Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is your brand's proprietary full-time AWD drivetrain system. It's built with a straight-line layout comprised of a horizontally opposed, flat-four Subaru BOXER® engine and equal-length drive shafts on both sides. This design balances your Subaru vehicle's weight, keeping its center of gravity low and enhancing its stability, both on the roads around Riverhead and off the beaten path.
What is Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive?
How Subaru AWD Differs from Other AWD Systems
Other brands' all-wheel drivetrains remain in front-wheel drive (FWD) until sensors detect tires slipping. Subaru Symmetrical AWD, in contrast, is permanently active. It sends power to all four wheels continuously, making your vehicle ready for any adventure out of Suffolk County.
Benefits of Symmetrical AWD for Long Island Driving
Here in Long Island, when it comes to terrain and weather, we've got the worst of both worlds. On the one hand, gravelly moraines sprawl along the coast. On the other, sandy plains stretch to the interior. On the North Shore, hills and valleys ascend to steep bluffs, descending into the Long Island Sound. On the South, broad, flat topography, dotted with wetlands, lagoons, and barrier beaches.
In either case, humid, rainy summers give way to frigid, snowy winters, and travel from Sayville to Brentwood can be trouble, with conditions changing moment to moment. That's where a Subaru all-wheel drivetrain can make all the difference. Models equipped with X-MODE® adjust select operational settings at low speeds, improving capability across drifted snow, through thick mud, up steep hills, and in other situations where having the most traction possible is key.
Confidence for Daily Commuting and Weekend Travel
Subaru designs every car or SUV with protecting you and your loved ones in mind, whether you're navigating dense urban traffic while driving to work in Smithville or splitting town for that long-planned getaway. Symmetrical AWD, however, shows only part of the brand's commitment to your safety. You can also enjoy the peace of mind that elevated ground clearance - up to 9.5 inches on select models and trims - provides for clearing ruts, powering across gravel, and charging down rough trailheads. What's more, most models feature standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, designed to work with AWD to monitor your driving environment, help maintain speed, and steer you clear of accidents.
Which Subaru models include Symmetrical AWD?
Almost every new Subaru vehicle comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, including:
- Sedans and hatchbacks such as the Subaru Impreza, Subaru Legacy, and the high-performance Subaru WRX
- SUVs and crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Subaru Ascent, and the all-electric Subaru Solterra
The Subaru BRZ sports car, however, comes standard with rear-wheel-drive (RWD).
Frequently Asked Questions about Subaru Drivetrain Technology
Can I turn Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive off?
No, like most AWD systems, the one in your Subaru is full-time and always on, designed to deliver power to wheels based on sensor feedback consistently. It doesn't revert to FWD.
Does Subaru AWD use more gas?
Yes, but fuel consumption typically only increases in situations where your vehicle needs extra horsepower and torque, such as when towing, driving uphill, and accelerating and remaining at high speeds. Its effect on most daily driving on flat, dry roads should be negligible.
How does Subaru X-MODE work?
When you turn X-MODE on, it uses the AWD system's sensors to more finely adjust everything from throttle and transmission settings to torque distribution and brake response, dramatically enhancing traction and better stabilizing and controlling the ride. It's especially helpful for driving on snowy, unplowed highways, down steep, icy hills, and up muddy, unpaved roads.
Learn More About Symmetrical AWD at Riverhead Bay Subaru
Our friendly sales team is well-versed in Subaru drivetrain technologies. Contact us to schedule a test drive today; we'll give you a personal tour of the car or SUV you prefer and introduce you to the capabilities of the Symmetrical AWD system. You're welcome to stop by our finance department while you're here to discuss our many affordable auto loans and lease offers, as well as learn about the benefits of buying vs. leasing. We recommend completing our pre-approval form online to save time during your visit. We'll be excited to hear from you.
