This one handles like a WRX should! (Subaru WRX tS Sportswagon / Levorg 2022 review)

OTHER WAGON REVIEWS:
WRX GT review: • Is the wagon a true WR...
Golf R wagon review: • VW’s most powerful wag...
Outback review: • Subaru Outback 2021 re...
Last week we asked whether the new Subaru WRX tS ($57,990) was worth the upcharge over the $2500 uncharge over the mid-range WRX GT wagon ($55,490). Well, turns out that for those who like to drive harder and faster will prefer the tS, which gets really good adaptive dampers which offer a slightly better ride, but mainly improve the body control of the WRX wagon - which can be a bit sloppy and wayward in the base and GT grades. But in the tS, it is fine.
Powered by a 2.4-litre turbo engine and CVT (sadly no manual), the new WRX wagon (Levorg) competes against the Skoda Octavia RS, Volkswagen Golf R wagon, and other performance family cars.
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.
Subscribe now! kzbin.info...
More Subaru content: www.chasingcars.com.au/subaru/
More WRX content: www.chasingcars.com.au/subaru...
Chasing Cars on Facebook: / chasingcarsaustralia
Follow Chasing Cars on Instagram: / chasingcars.com.au
Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[@yendis181]

well good review thank you, i just traded in my 2017 Impreza done 40,000 over 6 years got $20K trade in and brought the WRX TS wagon and it is everything you said and more Subaru owners will love this and my wife drives in comfort mode soft and comfortable but still power when needed, also for people reading the the Outback turbo is actually quicker then the WRX by about 0.7 of a second due to it torque setting in the low end of the spectrum so drive both to get a surprise and Subaru is one of the safest cars on the road in any weather.

[@jasonlewis2990]

I've owned my TS Wagon for almost a week now and I love it. For me its the perfect mix practicality and fun at the same time. The dampers and different drive modes make this a very comfortable car. My fuel consumption is different. So far, around town with a mix of highway, spirited driving here and there I'm sitting at 7.8 l/ph. Ponch is right, the tyres are crap for anything beyond just normal driving. A different set of rims and a good set set of rubber will make a world of difference in this car. To all the cvt haters out there, I'm the biggest hater of CVT's and this gearbox dispels any issues for me, in fact it sold me on buying the car in the first place. As Ponch said, its definitely not perfect, but no car is. Great review Ponch as always.

[@shaggyman8564]

The adaptive dampers and throw in a couple of kaola bears and maybe even a roo or two is not worth it because ir is CVT. I'd rather an ev than a cvt. And I hate evs. In a yr or two active damping wiĺ be available in the manual. I bought a brz and it nothing like the wrx. I have had two wrxs. Watch the roos mate. Cheers from the states.

[@jasonlewis2990]

@@shaggyman8564 so, you've driven this Wagon ?

[@shaggyman8564]

@@jasonlewis2990 i would never even test drive a cvt. I have a MT wrx hatch a wrx MT sedan and new MT BRZ. SUBARU can stick their cvts up their tailpipe. And shame on any enthusiast who buys one. I would rather a ev than a cvt. But thats just me mate. Cheers.

[@jasonlewis2990]

@@shaggyman8564 you have no business commenting on something you've never driven.

[@InterestedParty]

@@shaggyman8564 Lots of reading out there about US made Subaru CVT and their warranty extensions. For the wife to drive every day as a runabout and occasional day trip vehicle together I have no issues ordering this vehicle in Aus with Japanese built CVT.

[@alvis1448]

Very well balanced and objective review. Definitely a channel I will keep watching. Keep it up!

[@vtv8man]

So I picked up my WRX SportsWagon TS this week. I love it ! I’ve done about 500kms. Power / Performance is not outstanding but it’s spirted. No match for my old 2014 M135i but that’s not what I bought it for. I wanted the space. What has surprised me is the handling. Based on the car reviews that compare this TS wagon to the Sedan I was expecting a car that understeers and doesn’t turn in. Yes I can get it to understeer but even on it’s less sporty narrower than the sedan tyres it’s surprisingly good ! I Had a 2009 WRx hatch and this wagon will run rings around that. So far after one tank of fuel in both they dry and pouring rain I love the WRX Sportswagon as my compromise dad car. The CVT is also surprisingly good as well. Highly recommended.

[@colhutchins]

Any changes to your review after a year? Have you still got the narrow tyres on or can you fit the 245 tyres/wheels from the sedan on the wagon without any problems or rubbing?

[@vtv8man]

⁠Hello. As far as the car itself no real adjustment apart from the car could use more performance. It’s a capable daily driver and goes hard in wet or country road conditions. My only issue is the eyesight camera. I’ve had two under warranty. Otherwise the car is great. I’m about to sell it however, it not because I don’t enjoy it - I am about to get a car through a new job at work. Also the eyesight issues in Australia are escalating and there is talk of a class action and ACCC involvement.

[@improbablesafari1491]

@@vtv8mandid you mean “not because you don’t love it”?

[@bencorling6893]

Thanks for the reviews guys. After watching the GT review and then this review I decided to go the tS model. Had a GT ordered but was on the fence the whole time. My tS now arrives in about 6 weeks time!

[@yendis181]

you won't be disappointed with the TS.

[@A861967]

Best review on the sportswagon, no one else explained the difference between the suspension tunes or the handling, awesome 🤩 cheers 🇦🇺

[@MrThuggery]

Very good review...I have had two Levorgs the GTS and the STI.

[@c.s2001]

Heaps of comments so far Nathan. You really put the cat amongst the pigeons. 4WD. Thats the Subaru’s Halo. I will definitely need a DoubleTap coffee tomorrow to contemplate a winner. Maybe it’s a case of horses for courses with this one. Glad to see you back.

[@yendis181]

Hi Team, i just brought the Pearl White WRX TS wagon and love it, as a nice drive or fun it still does it all and so comfortable and feels quick enough to get into trouble. lol.

[@adamzimmer762]

Ive got the fully optioned octavia rs wagon, was going to have a look at this

[@ramzanshaikh1656]

Your video quality Just Wow !!! Thanks for Sharing.✌️

[@jaxlexus384]

I was thinking the same thing, Swap the wheels and tyres off the sedan or get some better ones but i do still wish the wagon came with a manual trans because the sedan gets it why not the wagon? Good video though.

[@big-o2412]

It's been 5 months since I bought this car. In Japan, the model name is Levorg STI Sport R EX. The 2.4L turbo engine has sufficient power performance and handling is also good. The electronically controlled damper balances handling performance and comfort. It is a highly recommended car with enough living space and plenty of luggage. In addition, the EyeSight EX achieves hands-free operation at speeds under 50km/h, so I can comfortably pass through traffic jams on highways.

[@nicolasemerson7973]

Great. to hear from someone in Japan who has actually bought one of these. I'm in Japan too, and am thinking to purchase the same model you got after the next minor refresh. Thinking about getting the smart mirror. Good choice? Any recommended ad-ons to get from the dealer? Also, did you manage to get any discount? Any other info you wish you'd known before purchase? Thanks in advance!

[@big-o2412]

@@nicolasemerson7973 I also added a smart room mirror as an option. I think that it is a good equipment because it can secure rear visibility even when it is fully loaded！

[@nicolasemerson7973]

@@big-o2412 Thanks for confirming 🙂

[@andrewwalker4219]

Hands free driving, you fucken serious!

[@mistamaog]

We need this in the US ☹️

[@lazziebardakos2956]

It looks so much better than the sedan

[@syedputra5955]

What we need is a turbo xv.

[@worrywart1311]

Yes - the car needs more power, so the 1.8T thanks, not the 1.5T. I'd be ready to buy one NOW. Covid put me off my usual changeover cycle. As it stands I'll be moving from my 2015 Liberty 3.6R to a Mazda CX-30 (pity they don't give us the turbo engine either). I'm ready for a smaller car but not one dangerously slow.

[@PH-kl5qq]

@@worrywart1311 what bout Skoda Kamiq? 1.5 Turbo, I bought over cx a big reason was thus engine

[@worrywart1311]

@@PH-kl5qq The Kamiq does seem a good and reasonably priced package but I am wary of VW group products after experience of a troublesome Golf and the relentless bagging of VW by John Cadogan. My three Subarus over 18 years have been flawless. How have you found the Kamiq to be in that regard?

[@dreaminofthedrive5343]

a turbo Subaru Impreza would be nice too.

[@lindsay9697]

Take away the STI badging and you’d think it was a diesel. I would have loved a little more flair thrown at the styling personally.

[@xxsilviarxx]

I would love a comparison of this and Mazda 6’s wagon. As a mum who likes a good drive and also must punt the children around…

[@yendis181]

forget the mazda even though a great car and brand but go WRX wagon TS.

[@limewhite71]

The Levorg/WRX sportswagon, "...is it? ...isn't it?", question, to me, still seems a moot point. It basically boils down to, WRX wagons have never been as performance focused as the equivalent sedan and that is still true. As always, great review.

[@christophermancini7334]

Lol how? The 2022 models have the same specs….

[@yendis181]

there is a huge driving difference between the levorg 2 ltr turbo and the TS wagon 2.4ltr with dampers huge difference.

[@leedaq7767]

love your review, but we need outback and forester wilderness sick of meaningless sticker facelifts

[@robertoneill3047]

What would you recommened chasing cars, this or the skoda octavia vrs wagon

[@peterpacciani666]

No comparison Subaru is far superior in every aspect

[@EnShinNoi]

How do adaptive dampers work?

[@LoveMyZJ]

Wish we got this in the US :(

[@anthonyrita4366]

How do I get one in America? Is there any way to buy and have it shipped legally?

[@colhutchins]

Can anyone tell me, do the 245 tyres/wheels from the sedan fit on the wagon without any problems or rubbing? Thanks

[@ignaciovasquez5769]

Is it possible to change the tires for wider ones?

[@nomsi4263]

How do I get this for the uk, do I have to import it.

[@SAStepanenko]

Would love this engine in an Outback here in NZ. There will be no need for the Levorg-ish WRX in the lineup if there was one.

[@zaamuro8408]

So pair of STI wheels and some Michelin Pilot Sport 4/5, and you're set (atleast for the tS)

[@worrywart1311]

Or maybe even two pairs of STI wheels?

[@jasoncee666]

@@worrywart1311 yes why not get all 4 😋

[@zaamuro8408]

@@worrywart1311 haha, glad someone else understood my gibberish

[@jasonlewis2990]

Yes this is what I plan to do

[@colhutchins]

what size wheel? Can it fit 245 tyres/wheels without any problems or rubbing?

[@ryaiariot]

Wish we'd get this in the US.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

They are going to be offering the 6 speed manual transmission in Mexico for 2024.

[@robweston4608]

I get the feeling this car is a second prize.. not the winner of WRX’s we remember

[@ciello___8307]

Its a bigger wagon, its not supposed to be the most sporty one

[@robweston4608]

@@ciello___8307 if it carries the nameplate it should live up to it or leave it as Levorg. Every WRX since the original has been slower and fatter then the previous.

[@grubguts309]

So the top spec has a cvt only. So if you want the dampers you have to have cvt. Wtf subaru has no idea. Again.

[@mga71]

0-100 in the 7s apparently not exactly rapid.

[@grubguts309]

@@mga71 about 1.5secs of the mark.

[@mattmycoe8370]

Can you get that interior without the red trim? Or do I have to get the black permanent marker out? 🤣

[@aaaaplay]

Why not just put the subwoofer in the spare wheel like many other brands rather then delete the whole thing. A good sound system is something I look for in a car.

[@jasonlewis2990]

They wanted space over the stereo

[@Gazvl355]

The outback has the sub on the side...

[@mattmycoe8370]

I'll be going the wagon simply to have room for my after market sound system.

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

Watching the reviewer take eyes of the road to change driving modes made me nervous . Not sure that these functions should be screen 📺 located

[@dreaminofthedrive5343]

I noticed that too.

[@yendis181]

its obvious you haven't driven a Subaru before with all the safety features.

[@kelvpoon]

How I wish Subaru can do a cool wrx hybrid or something, surely they technology is there?

[@quocanhphanho8969]

Not there. Japanese performance hybrids are plug in hybrids, not just regular hybrid

[@JasonISF]

It was a mistake not offering the wagon with a manual gearbox.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

And in the U.S.😢

[@leim902]

Subaru nz only provide 3yr/100000km warranty 🙁🙁

[@andriybenko8654]

Australian showrooms much better than UK .

[@chrisweir1097]

Subaru should have always offered/called it a wrx wagon and not a Levorg! Levorg was just an odd name for what was a wrx wagon. Great review guys.

[@allansudi1386]

LEgacy, reVOlution, touRinG . Subaru was replacing the Subaru Legacy Wagon with the Levog.

[@dylanslaney]

thats dumb as Subaru never intended this car to be a WRX. Only Subaru Aus calls it a WRX.

[@chrisweir1097]

The wrx wagon has a long/impressive history world wide before it was dropped by Subaru for the hatch. Levorg is a dumb name or as everyone calls it Grovel.

[@tellyawhatmate]

That car has no business having any STI badges.

[@djpanda9277]

Definitely not worth buying this car very disappointing with what you get inside. 70k in Australia not thanks

[@bruunm1975]

Went to test drive the WRX TS wagon yesterday. Wow… that was a sad sluggish ride. On paper it has more Kw than my GTI Performance and it wanted a wagon. But yeah… drove back to dealership after just 10 minutes. Nice and comfortable drive, but no grunt at all. Not sure if that’s the CVT. But I’m the GTI it’s a sense of mental when in sports mode and things move. Here it always took its time to get any pickup. Sad really as I love the look and practicality. Also the breaks compared to GTI were weak and I had to press super hard. Sorry Subaru, might have to get R Wagon after all. 10-15k more but sooo much more fun. Also shows how incredible the MK7 GTI Performance is. Love it!

[@starryvoyage]

CVT?! Pass on!!

[@darthmelbius]

These reviews leave me completely hanging. I don’t know Subaru’s. I like this car but these reviews make it seem like its a disappointment even a POS.

[@jasonlewis2990]

I own one, its not a POS. Most of the negative reviews are from people who haven't driven one and just want to argue about something.

[@GspotPredator]

The ts just cheapens the sti brand. Alas the sti would die off like the trd from Toyota.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

I can't understand the point of new Subarus portfolio.... WRX and sti were the only car that was meant for purists and now they destroyed it by making it look like a crap STI AND a station wagon for that matter only has CVT ...what the hell

[@wenwen1111]

not really, it's great for a dad who want to lug a family and stuff but want a bit of driving performance as well all in 1 car with some cost constraints

[@acde9355]

Why is Subaru so thirsty for petrol?

[@jasoncee666]

Boxer engine configuration

[@TECAdventures]

They aren’t, it’s the way they are being driven during the testing. It should settle on 7.5 in the 100 zone.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

They don’t invest in the engineering

[@boostedrex19]

They don’t invest in cheating

[@acde9355]

@@boostedrex19 If someone cheats on the computer-calculated fuel consumption, that doesn't make sense when calculating the fuel consumption by yourself.

[@B00stedbarra12]

Lol Subaru's were known to be manual cars and now making shit automatics. Come on Subaru !

[@gigabyte2324]

A 20kg bag of fertilizer is more exciting than this.

[@Joobkl]

Subaru just gave up

[@514aam]

Actually fun, just got to test one, one of the more fun new wagons you can get.

[@gigabyte2324]

@@514aam if you purchased one, kudos to you. It's your money. But I could get more fun with a sleeping tablet.

[@514aam]

@@gigabyte2324 I did not, for fun cars I prefer 90s JDM, right now I'm building a 96" accord, mostly for handling than raw power, but that WRX is actually quite fun, the CVT also isn't really bad, you could tell someone that knows his stuff that it has an 8speed ZF or DCT and it is really close in feeling, that surprised me. (Sport # mode, sport and I feel like a CVT), the adaptive dampers really make it a great car if you plan on using it every day. The engine is really smooth, that's a nice thing to have in traffic.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

Buy the manual in Mexico then.