Joseph Weaver If you’re a car enthusiast or a potential buyer, you may be wondering if all Subaru vehicles are all-wheel drive. The short answer is no, not all Subaru vehicles are all-wheel drive, but many of them are. In this article, we’ll explore Subaru’s all-wheel drive systems, their models, and provide you with essential information about Subaru’s history, production, and manufacturing process.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru is known for its all-wheel drive system, which provides exceptional traction and handling in all weather conditions.
- Not all Subaru vehicles are all-wheel drive, but many of them are.
- Subaru’s all-wheel drive systems come in different forms, including symmetrical all-wheel drive and X-MODE, which is designed for off-road driving.
Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive Systems
Subaru is known for its all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which provides exceptional traction and handling in all weather conditions. However, not all Subaru vehicles come with AWD. Some Subaru models, like the BRZ, only come with rear-wheel drive (RWD). Other Subaru models, like the Impreza and Legacy, come with both AWD and front-wheel drive (FWD) options.
Subaru’s AWD systems come in different forms, including:
1. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Symmetrical AWD is a standard feature on most Subaru vehicles. It provides a balanced distribution of power to all four wheels, which helps improve traction, handling, and stability on the road. This system is designed to work with Subaru’s Boxer engine, which is horizontally opposed, providing a low center of gravity that improves handling and reduces body roll.
🔑 Key Point: Symmetrical AWD is a standard feature on most Subaru vehicles.
2. X-MODE
X-MODE is a feature available on select Subaru models, including the Forester, Outback, and Ascent. It’s designed for off-road driving and provides additional traction and control in challenging conditions like mud, snow, and steep inclines. X-MODE works by optimizing the engine, transmission, AWD system, and brakes to provide maximum traction and stability.
🔑 Key Point: X-MODE is designed for off-road driving and provides additional traction and control in challenging conditions.
3. Active Torque Vectoring
Active Torque Vectoring is a feature available on select Subaru models, including the WRX, WRX STI, and Levorg. It helps improve handling and stability by directing more power to the outside wheels during cornering, which helps reduce understeer and improve grip.
🔑 Key Point: Active Torque Vectoring helps improve handling and stability during cornering.
Subaru Models
Now that we’ve covered Subaru’s all-wheel drive systems, let’s take a look at their models and which ones come with AWD.
1. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV that comes standard with AWD. It’s designed for families and can seat up to eight passengers. The Ascent comes with X-MODE, which provides additional traction and control in challenging conditions.
2. Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a sports coupe that comes with RWD. It’s designed for performance and handling and features a BOXER engine that provides a low center of gravity and improved handling.
3. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover that comes standard with AWD. It’s designed for adventure and features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X-MODE, and Symmetrical AWD.
4. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that comes standard with AWD. It’s designed for adventure and features X-MODE and Symmetrical AWD. The Forester also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it ideal for off-road driving.
5. Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that comes with both AWD and FWD options. It’s designed for practicality and fuel efficiency and features Symmetrical AWD.
6. Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that comes with both AWD and FWD options. It’s designed for comfort and features Symmetrical AWD.
7. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a midsize wagon that comes standard with AWD. It’s designed for adventure and features X-MODE and Symmetrical AWD. The Outback also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it ideal for off-road driving.
8. Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a sports sedan that comes with AWD. It’s designed for performance and features Active Torque Vectoring, Symmetrical AWD, and a turbocharged engine.
9. Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is a high-performance sports sedan that comes with AWD. It’s designed for racing and features Active Torque Vectoring, Symmetrical AWD, and a turbocharged engine.
🔑 Key Point: Subaru offers a range of models with different features, including AWD, RWD, and X-MODE.
Subaru’s History, Production, and Manufacturing Process
Subaru is a Japanese automaker that was founded in 1953. They’re known for their AWD system, which was first introduced in 1972. Subaru is a division of the Japanese transportation conglomerate, Fuji Heavy Industries, which also owns other brands like Isuzu and Saab.
Subaru vehicles are produced in Japan, the United States, and other countries around the world. The manufacturing process includes stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly, which takes place in a state-of-the-art facility. Subaru’s manufacturing process is designed to provide high-quality vehicles that are safe, reliable, and durable.
FAQ
1. Are all Subaru models all-wheel drive?
No, not all Subaru models are all-wheel drive, but many of them are. Some Subaru models, like the BRZ, only come with RWD. Other Subaru models, like the Impreza and Legacy, come with both AWD and FWD options.
2. What is Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive?
Symmetrical AWD is a standard feature on most Subaru vehicles. It provides a balanced distribution of power to all four wheels, which helps improve traction, handling, and stability on the road. This system is designed to work with Subaru’s Boxer engine, which is horizontally opposed, providing a low center of gravity that improves handling and reduces body roll.
3. What is X-MODE?
X-MODE is a feature available on select Subaru models, including the Forester, Outback, and Ascent. It’s designed for off-road driving and provides additional traction and control in challenging conditions like mud, snow, and steep inclines. X-MODE works by optimizing the engine, transmission, AWD system, and brakes to provide maximum traction and stability.
4. What is Active Torque Vectoring?
Active Torque Vectoring is a feature available on select Subaru models, including the WRX, WRX STI, and Levorg. It helps improve handling and stability by directing more power to the outside wheels during cornering, which helps reduce understeer and improve grip.
Final Thoughts
Subaru is a brand that’s known for its all-wheel drive system, which provides exceptional traction and handling in all weather conditions. While not all Subaru models come with AWD, many of them do, and there are different AWD systems to choose from, including Symmetrical AWD and X-MODE. Subaru’s history, production, and manufacturing process are designed to provide high-quality vehicles that are safe, reliable, and durable.
