What Is Subaru's Symmetrical AWD System?

The automaker's signature technology comes standard on most models.

Drew Johnson | 

Mar 3, 2025 | 3 min read

Subaru

Subaru

Subaru All-Wheel Drive Dates Back to the 1970s

Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system traces its origins to the Japanese-market Leone 4WD Estate Van. Introduced in 1972, the Leone was Subaru's first mass-produced passenger vehicle with all-wheel drive.

Subaru later introduced what it called an on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD) system to the U.S. with the 1975 DL/GL wagon, which allowed the driver to switch between front-wheel and four-wheel drive with the flip of a lever. In the late 1980s, Subaru upgraded from a part-time to a full-time AWD setup, and that system eventually evolved into the brand's Symmetrical AWD. In 1996, Symmetrical AWD was made standard across Subaru's U.S. vehicle lineup.

Subaru

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Comes in Three Forms

Symmetrical AWD is a full-time system, meaning power is permanently split between the front and rear axles and doesn't require driver activation. According to Subaru, the system is named for its symmetrically laid-out drivetrain, consisting of a low-mounted boxer engine that's directly aligned with the transmission and center differential — the mechanical component that distributes power forward and aft. This configuration, which evenly distributes weight side-to-side, is intended to enhance overall balance and vehicle stability.

Subaru groups a few different types of full-time AWD systems beneath the Symmetrical AWD umbrella. The most common version is known as Active Torque Split AWD and is used in most Subaru models equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Vehicles with Active Torque Split AWD use a multi-plate transfer clutch that routes 60% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 40% to the rear wheels during normal driving conditions. The system can shuffle more power to either axle when needed, such as if wheel slippage is detected in wintry conditions.

Subaru

The CVT-equipped WRX, unlike Subaru's other CVT models, uses Variable Torque Distribution AWD. Designed for a sportier driving experience, this setup maintains a rear-biased 45/55 front/rear torque split in normal conditions. The center differential in this system can adjust to a 50/50 distribution on the fly when conditions warrant.

Subaru also makes what it calls a Viscous-Coupling Center Differential AWD. The system uses a viscous-coupling limited-slip center differential that ensures an even power split between the front and rear wheels at all times. Subaru says this variant of Symmetrical AWD is intended to give drivers neutral handling while maximizing available traction.

Subaru

X-Mode Provides Added Off-Road Capabilities

Subaru recently added to its Symmetrical AWD options with a feature called X-Mode. Available in Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and Solterra models, this driver-activated off-road setting is meant to prevent wheel slippage. Some Subaru vehicles have an X-Mode Dual Mode System that adds dedicated settings for snow or dirt and deep snow or mud.

Subaru

Symmetrical AWD Is Standard on (Nearly) Every Subaru

While Subaru could claim that all its vehicles came standard with Symmetrical AWD back in 1996, that's no longer the case today. The BRZ sports coupe debuted in the U.S. for the 2013 model year, and is only available with rear-wheel drive. That said, the BRZ is the lone outlier: Everything else in Subaru's lineup is fitted with Symmetrical AWD.

Drew Johnson

I have been a professional automotive enthusiast since 2007, featured on several nationally-recognized sites. I attended Miami University, where I earned a business degree. Car nut at heart.