How Subaru Symmetrical AWD Changes Winter Driving

Ask a few winter drivers what they look for in a vehicle, and all-wheel drive comes up fast. Yet AWD systems don't all work the same way. Some only wake up after a wheel starts to slip. Subaru's system takes a different approach, and that difference shows up on every snowy drive.

Subaru has been fine-tuning Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive for more than 40 years. Here's how it works, why its layout matters and what it changes for you when the roads turn white.

What Makes Subaru AWD "Symmetrical"?

Many automakers add all-wheel drive to existing vehicle designs. Subaru engineered its system from the ground up, with every part designed to support AWD.

The engine, transmission and centre differential sit along the centre line of the vehicle. That layout keeps the vehicle balanced from side to side. The SUBARU BOXER engine lies flat, with pistons that move horizontally, which lowers the centre of gravity. Equal-length axle shafts at the front and back help eliminate torque steer and keep the tires in contact with the road.

• Engine, transmission and centre differential set along the centre line
• Flat SUBARU BOXER engine for a lower centre of gravity
• Equal-length axle shafts to eliminate torque steer
• Power sent to all four wheels, all the time

Because the engine is mounted in line with the drivetrain, power reaches all four wheels directly with fewer parts. Subaru notes that this design brings greater durability, lower maintenance costs and fuel efficiency comparable to front-wheel drive on most models.

Always On Means Ready Sooner

Part-time, or on-demand, AWD runs in two-wheel drive most of the time. It switches to AWD only after it senses a loss of traction. If conditions change suddenly, that system can react too late.

Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD is engaged all the time. Power reaches all four wheels before you hit the icy patch, so you're ready when the surface changes without warning. In everyday driving, each wheel also carries less power than it would in a front-wheel-drive car, so the tires are less likely to slip in the first place.

How It Changes Starting, Turning and Stopping

Pulling Away From a Stop

In a front-wheel-drive car, the front tires handle steering, power and most of the braking. On snow, that's a lot to ask of two tires. Sending power to all four wheels gives a Subaru more grip when you pull away from a slippery intersection.

Cornering on Slick Roads

Front-wheel-drive vehicles tend to understeer on slippery corners, pushing wide instead of following the steering wheel. Subaru's balanced, full-time AWD layout delivers more predictable handling and a planted feel through the turn.

Working With Stability Control

Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) works hand in hand with the AWD system. On vehicles with part-time AWD, the AWD can disengage when the brakes are applied. In a Subaru, power keeps flowing to all four wheels while VDC steps in, so a slipping wheel regains traction more quickly. That matters when you merge into fast-moving traffic from a stop on a wintry day.

Extra Help From X-MODE

On Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester and Outback models with the Lineartronic CVT, X-MODE adds another layer of winter capability. With one button, it adjusts engine output, the transmission, the AWD torque split and the brakes. When climbing a slippery hill, it provides 25% more AWD clutch pressure to control differences between the front and rear wheels.

X-MODE also includes Hill Descent Control, which holds a constant speed on steep descents below 20 km/h. Select models offer dual-function X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings for the heaviest snow days.

Ground Clearance for Deep Snow

All-wheel drive gets you moving, and ground clearance helps you stay clear of deep snow and frozen ruts. The Crosstrek and Forester each offer 220 mm (8.7 in) of ground clearance, while the Outback Wilderness offers 241 mm (9.5 in). The all-electric Solterra and Trailseeker both offer 210 mm (8.3 in) of ground clearance along with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

At a Glance

Feel the Difference at Subaru of Orillia

The best way to understand Symmetrical Full-Time AWD is to drive it. Stop by Subaru of Orillia to explore the lineup, and ask our team how each model handles snow. We'd be glad to welcome you in Orillia.