Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Technology | Shingle Springs Subaru

August 15th, 2025

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a cornerstone of the brand's engineering, designed to provide outstanding stability, safety, and performance on the road. At the heart of this system is the longitudinally mounted Horizontally-Opposed SUBARU BOXER^® engine, paired with a perfectly symmetrical 4WD drivetrain. This balanced layout ensures power is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels, providing reliable traction in a wide range of driving conditions. For over 50 years, Subaru has refined this innovative drivetrain to deliver consistent, confident handling and superior control. The system's low center of gravity, thanks to the BOXER engine's horizontal design, combined with its symmetrical drivetrain, reduces chassis roll and pitch during cornering and over uneven surfaces. This not only improves overall vehicle stability but also enhances ride comfort for everyone inside the car. Whether you're navigating tight turns or cruising on the highway, Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers peace of mind and a smooth, connected driving experience.

Handling Benefits of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Unlike traditional front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive systems, Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology delivers power evenly to all four wheels, providing balanced traction and neutral handling. This even power distribution helps maintain control and stability, especially in slippery or challenging road conditions such as rain, snow, or gravel. The system's unique design places key components lower in the vehicle, which lowers the center of gravity. This enhances overall stability and improves cornering performance, giving drivers a smoother, more confident ride. Whether you're navigating sharp turns or driving on uneven terrain, Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers superior control, safety, and peace of mind in virtually any driving situation.

Performance Benefits of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Subaru offers a range of advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems designed to complement different transmission types and driving styles. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, Subaru uses an active torque split AWD system that continuously adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels to optimize traction and fuel efficiency. For drivers seeking enhanced handling and sporty performance, the variable torque distribution AWD system improves cornering by dynamically shifting power to the wheels that need it most. Meanwhile, Subaru's viscous center differential AWD system, specially designed for manual transmissions, ensures maximum traction by sending power to the wheels with the best grip, providing confident and spirited driving in a variety of road conditions.

If you have any questions about Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, want to explore our exciting Subaru inventory, or need assistance with anything else, don't hesitate to contact Shingle Springs Subaru online, by phone, or visit us in person at 4045 Wild Chaparral Drive in Shingle Springs, CA. We're here to help!