What Makes Subaru Cars Unique? A Deep Dive into Subaru’s Distinctive Abilities and Features

What Makes Subaru Cars Unique? A Deep Dive into Subaru’s Distinctive Abilities and Features

When it comes to choosing a vehicle that delivers exceptional safety, reliability, and performance, Subaru stands apart in the automotive landscape. At Sunset Hills Subaru, located at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127, we often hear from drivers across St Louis, Chesterfield, and Maplewood, MO about what makes Subaru so special. Whether you’re navigating city streets or venturing off the beaten path, Subaru’s innovative engineering and commitment to safety give drivers unmatched confidence.

If you’re curious about Subaru’s unique abilities and why so many in Richmond Heights, Webster Groves, and Fenton, MO trust this brand, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know. For service needs or to explore new Subaru models, call us at (314) 476-9638 or browse our extensive inventories.

Table of Contents

• Subaru’s Unique All-Wheel Drive System: Symmetrical AWD Explained
  Understand how Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive delivers balanced power for exceptional traction and control in any condition.
• The SUBARU BOXER® Engine: Engineering Excellence Under the Hood
  Explore the distinctive horizontally opposed engine design that provides stability, smooth performance, and durability.
• Subaru’s All-Around Safety Philosophy: A Four-Pronged Approach
  Learn how Subaru integrates primary, driving, preventive, and passive safety to protect drivers and passengers alike.
• Addressing Common Challenges: What Are Subaru’s Known Issues?
  A detailed look at maintenance considerations like CVT and head gasket concerns, along with expert advice to keep your Subaru running smoothly.
• Why Subaru Drivers Are So Loyal: Reliability, Performance, and Community
  Discover the factors behind Subaru’s legendary customer loyalty and how it continues to earn trust in Missouri communities.
• Explore Subaru Models at Sunset Hills Subaru
  Find out how to browse our new and used Subaru vehicles, including popular models like the Outback, Forester, and WRX.
• Keeping Your Subaru in Peak Condition: Service and Parts at Sunset Hills Subaru
  How our dealership supports Subaru owners with expert maintenance, genuine parts, and special service offers.

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Subaru’s Unique All-Wheel Drive System: Symmetrical AWD Explained

One of the most distinctive features that sets Subaru apart from other automakers is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Unlike many AWD systems that engage power to the wheels only when slippage is detected, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD continuously delivers balanced power to all four wheels. This design ensures consistent traction, stability, and control, whether you’re driving through the rainy streets of Glendale, MO, snowy inclines near Twin Oaks, MO, or uneven terrain in Valley Park, MO.

The system’s “symmetry” refers to the alignment of engine and drivetrain components. Subaru’s horizontally opposed boxer engine sits low and flat, allowing power to travel in a straight, balanced line through the transmission to the drive axles. This creates near-perfect weight distribution and minimizes drivetrain losses, translating to smoother handling and better fuel efficiency compared to many rivals. This is particularly beneficial for drivers facing unpredictable Midwest weather, enhancing safety without compromising driving enjoyment.

Subaru’s AWD technology is continuously refined with advanced control systems that respond to wheel slip and road conditions in milliseconds. The result is exceptional cornering stability and improved braking performance, which have earned Subaru vehicles numerous safety accolades, including several IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards. If you’re interested in experiencing this balance firsthand, visit our New Subaru Inventory to find models equipped with this remarkable drivetrain.

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The SUBARU BOXER® Engine: Engineering Excellence Under the Hood

The heart of every Subaru is its trademark SUBARU BOXER® engine, a horizontally opposed engine layout that is unlike the inline or V-type engines common in other vehicles. This flat engine design, where pistons move in opposition on a horizontal plane, offers several mechanical and driving advantages.

Firstly, the boxer engine’s low profile significantly lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. This enhanced stability benefits drivers in Chesterfield, MO, and Richmond Heights, MO, who navigate both highway speeds and winding backroads. The engine’s balanced nature also reduces vibration and engine noise, contributing to a smoother, quieter ride—a feature highly appreciated by families and commuters alike.

Compared to traditional engines, the boxer engine’s symmetrical design complements Subaru’s AWD system perfectly, enabling efficient power transfer and improved handling. Its compactness allows engineers to optimize engine bay space, which contributes to better crash safety and vehicle design flexibility.

In terms of performance, Subaru offers various boxer engine options, from naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engines known for reliability to turbocharged versions in performance models like the WRX and Outback XT. The collaboration with Toyota also introduced the FA engine series powering the sporty Subaru BRZ, combining boxer engine advantages with modern efficiency and power.

If you want to explore vehicles featuring these engines, check out our New Subaru WRX Inventory or the New Subaru BRZ Inventory.

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Subaru’s All-Around Safety Philosophy: A Four-Pronged Approach

Safety is at the core of Subaru’s design ethos, embodied in its All-Around Safety philosophy which covers four comprehensive layers:

• Primary Safety: Design elements that prevent accidents, such as excellent visibility through large windows and ergonomic controls that reduce driver fatigue. For example, Subaru vehicles have large windshield areas and strategically placed mirrors, ideal for busy urban areas like Ladue, MO or Concord, MO.

  
  

• Driving Safety: Features that enhance driver control during evasive maneuvers, including responsive steering and suspension tuned for stability.

  
  

• Preventive Safety: Proactive systems like the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which uses stereo cameras to detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist—crucial for protecting families in communities such as Sappington, MO and Webster Groves, MO.

  
  

• Passive Safety: Structural features that protect occupants if a collision occurs, such as Subaru’s high-strength steel cage and energy-absorbing crumple zones.

  
  

Together, these layers have helped Subaru achieve high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and Euro NCAP, making Subaru vehicles a top choice for safety-conscious drivers throughout the St Louis metro area.

Learn more about Subaru’s safety features when you browse our New Subaru Legacy Inventory or New Subaru Outback Inventory.

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Addressing Common Challenges: What Are Subaru’s Known Issues?

While Subaru cars are celebrated for their engineering and reliability, certain models, especially older ones, have experienced specific issues. Understanding these concerns helps owners and potential buyers make informed decisions.

• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Some Subaru models equipped with CVTs have reported issues such as hesitation or shuddering during acceleration. These symptoms often relate to transmission fluid quality or software updates.

  
  

• Head Gasket Problems: Older Subaru engines, particularly the EJ series, have been known to develop head gasket leaks which can cause coolant loss and overheating if not addressed timely.

  
  

• Timing Belt Maintenance: Failure to replace timing belts at recommended intervals may result in catastrophic engine damage. Subaru recommends strict adherence to maintenance schedules to avoid this risk.

  
  

• Rodent Damage to Wiring: Subaru’s soy-based wire coatings have occasionally attracted rodents, leading to damaged electrical wiring—something to watch for in garages near wooded or suburban areas like Crestwood, MO.

  
  

For expert repairs and genuine parts, visit our Find Subaru Parts page and to keep your vehicle in top shape, don’t hesitate to Schedule Service and Diagnostics at our Sunset Hills location.

If you’re considering an upgrade, find out how much your current Subaru is worth with our Get your value trade tool.

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Why Subaru Drivers Are So Loyal: Reliability, Performance, and Community

Subaru’s customer loyalty is legendary, especially throughout Missouri’s diverse communities—from St Charles to Fenton, MO. This loyalty stems from a combination of factors:

• Long-Lasting Reliability: Subaru engines and drivetrains often exceed 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, earning the trust of drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily life and adventure.

  
  

• Consistent Safety Leadership: Subaru’s commitment to active and passive safety systems gives owners peace of mind.

  
  

• Versatile Performance: Whether it’s the rugged capability of the Outback and Forester or the sporty excitement of the WRX and BRZ, Subaru offers something for every driver style.

  
  

• Community Engagement: Programs like Subaru’s Love Promise demonstrate a genuine commitment to social causes and community support, strengthening customer bonds.

  
  

If you want to join the Subaru family or upgrade your ride, explore our Used Vehicle Inventory or start fresh with our Current New Car Specials.

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Explore Subaru Models at Sunset Hills Subaru

Subaru’s diverse lineup offers vehicles tailored to every lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly SUVs or sporty coupes, we have you covered:

• Subaru Outback and Forester: Ideal for outdoor adventures and family travel, with spacious interiors and advanced AWD.

  
  

• Subaru Crosstrek and Ascent: Perfect for those needing versatility and comfort for city and trail driving.

  
  

• Subaru WRX and BRZ: Performance-oriented models delivering sporty handling and thrilling acceleration.

  
  

• Subaru Solterra: Subaru’s first all-electric SUV, marrying sustainability with capability.

  
  

Visit our dedicated model pages to explore:

• New Subaru Crosstrek Inventory
• New Subaru Ascent Inventory
• New Subaru Solterra Inventory
• New Subaru WRX Inventory

Our team at Sunset Hills Subaru is ready to help you find the model that fits your needs perfectly.

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Keeping Your Subaru in Peak Condition: Service and Parts at Sunset Hills Subaru

Maintaining your Subaru with expert care is crucial for longevity and performance. At Sunset Hills Subaru, we provide comprehensive service options including oil changes, brake inspections, and major repairs performed by certified technicians who understand Subaru’s unique engineering.

We offer:

• Genuine Subaru parts available via our Parts Department to ensure quality and fit.
• Special offers and discounts on maintenance through our Current Service and Parts Specials.

For all your maintenance needs, schedule your next appointment easily with our Schedule Service and Diagnostics service page.

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Subaru’s blend of innovative engineering, unwavering safety focus, and community-centered values make it a standout choice for drivers in Sunset Hills, MO, and beyond. Whether you’re navigating urban streets or exploring Missouri’s scenic landscapes, Subaru provides a driving experience that’s uniquely balanced, reliable, and safe.

Explore our extensive New Subaru Inventory and Used Vehicle Inventory to find your perfect Subaru today. For personalized assistance, visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call (314) 476-9638.

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