The Difference Between AWD And Subaru's Symmetrical AWD
Just because two things share a name doesn’t make them one and the same. While all-wheel drive (AWD) and Subaru Symmetrical AWD share a few similarities, the experts at Lee's Summit Subaru are here to tell you these systems are anything but equal. There are massive differences in quality between AWD and what you get with Subaru, which could make a major difference when facing winter weather in and around Lee's Summit, Kansas City, and Independence, Missouri.
Continue reading to compare and contrast both AWD systems and learn more about how Subaru's offering is one of a kind.
What Does Standard AWD Bring to Your Driving Experience
There are plenty of benefits in an all-wheel drive system offered by any manufacturer. These benefits can vastly improve the overall driving experience. It begins with a primary mechanism called a drivetrain. This employs a front, rear, and center differential. As a result, all four wheels of a vehicle receive power.
There are different kinds of AWD as dictated by the type of drivetrain in the vehicle:
- Full-time AWD powers all the wheels of your vehicle non-stop, never ceasing with its efforts.
- Automatic/part-time AWD generally operates in two-wheel-drive mode. Power is only distributed to each corner of the car on an as-needed basis. Namely, when gaining traction is a priority.
Deciding on cars with these features comes down to your driving habits and what kind of terrains you’re traversing.
Most often, anyone seeking the best available AWD options on the market is bound to land themselves in the same place. More specifically, those looking for an all-wheel-drive that provides optimal safety and drivability in all conditions are bound to come across Subaru.
How Does Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Stand out from the Pack?
Here’s a list of features you should be seeking with all-wheel drive:
- Balance and an even distribution of power for maximum traction,
- Superior stability
- Optimal efficiency
- Intuitive, lightning-quick response on slippery terrains
Other manufacturers incorporating AWD tend to take a more slip-and-grip approach, while Subaru brings all the above traits to the table.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD such a high-level option on the market. You’ll find after learning about these details, it’ll be tough to choose anything else when it comes time to make a purchasing decision:
(Note that Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on All Subaru models except BRZ)
Power and Traction:
So that drivers benefit from maximum traction and acceleration, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD sends simultaneous power to all wheels. Say that you’re driving on slick, icy roads—generally the most unforgiving terrains around. In this instance, Symmetrical AWD actively distributes power to the wheels with the best traction.
No matter the road conditions, this sense of control is something that'll offer unparalleled peace of mind when driving a Subaru Forester or a Subaru Outback around Kansas City. There's no better feeling as a driver knowing that both you and your passengers will be safe—even on slick roads.
Efficiency and Durability:
As to route the same power to all wheels, standard AWD systems rely on intricate designs and additional drivetrain components. This results in making your vehicle work harder than necessary, which could prematuraly age the engine and other mechanical components.
Conversely, with Symmetrical AWD, the engine is mounted in-line with the drivetrain.
The result? A seamless, perfectly distributed transfer of power to all four wheels. No added strain to your car. Symmetrical AWD works in harmony with your vehicle, instead of acting like a separate component that turns into a burden.
Stability and Control:
Balanced design is so critical with vehicles driving in less-than-favorable conditions, such as when handing the unpredictable weather in Missouri.
For instance, with front-wheel drive vehicles, you'll find understeering or pushing during turns to be a massive problem. Alternatively, rear-wheel-drive leads you to oversteer during a turn.
Now, take Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which focuses heavily on control and stability. In Subaru vehicles, you'll always maintain a firm grip—even when the roads aren't conducive to traction.
How does this happen? Because power is explicitly distributed to the wheels with the best traction.
Subaru Does Safety the Right Way
Unlike with other manufacturer, Subaru vehicles prioritize safety beyond everything else. In fact, Subaru takes safety so seriously that they've manufacturered their vehicles in a way that 96% of Subaru vehicles soldin the last 10 years are still on the road today.*
Therefore, Symmetrical AWD isn’t the only safety feature existing within Subaru Vehicles. Instead, it’s one of many components that keeps everyone inside your vehicle safe if the unexpected occurs. You can trust nearly all Subaru vehicles to keep your loved ones safe. Here's a few of the vehicles that were named a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+:
- Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Ascent
With safety systems such as Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Vehicle Dynamics Control, Symmetrical AWD makes a pivotal puzzle piece in Subaru cars. You'll benefit from more control and confidence no matter the roads you’re driving.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is what separates Subaru from the rest of the pack. Our aim is to be the company you come to when safety on the road is your number one priority.
If All-Wheel Drive is Your Top Priority, Subaru Should Be Your Top Choice.
Everybody has different needs and preferences when it comes to their vehicle. If safely navigating the roads of Lee's Summit, Kansas City, and Independence, MO, are at the top of your priority list, you're in the right place. Now all that's left is finding the Subaru vehicle for sale near me that checks every box on your list. From the rugged Subaru Outback to the versatile Subaru Crosstrek, there's a vehicle for every driver. Let the experts at Lee's Summit Subaru make your trip to the driver's seat feel effortless.
Contact us to schedule a Subaru test drive today!