Are subarus front wheel biased?
No. Subarus are not front-wheel biased. The brand predominantly uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) that powers both the front and rear axles, with a notable exception: the BRZ sports coupe is rear-wheel drive.
In practice, Subaru's AWD system is designed to provide balanced traction across diverse conditions, from snow and rain to gravel and steep grades. This article explains what "front-wheel biased" would mean and how Subaru's engineering aims for balance rather than front-leaning performance.
What does front-wheel bias mean in Subaru context?
Front-wheel bias would imply that the majority of engine torque is directed to the front axle under normal conditions. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD uses a center differential to distribute power between the front and rear axles, aiming for a balanced split (often around 50/50 at cruising speeds) with electronic controls and traction systems adjusting torque when wheel slip occurs. This setup supports stable handling and improved traction on snow, rain, and irregular surfaces.
Model-by-model overview
The majority of Subaru models sold in the United States come with AWD as standard or widely available. The principal lineup elements are:
- Impreza: AWD standard on all trims in the U.S.
- Forester: AWD standard across most trims.
- Crosstrek: AWD standard.
- Outback: AWD standard.
- Legacy: AWD standard.
- WRX: AWD standard.
- Ascent: AWD standard.
- BRZ: Rear-wheel drive (the notable exception).
In practice, the above approach means Subaru vehicles maintain traction on slippery surfaces by default, with the notable exception of the BRZ, which trades AWD for rear-wheel-drive performance characteristics.
Engineering details
Subaru's Symmetrical AWD uses a center differential to distribute power between the front and rear axles, paired with a drivetrain layout designed for smooth operation and balanced weight distribution. Some models employ electronic torque vectoring and stability control to refine grip, especially in corners or on low-traction roads. In normal cruising, torque is typically balanced between the front and rear wheels, with adjustments made when sensors detect slip or reduced traction.
Driving in practice
For drivers, the practical takeaway is that Subarus tend to feel confident and stable in snow, rain, and mixed conditions thanks to the standard AWD setup. This is especially evident in models like the Forester and Outback, which are built for family use and adventurous travel across varied climates. The system is not designed to prioritize the front axle at the expense of the rear; instead, it aims for balanced distribution with safety margins. The BRZ remains an outlier as a dedicated rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with a different driving character.
Bottom line
Subaru vehicles are not front-wheel biased. The brand’s hallmark is Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, delivering balanced torque to both axles and adjusting to terrain or weather conditions. The BRZ stands out as the notable exception in the current lineup, reflecting a different performance emphasis.
Summary
In short, Subarus emphasize AWD symmetry over front-wheel bias. With few exceptions, the company's vehicles distribute torque to the front and rear axles to maintain traction and stability across diverse conditions. For most buyers, that means safer, more predictable performance in winter weather and on slick roads, rather than a front-biased drive system.
