Does the Subaru WRX have a limited slip differential?

The Subaru WRX uses all-wheel drive with a center differential that biases torque for traction, but it does not rely on a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential in most trims. The exact setup varies by model year and transmission, with the STI offering more conventional mechanical differentials. Here’s how it breaks down across recent WRX generations.

How Subaru’s AWD architecture works in the WRX

Subaru’s WRX belongs to the brand’s Symmetrical AWD family, which centers around a differential arrangement that distributes power across the front and rear axles. In modern WRX cars, the center differential is electronically controlled or viscous-coupled, designed to optimize grip and stability rather than operate as a classic, hard-clutch limited-slip unit. The system also includes dynamic torque vectoring and terrain modes to manage slip under various conditions. The presence or absence of a traditional mechanical LSD depends on year, trim, and transmission choice.

WRX by generation and trim

Current generation (2022–present)

In the current WRX generation, both the manual and CVT models use a center differential that provides torque biasing between the front and rear axles. This setup is not a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential on the WRX as sold today. There is no factory option for a front or rear mechanical LSD on the standard WRX line; the more advanced mechanical LSDs are associated with the STI model rather than the WRX.

Older generations (pre-2022)

Across older WRX iterations, Subaru continued to use an AWD center differential system designed to allocate torque to the wheels with more grip. While the system improves traction, most WRX models did not include a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential on the rear or front axle as a standard or widely available option. The STI line remained separate, with its own mechanical differentials and a driver-controlled center differential (DCCD) for more aggressive torque distribution.

LSD: WRX vs STI

Here’s how the WRX compares to the STI when it comes to limited-slip hardware and behavior:

Before this list, note that the details vary by model year and region. The following points summarize common configurations seen in recent years.



• WRX typically uses an AWD center differential that biases torque electronically or via viscous coupling. This provides LSD-like action under slip but is not a traditional mechanical LSD in most trims.


• There is no widely available factory front or rear mechanical LSD option on the standard WRX lineup in recent generations.


• Subaru’s STI, by contrast, employs mechanical front and rear differentials with a center differential (DCCD) that can be tuned for performance, including actual mechanical LSD behavior on certain trims.


• For drivers seeking true mechanical limited-slip performance on a WRX, the STI is the model traditionally associated with that configuration, and aftermarket options may exist but are not standard from the factory.

Concluding thought: If you want genuine mechanical LSDs on a Subaru, the WRX is not the typical choice; the STI is designed with those features, while the WRX emphasizes a highly capable AWD system with torque biasing and electronic control.

Summary

In short, the current Subaru WRX uses a center differential-based AWD system that provides traction management and slip control without relying on a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential in most trims. The STI remains the model in the lineup that employs mechanical differentials with a DCCD for more aggressive, tunable torque distribution. Always check the exact specifications for your model year and market, as configurations can vary.

Does Subaru have a limited slip differential?

At the core of our legendary symmetrical-full-time AWD system is Subaru's centre limited-slip differential.

What kind of differential does a WRX have?

The new wrx models utilize an “e-lsd” where the car relies on individual braking to match wheel speeds and simulate some kind of limited slip.

How do I tell if my differential is limited-slip?

You can tell if your differential is a limited slip by performing a simple test on a lifted vehicle or by checking for a specific tag on the differential housing. With the rear wheels off the ground and the vehicle in neutral, spin one wheel by hand; if the other wheel spins in the same direction, it's a limited slip. If the other wheel spins in the opposite direction, it's an open differential. 
Method 1: Test the wheels

1. Park and secure the vehicle. Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and block the front wheels to prevent rolling. 
2. Safely lift the rear. Use a jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. 
3. Place the transmission in neutral. Make sure the transmission is in neutral. 
4. Spin one rear wheel. Rotate one of the rear wheels by hand. 
5. Observe the other wheel. 
   • Same direction: If the opposite rear wheel turns in the same direction as the one you're spinning, you have a limited slip differential. 
   • Opposite direction: If the opposite rear wheel turns in the opposite direction, you have an open differential. 

This video demonstrates how to test if your car has a limited slip differential: 45sERICSDIYGARAGEYouTube · Dec 8, 2018
Method 2: Check the tag

1. Locate the differential. Find the differential housing at the rear of the vehicle. 
2. Look for a tag. Check for a sticker or tag on the differential that says, "Use only limited slip differential fluid". 
3. Consider the tag's reliability. This tag can sometimes be missing, damaged, or removed, so the wheel test is a more definitive method. 

This video shows how to check the tag on the differential housing: 51sChrisFixYouTube · Nov 26, 2012

Does WRX have limited slips?

No, the standard Subaru WRX (since 2015, for example) does not come with a mechanical limited slip differential (LSD) from the factory; instead, it uses an electronic system to simulate an LSD effect. However, older WRX models did have a rear viscous LSD, and the high-performance STI version has mechanical LSDs in both the front and rear. It is possible to add an aftermarket mechanical LSD to a standard WRX.
 
Standard WRX

• No mechanical LSD: Newer standard WRX models typically lack a mechanical LSD, using an electronic torque-vectoring system that applies the brakes to simulate the effect of an LSD. 
• Aftermarket upgrade: You can install an aftermarket mechanical LSD, which can be a popular modification for improved traction and handling, especially in performance driving or autocross situations. 

WRX STI

• Mechanical LSDs: The WRX STI comes equipped with a mechanical all-wheel-drive system that includes both front and rear mechanical LSDs.
• Driver-adjustable: The STI features a Driver-Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) that allows drivers to adjust the torque split for different conditions.