Spy pics of the next-gen Subaru WRX Sportswagon suggest a major change could be on the way.
The 2027 Subaru WRX Sportswagon has been spied in Japan, with a significant exterior detail hinting at a major powertrain change.
The iconic bonnet scoop, a feature of every WRX model so far, appears to be absent from the next-generation model, hinting at the adoption of hybrid-power.
The WRX Sportswagon, which is sold as the Levorg in Japan, offers a more pedestrian 1.8-litre turbo petrol with 130kW in place of the performance-oriented 202kW 2.4-litre model sold in Australia.
Both the 1.8-litre and 2.4-litre Levorg currently feature a bonnet scoop to direct ambient air to the top-mounted intercooler.
MORE: Subaru WRX STI ‘return’ hasn’t gone down well with fans
Other styling changes visible on the new model include a smoother grille outline, which then flows into the headlights, similar to what’s currently seen on the SUV-styled Levorg Layback model in Japan.
The same grille and headlight profile was also previewed by Subaru on the STI-enhanced Performance-B concept in January 2026, with a mesh insert instead of this car’s horizontal slats.
Subaru’s hybrid systems so far use naturally aspirated engines, eliminating the need for a bonnet scoop.
Japanese media has speculated that the flat bonnet on the pre-production model spied testing hints at the fitment of Subaru’s ‘strong hybrid’ powertrain.
MORE: Subaru WRX STI hatch returns as aggressive concept, but you won’t be able to buy one
In the new Forester, Subaru’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine is paired with a Toyota-sourced motor and battery for a combined 145kW output and official fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km.
The current WRX Sportswagon wears an 8.5L/100km rating.
With the current-generation Levorg/WRX Sportswagon entering production in 2020, its replacement is expected to follow later this year in Japan, with overseas markets likely to follow in 2027.
Increasing pressure on carmakers to reduce emissions could see entry-level turbo engines dropped from the Levorg in favour of hybrids.
MORE: Is this the next Subaru WRX? Mysterious performance car teased
While the first-generation Levorg launched in Australia with a 197kW 2.0-litre turbo engine, an entry-level 125kW 1.6-litre turbo engine was added to the range later.
With the second-gen model, Subaru rebranded the Levorg as a member of the WRX range and opted only for its more powerful 2.4-litre engine.
With Australian new car distributors now facing fines for high-emissions vehicles sold here, it’s possible a hybrid version of the next Levorg could be an attractive option for the brand, to help offset the emission impact of high-performance versions.
A hybrid model could see Subaru return to the Levorg name, or potentially split hybrid and high-performance models into two different model lines.
The post Subaru WRX may ditch turbo for hybrid power appeared first on Drive.
