It’s Time To Bring Subaru’s Hot Layback Sportwagon To The U.S.

Subaru brought the new Layback in Japan, but it isn't selling. Should the Japanese automaker bring the turbocharged sport wagon to the U.S. market, and would it sell here? I think it would be a hot new offering.

Should Subaru bring the Layback to the U.S.?

Subaru Corporation recently introduced and now manufactures a new Layback compact sport wagon for its Japanese customers, but it isn't selling well. A report from BestCarWeb says Subaru is only selling an average of 1,207 models to customers in the Japanese market. 

BestCar Web says, "The Layback was released as a raised version of the Levorg. It has a ground clearance of 200 mm (7.9 inches), but its wagon shape means it can carry a lot of luggage! However, its average monthly sales of 1,207 units is a bit of a struggle."

Let's explore whether Subaru of America (SOA) should consider rebadging the Sportwagon and offering it to U.S. and Canadian customers. I covered the new Subaru Layback's Japanese launch in detail. You can read my full report here.

It's time to bring the Layback to North America. 

I've wondered about the exclusive Subaru Layback, a model only available for sale in Japan, and why Subaru of America doesn't ask Subaru Corp. to import it for North American customers. Unfortunately, it's forbidden fruit. 

Since it's not selling well in Japan, Subaru Corporation should make a few changes, create a U.S.-spec version, and offer a hot new sport wagon in North America. U.S. dealers have nothing like it, and it could be a hot seller. 

Let's delve into what makes the Layback stand out.  

The new Layback was designed to give the Levorg Sportwagon a more rugged version with higher ground clearance, a unique selling point that could attract U.S. customers. Subaru has successfully created a distinct model. 

The Japanese-specification 2024 Subaru Levorg Layback is not just another model. It's a unique creation with new upgrades, making it more off-road friendly than the standard Levorg Sportwagon. 

The new Layback Sportwagon hatch boasts rugged looks and an off-road-tuned chassis. Think of the Layback as a compact version of the Outback Wilderness, only in a smaller, sportier package. 

Layback comes with a 1.8-liter turbo engine. 

The new Layback is everything you want in a Subaru sportwagon. It comes with the Japanese automaker's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel drive and is powered by a 1.8-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine. The turbocharged direct-injection (DIT) engine produces 175 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It's the ideal powerplant, offering improved fuel efficiency for city driving. 

Compare that with Subaru Crosstrek's 2.5-liter Boxer engine available in the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels. It produces 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. 

The Layback engine has an impressive 221 lb-ft of torque, giving it more power to pull a high mountain pass or carry extra cargo. It's ideal for road trips and outdoor excursions. 

Why doesn't Subaru of America bring it to the U.S.?

I'm suggesting that Subaru of America should consider rebadging the Layback (I'm not too fond of the name) and offering it as a new sporty compact hatchback trim level for North American customers. This could be part of a strategic marketing plan to differentiate it from the Crosstrek and Impreza. 

SOA could replace the U.S.-Spec Impreza or market it as the 'new' Impreza sport wagon. This would create distance between the Crosstrek and Impreza, which are too much alike now. 

I recently wrote that Subaru should give Impreza a new identity because it's essentially a lowered Crosstrek and doesn't have the benefits customers want. Buyers now choose the Crosstrek over the Impreza. It's why Impreza sales are dropping. Check out my report here.

Alternatively, a new nameplate could be introduced, offering a fresh and exciting option for North American customers. Subaru has plenty of new names to choose from. Check out the twelve new outdoor-themed names they have on file with the U.S. Patent Office in my report here. 

Check this out.

Imagine a rebadged Layback for North America. It's a hot compact hatchback with a turbo engine. It's not just a fit for active customers who want a more fuel-efficient model for off-road use, but it also opens up new possibilities for Subaru in the U.S. market. 

Now imagine a Layback Wilderness trim level. 

Let's give the Layback upgrades for North American customers. A new rugged outdoor-themed Layback Wilderness would be a hot item. It would have 9.3 inches of ground clearance, the automaker's dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability, and the other Wilderness upgrades and voila; you have a hot, rugged, compact turbocharged hatchback for outdoor enthusiasts. 

We can dream more.

SOA could bring the newly rebadged Layback to U.S. customers as a new Hybrid trim level. There could be two trim levels, the Hybrid and the Wilderness trim. Subaru is now developing its new Boxer/Hybrid technology, which would be the ideal model to get it. Check out the latest technology in my report here.

Pricing for the new Layback compact sport wagon would start at just under $30,000 making it an affordable option for North America. The Wilderness trim would be around $35,000 with its rugged upgrades. 

It makes sense for North American customers.

Subaru can invest little in R&D because the Japanese automaker wouldn't have to develop an all-new model from the ground up. The hard work of vehicle research and development has already been done. All Subaru Corporation has to do is give it U.S.-specs, make it more rugged for active customers, and begin taking orders. 

The new Subaru Layback may not be performing well in Japan, but it has the potential to be a game-changer in North America. Could it be time for Subaru Corp. to introduce this turbocharged sport wagon to the U.S.? I believe it could be a resounding success, like a hot latte on a chilly morning. 

What are your thoughts on this? Would you be interested in purchasing an outdoor-themed rebadged Layback Wilderness trim level? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your views with us.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru Corp.