Subaru has been convinced for decades that the ideal powertrain for delivering performance and safety is our legendary symmetrical full-time AWD system. Why not front- or rear-wheel drive? While both undoubtedly have their advantages in certain conditions, only power distributed to all four wheels can provide both an enjoyable driving experience and a greater feeling of security in all situations.

First, there's the radical combination of placing compact, horizontally-opposed SUBARU BOXER engines - which help to provide a low centre of gravity - and an efficient, balanced transmission along the centreline of the vehicle. That creates a stable foundation that translates into superb cornering and responsiveness.
With the symmetrical AWD system at its heart, the whole package is highly efficient, providing extremely precise steering response in corners as well as surefooted stability when travelling at high speeds or in bad weather. It is this level of balance and predictability that gives agility and responsiveness beyond the capabilities of conventional AWD systems. That's why Subaru has championed this technology for so long.

 

Our symmetrical full-time AWD system's balance is mainly due to its longitudinally mounted components, with almost total side-to-side symmetry. In this system, engines are mounted low, while heavy items (such as the transmission) are mounted further back, within the wheelbase. With this design, weight is balanced laterally and the centre of gravity is where it should be: low to the ground and between front and rear wheels.