01 / BALANCE
Designed as a system
The BOXER engine and symmetrical drivetrain packaging are engineered together to support balanced vehicle dynamics.
All-Wheel-Drive
Sunset Hills Subaru • Engineering confidence
All-wheel drive. All-season confidence.
From rainy St. Louis commutes to snow-covered neighborhood streets, discover how Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive helps put traction and control to work.
Built around balance
What makes Subaru Symmetrical AWD different?
The Subaru BOXER engine and a longitudinally arranged drivetrain form the foundation of Subaru's balanced all-wheel-drive design.
On many Subaru gasoline-powered models, power is delivered to the front and rear axles continuously, with distribution adjusted according to driving conditions. The layout is designed to support stability, predictable handling, and confident acceleration on changing surfaces.
Specific AWD hardware and torque distribution vary by model, transmission, and model year.
Find your AWD SubaruPower in motionConceptual drivetrain · not to scale
Animated lines illustrate torque distribution
01 · EngineThe low-profile BOXER engine sits at the front of many gasoline Subaru models.
02 · DrivetrainThe longitudinal arrangement connects the engine and front-to-rear drive system.
03 · Four wheelsTorque is managed across the axles to respond to driving conditions.
Keep Your Subaru Drivetrain Performing
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive works together with your vehicle's transmission to help deliver power to the wheels. If you notice unusual noises, vibration, or changes in acceleration, a professional inspection can help identify the cause.
Learn About Subaru Transmission ServiceThe Subaru advantage
Three ideas behind confident traction.
All-wheel drive is about more than getting moving after a snowfall. It can help manage power delivery in everyday driving, too.
02 / RESPONSE
Power that adapts
AWD controls use vehicle and wheel information to adjust front-to-rear torque distribution as conditions change.
03 / VERSATILITY
Ready for daily roads
Subaru Symmetrical AWD is designed for use on dry pavement as well as wet and snowy roads—no manual 4WD engagement required.
Understand the difference
Continuous AWD vs. on-demand AWD.
Not every all-wheel-drive system uses the same strategy. Some distribute torque between axles continuously; others prioritize one axle and engage or increase drive to the other as needed. Modern systems in both categories can respond proactively.
Subaru Symmetrical AWD
Continuous, integrated traction
- Front and rear axles receive drive during normal operation on many gasoline Subaru models.
- Electronically managed torque distribution responds to conditions.
- Paired with Subaru vehicle dynamics and traction-control technologies.
Other AWD architectures
Different ways to distribute torque
- Some systems emphasize front-wheel drive in lighter-load conditions.
- Some proactively send torque rearward before wheelspin.
- Capability depends on the specific vehicle, tires, programming, and road conditions.
Comparison is architectural, not a controlled performance test. Honda and Toyota offer multiple AWD designs; specifications vary by model and year.
Beyond ordinary roads
X-MODE: extra help when traction gets tricky.
Available Subaru X-MODE coordinates engine output, transmission behavior, AWD, braking, and traction control to help manage challenging low-speed surfaces.
Snow & dirt
Available settings tailor the vehicle's response for slippery or loose surfaces.
Deep snow & mud
On select models, an additional mode permits more wheelspin when appropriate for maintaining momentum.
Hill descent control
On equipped models, the system helps regulate speed on steep descents so the driver can concentrate on steering.
X-MODE features and operating speed limits vary by model and trim. Always consult the owner's manual.
More than the drivetrain
Traction, stability, and smart braking work together.
Subaru's available Active Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control systems can selectively apply braking and manage engine output to help a vehicle follow the driver's intended path.
These systems complement AWD, but they cannot create grip where tires have little traction. On ice, slowing down, allowing more stopping distance, and using appropriate tires remain essential.
Explore Crosstrek
Engineered for confidence
AWD is only one part of Subaru safety.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive helps manage traction when accelerating, while Subaru's available driver-assist and active safety technologies support awareness and vehicle control in other ways. Explore how these systems work together on the road.
EyeSight Driver AssistAvailable camera-based assistance can alert the driver and, in certain situations, help apply braking.
Blind-Spot DetectionAvailable alerts can help you stay aware of vehicles alongside your Subaru.
Vehicle Dynamics ControlHelps support stability by responding to detected differences between intended and actual vehicle motion.
Feature availability and operation vary by model, trim and year. Driver-assist systems do not replace attentive driving.
An electric evolution
All-wheel-drive thinking, reimagined for EVs.
The Subaru Solterra uses an electric AWD architecture rather than the conventional gasoline-engine drivetrain.
Electric motors can control drive torque quickly, and available X-MODE supports traction management on challenging surfaces. This is a different mechanical system from Subaru's traditional Symmetrical AWD layout, but it serves a familiar goal: confident control.
Motor configurations, specifications, and available features depend on the model year and trim.
Explore Solterra
Protect the performance
Great AWD starts with great tires.
Even the most sophisticated drivetrain depends on tire grip. Regular maintenance matters for traction, efficiency, and drivetrain longevity.
- Match tire specifications. Use tires of the correct size, construction, and compatible tread wear, following your model's owner's manual.
- Rotate and inspect. Check pressure, tread depth, and wear patterns at the intervals specified for your Subaru.
- Inspect drivetrain fluids. Differential fluid inspection and replacement requirements vary by model and driving conditions.
- Prepare for winter. Have tires, brakes, battery, wipers, and fluids checked before freezing weather arrives.
Built for St. Louis driving
From Watson Road to winter highways.
St. Louis weather can change quickly. Rain, slush, freezing temperatures, and untreated neighborhood roads make traction an important part of choosing a vehicle.
LOCAL COMMUTES
Rainy mornings
AWD can help distribute power during acceleration on wet pavement, while good tires and safe speed remain vital.
WINTER CONDITIONS
Snowy side streets
Available X-MODE and AWD can help manage low-speed traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
YEAR-ROUND
Everyday confidence
Subaru AWD is designed to operate seamlessly across changing road surfaces throughout the year.
Your questions, answered
Subaru AWD FAQs
Is Subaru Symmetrical AWD always on?
On many gasoline-powered Subaru models, the system continuously delivers drive to both axles, adjusting torque as needed. The precise configuration varies by vehicle and transmission.
Is Subaru AWD better in snow than front-wheel drive?
AWD can improve the ability to accelerate or get moving on slippery surfaces. Stopping and turning depend heavily on tires, road conditions, and driver behavior. Winter tires may provide a substantial benefit in snow and ice.
Does Subaru AWD prevent sliding on black ice?
No. AWD cannot eliminate loss of traction on ice, and it does not shorten braking distances by itself. Reduce speed and leave extra space in freezing conditions.
What's the difference between AWD and X-MODE?
AWD distributes drive torque between axles. Available X-MODE coordinates multiple vehicle systems to help manage difficult low-speed surfaces, such as snow, mud, or steep grades.
Can I drive a Subaru AWD vehicle on dry pavement?
Yes. Subaru Symmetrical AWD is designed for normal driving on dry roads as well as wet and slippery surfaces, unlike some part-time four-wheel-drive systems that require specific surfaces or modes.
Do all Subaru vehicles have Symmetrical AWD?
No. The rear-wheel-drive Subaru BRZ is a notable exception, and electric models use different AWD hardware. Always check the exact model's specifications.
Do all four Subaru tires need to match?
Subaru AWD vehicles require closely matched tires to avoid unnecessary drivetrain stress. Consult the owner's manual or a Subaru service advisor for your model's specific allowable tread-depth difference.
Experience it yourself
Find your confidence at Sunset Hills Subaru.
Explore an AWD-equipped Subaru, ask our team about available X-MODE features, or prepare your current Subaru for changing Missouri weather.
Sunset Hills Subaru
10100 Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127
