How many differentials do subarus have?
Subaru’s all‑wheel‑drive models typically use three differentials: front, center, and rear. If a Subaru isn’t equipped with AWD, such as the BRZ, it generally has a single differential on the driven axle.
Understanding Subaru’s AWD differential setup
Most Subarus that wear the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive badge rely on a three‑differential layout to balance torque between the wheels and keep power flowing during cornering or low‑traction conditions. The front and rear differentials sit on the respective axles, while a center differential lives in the transfer case to divide torque between the front and rear axles. Over the years, Subaru has used a mix of center-differential designs, including viscous couplings, mechanical (often tor-sen style) differentials, and driver‑controlled or electronically managed units in performance models.
Three-differential configuration in AWD Subarus
In this standard setup, three distinct differential units work together:
- Front differential — powers the front wheels and allows them to turn at different speeds from the rear wheels.
- Center differential — sits in the transfer case and distributes torque between the front and rear axles, enabling slip during turns or on slippery surfaces.
- Rear differential — powers the rear wheels and accommodates speed differences with the front axle.
In most everyday driving, Subaru’s three‑diff system operates transparently, maximizing stability and grip. Performance variants and certain model years have offered adjustable center differential controls to bias torque distribution between front and rearAXLES for sport handling or challenging conditions.
Which Subarus use three differentials, and where exceptions exist
The vast majority of Subaru models with AWD—such as the Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Crosstrek, and Ascent—employ the three‑differential Symmetrical AWD layout. High‑performance variants have additional center‑diff features:
- WRX and WRX STI — all‑wheel drive, with the STI historically offering a driver‑controlled center differential (DCCD) for biasing front/rear torque in certain generations. Modern iterations keep the AWD layout, with varying levels of center‑diff adjustability.
- BRZ — a rear‑wheel‑drive model in Subaru’s lineup, typically with a single rear differential and no center diff.
These distinctions reflect how Subaru has balanced daily practicality with sportier applications across its lineup. The core takeaway remains that AWD Subarus generally have three differentials, while non‑AWD Subarus have only the differential on the driven axle.
Technical notes and edge cases
Subaru has experimented with several center‑diff technologies over time. Early AWD systems often used a viscous coupling in the center, while many newer models use a mechanical or electronically controlled center differential. Some performance models, most notably certain generations of the WRX STI, feature driver‑controlled center differential (DCCD) that lets the driver bias torque split between the front and rear axles. Front and rear differentials in these vehicles handle wheel‑speed differences on their respective axles, regardless of the center differential configuration.
Summary
For Subarus with symmetric all‑wheel drive, you’re typically looking at three differentials: front, center, and rear. If the car is not AWD (such as the BRZ), there is usually a single differential on the driven axle. Model and generation details can modify how the center differential behaves, with some high‑performance versions offering driver adjustment to torque bias, but the three‑diff configuration remains the standard in the vast majority of the lineup.
Do Subarus have limited slip differentials?
The front axle offers a Helical limited slip differential while the rear holds a Torsen limited slip differential.
Do Subarus have two differentials?
Viscous Center Differential (VCD)
The torque is split 50/50 between the front and rear wheels and includes an open front and rear differential.
How many differentials does an AWD have?
An all-wheel drive (AWD) system typically has three differentials: one for the front axle, one for the rear axle, and a center differential to distribute power between the front and rear axles. The front and rear differentials allow the wheels on each axle to spin at different speeds when turning, while the center differential manages the speed difference between the front and rear wheels.
- Front Differential: Allows the front wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning.
- Rear Differential: Allows the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning.
- Center Differential: Distributes torque between the front and rear axles, allowing them to turn at different speeds. This is a key feature that distinguishes AWD from traditional 4WD systems without a center differential.
Do all Subarus have a center differential?
Automatic we do have a center differential which has a planetary gear set as well as this all-wheel drive clutch will will allow you to lock up the rear.
