away from tailgaiters.

[@jasonlewis2990]

@@charlotterusson2885 trust me, it gets even better once you own it and start driving it around. It puts a smile on my face everyday

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

Needs two things, (1) an manual transmission and (2) to be sold in America.

[@acde9355]

It is more likely to be a Golf GTI rival.

[@ABAC6969]

The Borg???

[@WayneRandall]

CVT with paddle shifters? Uh okay.. Never been trolled by a transmission before. Otherwise a really nice wagen. I have a soft spot for wagens.. No, wait. Yep, it's actually a hard spot.

[@danek893]

Paddle shifters is just for show and make your engine scream, RPM jump madly but no pull,110% elution only.

[@guitaradam2000]

It's still a TR690 CVT. Which means it will fail and need replacing after a few years, just like the outgoing model. $17,000 bill from Subaru for that one.

[@techforge-Nate]

There is no 2 ways about it. Exterior styling wise they hit the Levorg with the ugly stick and called it a day.

[@daweigo6851]

Personally I think all the current Subaru’s have no style at alll

[@mharro88]

This looks ancient after seeing Hyundai i30 sedan

[@theodociocozanitis5437]

Wish the outback had this shape

[@ERoserie]

If the outback had this shape it would look like every other wallpaper-paste-boring-crap car out there.

[@jackk9975]

Everything is interesting except CVT

[@Praveen-zn6yq]

Booked a TS months back… test drove and yes it drives smooth and grown up … but engine was sluggish and boring. You definitely need to be above legal speeds here in Sydney to enjoy what this car offers dynamically. And that sticker price shock … $64k!!! Doesn’t leave any money to spend on aftermarket wheels and exhaust. Sorry not for me, cancelled my order and walked away.

[@hellocookie5932]

Agree, lacks punch. The acceleration felt like a 7s to 100 car.

[@djmocok]

It looks like year 2010 car

[@strixkuriboh4949]

If they put a manual in this... And then sold it in the US and Canada... Why Subaru why?

[@mwboost]

So boring looking compared to the previous levorg sti sport.

[@andrewmaher8409]

…Dear Subaru Australia. Please fire the DEI hire in your marketing team who ruined Subi’s hard earned brand recognition and turned away long time customers by removing the manual transmission option. It’s not too late to save the brand… Put the 6mt option back on the assembly line.

[@snafu4696]

Why is it too much to ask for a manual wrx hatchback/wagon here in the states? People have been asking for it since it was discontinued.

[@mudroch]

I feel like this is already 5 years old and Subaru just seem to be playing catch up. A lot of money for a car already dated.

[@ARobFpv007]

CVT is brilliant, for daily driving & performance Subaru has done an amazing job 👍

[@madrx2]

You’re fuckn cooked

[@fale892]

I'd buy it just because its a wagon

[@tldrinfographics5769]

492 litre boot is pretty bad compared to Skoda Octavia RS

[@EnShinNoi]

It's because the Sportswagon has a raised boot floor.

[@tldrinfographics5769]

@@EnShinNoi Ah I get it now this is AWD!

[@MrBenHaynes]

492 is ample, 600+ is ridiculous. First gen CX-5's had 403L and that was still passable for a two child family holiday.

[@santouchesantouche2873]

It also matters what is usable practically right? I think the skoda is longer and the wrx wider?

[@morri03]

Haven’t watched yet but the answer is no. It’s a rebadged levorg which is a very softly tuned vehicle

[@santouchesantouche2873]

Not much of a tuning aftermarket for Subarus... 🤔🤡🤷‍♂️

[@tdoll521]

@@santouchesantouche2873 you clearly don't know what you're talking about. Idk how many individuals I know of who own WRXs, STis, Forester XTs, Legacy GTs or Outback XTs that mod/tune their cars... there are thousands of people who tune their Subarus. Even with the new restrictions from COBB we can still do so. If you start modding anything emissions then standalone is your only option for now. To say Subaru doesn't have a tuning market is fairly ignorant.

[@santouchesantouche2873]

@@tdoll521 sarcasm. the use of irony to mock or convey contempt. "she didn't like the note of sarcasm in his voice"

[@santouchesantouche2873]

The boxer overhangs too far forward of the wheels and is too wide for turning circle. Hurts the handling. Then try and package it with an 8 speed torque converter box? Forget it. I feel for subie engineers tbh

[@allmighty736]

It's a wagon not a hatchback.

[@rawevoli]

Its the only real wrx because its based on an impreza. Think back to every wrx wagon we have had.

[@EnShinNoi]

I think only brand loyalists will be buying this one. It's too pricey and looks dated.

[@GlowingTube]

This is an expensive turbocharged Impreza

[@nickhamilton8689]

Comes with a manual = wrx. No manual = not a wrx.

[@elmin2323]

WRX and Subaru have lost there way

[@santouchesantouche2873]

Where is there?

[@damientube]

An extra $12k gets you a golf r wagon with more power, better fuel economy, DSG, bigger brakes, and the new diff etc.. Both cars are too pricey but I think the r wagon is the better buy.

[@santouchesantouche2873]

An extra 12k to save fuel? That's not even a false economy, that's a false banana Republic! I think the higher running costs and lower reliability of the golf keep it out of the conversation tbh. My mechanic licked his lips a lot when I had a VAG product. I drove a subie now like him for good reason.

[@milkyway6724]

doesn't look like levorg at all

[@lovekodogko]

Japanese brand is more better than German car Bro ! More durable ..

[@cashauto3349]

the steering looks so bulky

[@TheLittleRedCali]

I’m sure it’s a decent car but designing a car that already looks 20 years years old is not easy.

[@NickHey]

Sportswagon? More like cvtwagon

[@jimmoriarty6964]

The steering wheel may be on the wrong side of the car but I can say that it is indeed a good car. I just wish they make it with a steering wheel on the correct position.

[@user-zl4hk2mz5m]

I wish we had this wagon version in the US. I’d buy it right now. Seriously, the new WRX generation here is a joke, especially with the wheel arch moldings. The rear looks like a Civic & those wheel arch moldings 🤮. Subaru could knock a lot of the competition out with this wagon version. Subaru needs to pull its socks up, otherwise it’ll lose its loyal customers.

[@ARobFpv007]

The wagon WRX looks heaps better 👍 than the sedan with its ugly black cladding 🤮

[@antonroux6737]

should have kept Levorg name because WRX has bogan associations and so people might not want to drive a WRX...

[@user-me1lh5zy3d]

Nope don't want it .