2021 Subaru Levorg is the cure for the common crossover

Just about every automaker makes a crossover these days. After all, these vehicles bring in a lot of sales for car companies, along with big profits. People buy them in droves and manufacturers can't build them fast enough.

But while these vehicles are money makers for these car companies, it's nice to see something that isn't a crossover. So it was a breath of fresh air when Subaru surprised many by unveiling the all-new Levorg two months ahead of its intended launch date. The Levorg station wagon could just be the cure for the common crossover, and it makes a strong case for itself too.

New engine

The Levorg is the first Subaru to get the latest line of compact turbocharged engines. It's dubbed the CA-series, and it could be the engine that can power the rest of Subaru's range in the future. In the case of the Levorg, the engine is called the CA18 and it's a boosted 1.8-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine. It makes more power and torque than the outgoing 1.6-liter turbo too. This engine is good for 177 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

Where's the 2.0-liter, you ask? That might take a while but the CA18 does produce very respectable numbers for a family car. Even with a turbocharger, Subaru claims that it can even run on regular fuel.

Fuel Economy

Since it's lighter than a crossover, the Levorg has impressive (claimed) fuel economy numbers too. Subaru says it can do 16.6 kilometers per liter in mixed city and highway driving conditions. Those are good numbers, especially when you factor in the Levorg's (relatively) heavy all-wheel-drive system.

Cargo capacity

Here's another reason why you should consider the Levorg over a crossover. Because of its wagon body style, it has a bigger cargo area than most crossovers. The Levorg has a total cargo area of over 560 liters (cargo floor + underfloor compartment), which is a lot more than the Forester and XV. To put things into perspective, the current Forester has about 500 liters while the XV has 410 liters.

A reputation for safety

No, the all-new Levorg hasn't been crash-tested yet, but Subaru's track record for safety is giving us high expectations. Also, Subaru's active safety system suite, EyeSight, is fitted standard for the Japan-spec models. We're expecting it to be offered here too if Subaru Philippines decides to continue selling the Levorg locally. After all, they have been pushing EyeSight for a few years now and we don't see them stopping that safety campaign either.

Should you buy it?

If Subaru Philippines will price the Levorg competitively, we don't see any reason why you shouldn't buy it. Sure, it's not as tall as the XV or Forester, but it is more powerful and can carry more at the back. It's a sharp-looking wagon too with those aggressive-looking headlights and the integrated hood scoop. However, the reality is more people will still go for the Forester and XV because of ride height but do consider the Levorg wagon once it lands here.

To Subaru Philippines, please bring it here ASAP. Please?