Are there front wheel drive subarus?
No. Subaru’s current lineup does not include front-wheel-drive models; virtually all mainstream Subarus use symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard or as the primary option, while the BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive exception.
The question matters for buyers who weigh drivetrain type as a factor in weather resilience, handling, and potential maintenance costs. Below is a look at Subaru's today lineup and how its drivetrain choices shape the driving experience.
Current Subaru lineup and drivetrain
Before listing the models, note that Subaru emphasizes AWD across its passenger vehicles. The following items summarize the drivetrain configuration for each model in the brand’s current lineup.
- Subaru Impreza — AWD standard
- Subaru Crosstrek — AWD standard
- Subaru Forester — AWD standard
- Subaru Outback — AWD standard
- Subaru Legacy — AWD standard
- Subaru Ascent — AWD standard
- Subaru WRX — AWD standard
In addition to these, there is a notable exception in the lineup.
- Subaru BRZ — Rear-wheel drive (not AWD)
Bottom line: The overwhelming majority of Subarus you’ll encounter on the road today are all-wheel drive, with the BRZ standing as the only non-AWD model in the current lineup.
Non-AWD outliers
The BRZ is the sole current Subaru model that operates with rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive. It is a sports-coupe aimed at driving enthusiasts, not a family crossover or sedan. All other mainstream Subarus continue to use AWD as a core feature, reinforcing the brand’s market positioning around stability and capability in diverse conditions.
Summary
Additional context
For shoppers comparing brands, it’s worth noting that AWD can affect fuel economy and purchase price, though Subaru has positioned AWD as a standard feature in most markets to emphasize safety and performance in inclement weather. Always verify the drivetrain configuration for a specific model and trim in your region before purchasing. If you require a front-drive setup, you may need to consider non-Subaru options or look at older inventory possibilities where configurations vary by market.
Conclusion
In short, there are no front-wheel-drive Subarus in the current mainstream lineup. AWD is the norm across Subaru’s family of cars and crossovers, with the BRZ as the notable exception offering rear-wheel drive. Consumers seeking front-drive vehicles will need to look beyond Subaru.
What subarus are front wheel drive?
All Subaru vehicles, except the sport-oriented BRZ that features rear-wheel drive, feature a specific variation of the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive system. All-wheel drive is not just for inclement weather.
What is the downside of fwd?
The main disadvantages of front-wheel drive (FWD) are its tendency to understeer, where the car continues straight instead of turning, and torque steer, which is a pulling sensation under acceleration due to unequal axle lengths. Other drawbacks include less stability in slippery conditions, reduced handling precision because the front wheels must both steer and accelerate, increased front tire wear, and lower towing capacity.
This video explains the differences between FWD and other drivetrains: 1mThe Engineers PostYouTube · Jan 16, 2022
Handling and stability
- Understeer: Because the front wheels are responsible for both steering and propelling the car, they can lose traction when turning and accelerating, causing the car to slide wide.
- Torque steer: Unequal drive axle lengths in FWD systems cause the car to pull to one side under hard acceleration, making it harder to control.
- Reduced stability: The weight of the engine is concentrated at the front, which can lead to less stability, especially in slippery conditions like snow or ice.
- Less responsive steering: The front wheels doing double duty can lead to a less direct and precise steering feel.
Performance and durability
- Lower towing capacity: The front wheels have to propel the car while also managing the weight of a trailer, which limits a FWD vehicle's towing ability.
- Increased tire wear: The front tires have to handle both acceleration and steering forces, leading to faster wear.
- Maintenance issues: The constant movement of the front CV axles can lead to a shorter service life for their protective boots.
You can watch this video to learn more about torque steer and understeer in FWD cars: 1mChris VS CarsYouTube · Feb 9, 2022
Are there subarus without AWD?
Every vehicle in the Subaru lineup comes standard with Subaru AWD, except the BRZ sports car.
Has Subaru ever made a FWD?
In the 1960s, Subaru introduced its first truck, the Sambar minitruck. Then in 1966, Subaru unveiled the 1000, the first car equipped with a front-wheel-drive system tied to a horizontally opposed engine.
