SUMMARY
-
Subaru AWD, officially Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, is standard on nearly all models, providing balance, traction, and control in all conditions.
-
Full time Subaru AWD continuously delivers power to all wheels, adjusting automatically for cornering, slippery roads, and uneven terrain for consistent performance.
-
Visit Brewster Subaru to explore the full lineup, experience Symmetrical Subaru AWD firsthand, and discover vehicles engineered for safety, reliability, and confidence.
Also Read: Exploring the 2025 Subaru Outback’s Symmetrical AWD
Imagine navigating slick mountain roads or exploring rugged dirt trails with complete confidence. When you think of a Subaru, you naturally picture stability, reliability, and performance in challenging conditions. That trust comes from one core feature that defines the brand: Subaru AWD. This system is so central to the Subaru experience that it often prompts one of the most common questions among shoppers: are all Subarus AWD. The short answer is almost every model, but not quite every single one.
Subaru AWD, formally known as Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, is built into nearly every Subaru vehicle. The system is engineered to provide balance, traction, and stability, ensuring that drivers remain in control when roads turn slippery or terrain becomes unpredictable. Whether you are navigating winter weather in New York or enjoying scenic drives near Brewster Subaru, the AWD system helps you feel steady and confident behind the wheel.
Understanding Subaru AWD Across the Lineup
Many shoppers ask the question, are all Subarus AWD, when exploring new vehicles. This is a natural concern whether you are visiting a large city dealership or a local retailer like Brewster Subaru. For almost every model, the answer is yes. Subaru AWD comes standard on nearly all vehicles in the lineup, making it one of the brand’s defining characteristics.
The one exception is the Subaru BRZ sports car, which focuses on lightweight performance and rear wheel dynamics rather than full time AWD. Beyond the BRZ, every model, from practical sedans to spacious SUVs, offers standard Symmetrical AWD. So whether you are looking for a commuter vehicle or a family friendly SUV, there is a Subaru AWD model designed to meet your needs.
Models equipped with Subaru AWD include the Impreza sedan and hatchback, Legacy sedan, Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent, and WRX sedan. Even older used models retain the same full time AWD design, reflecting Subaru’s long standing commitment to safety, control, and versatility. When you explore inventory at Brewster Subaru or check out the latest releases, Subaru AWD is a standard feature that is ready to perform in any condition.
The Symmetrical Difference in Subaru AWD
Subaru AWD is fundamentally different from many other all wheel drive systems because of its unique design. This is why it is called Symmetrical AWD. Most other automakers start with a two wheel drive platform and then add components to create AWD. These systems often rely on off center driveshafts and extra differentials, which can introduce complexity and reduce efficiency.
Subaru takes a ground up approach. Every AWD model in the lineup is designed from the beginning to be AWD only. The drivetrain is laid out in a straight line, with components positioned symmetrically around the center differential. This design enhances stability, balance, and smooth power delivery, creating a system that performs consistently in all conditions.
The symmetrical layout also allows the engine to sit directly above the drivetrain, sending power straight to the wheels. Competing AWD systems often route power through multiple components before reaching the ground, which can slow response time and reduce efficiency. Subaru’s direct approach improves both performance and fuel economy while keeping the system lighter and more reliable. When you visit Brewster Subaru to explore vehicles or ask are all Subarus AWD, the symmetrical design is one of the main reasons drivers trust Subaru in every kind of weather and terrain.
Full Time Power and Control
One of the biggest advantages of Subaru AWD is that it is full time. All four wheels receive power constantly, providing consistent traction and control. Many other AWD systems are part time, operating primarily as FWD or RWD until sensors detect wheel slip, then engaging the second axle only when needed.
Subaru AWD does not wait for wheels to lose traction. Smart sensors constantly monitor grip and automatically adjust power distribution to each wheel in real time. The front, rear, and center differentials work together to deliver the ideal amount of power where it is needed most. Drivers do not need to press any buttons or make adjustments for the system to perform. Even during cornering or on uneven roads, Subaru AWD maintains control and balance.
A distinctive feature of Subaru AWD is its ability to transfer power laterally, from left to right as well as front to back. This capability is uncommon in many AWD systems, giving Subaru vehicles superior grip on wet, snowy, or loose surfaces. The system directs power to the wheels with the most traction, helping drivers maintain stability in challenging conditions.
If you are wondering, are all Subarus AWD systems always active, the answer is yes. The system is always engaged and cannot be turned off, reflecting Subaru’s design philosophy of continuous, reliable performance. When driving on slick roads with minimal wheel spin, you are witnessing the system operating exactly as it should.
Whether researching online or exploring options at Brewster Subaru, the full time AWD system is a key reason Subaru vehicles feel secure, reliable, and confident in any situation.
Enhancing Capability with X Mode
Subaru AWD is impressive on its own, but many models include X Mode, a technology that further enhances traction and control. X Mode optimizes power distribution for challenging terrain such as steep hills, muddy roads, or loose gravel. It works seamlessly with Symmetrical AWD, giving drivers even more confidence and stability in difficult conditions.
From the rugged Outback Wilderness to the all electric Solterra, models available at Brewster Subaru utilize X Mode to maximize the system’s full potential. This combination of full time AWD and intelligent traction control ensures drivers can handle unpredictable roads with ease.
A Smart Investment in Driving Confidence
All Wheel Drive vehicles are celebrated for their ability to maintain traction and control in all types of weather. Subaru AWD is designed specifically to deliver stability on slick, uneven, or challenging surfaces. The system allows drivers to take on long trips or rough terrain with confidence, creating a safer and more predictable driving experience.
Subaru AWD is also efficient under normal driving conditions. Fuel consumption is minimally affected unless the vehicle is under heavy load, towing, or traveling at higher speeds. The lighter and more efficient design of the drivetrain helps maintain excellent fuel economy for everyday driving.
Subaru’s focus on safety, reliability, and long term value makes AWD vehicles a smart choice. The brand has earned numerous awards for durability, resale value, and owner satisfaction. When asking are all Subarus AWD, you are essentially asking whether the vehicle was engineered from the ground up for consistency, capability, and safety.
From the busy streets around Capitol Subaru in San Jose, California, to the open highways near Quantrell Subaru in Lexington, Kentucky, Symmetrical AWD transforms daily driving into a confident, assured experience. Except for the BRZ, every model in the lineup features the system, delivering power to all wheels and continuously adjusting distribution to prevent loss of traction. This dependable performance is one of the many reasons Subaru remains a top choice for drivers who value peace of mind on every journey.
Final Thoughts
Subaru AWD is more than a feature; it is a promise of control, stability, and confidence on every road. With full time Symmetrical AWD and available technologies like X Mode, Subaru vehicles are designed to perform in all conditions. Whether navigating wet city streets, snowy highways, or rugged trails, you can trust the system to keep you steady.
If you are looking for a vehicle that combines safety, capability, and long lasting value, Subaru delivers. Visit Brewster Subaru to explore the full lineup and experience Symmetrical AWD firsthand. Drive with confidence, wherever the road takes you.
Pro tip: Whether you are looking for a brand new Subaru, a certified pre-owned model, or a quality used vehicle, Brewster Subaru has a wide selection to choose from. Explore their latest inventory, check out featured pre-owned options, and browse certified pre-owned models to find the perfect Subaru AWD vehicle for your lifestyle.
