Is a Subaru Crosstrek AWD or 4WD?
In brief, the Subaru Crosstrek uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, not a traditional four-wheel-drive (4WD) system with a low-range transfer case.
What kind of drivetrain does the Crosstrek use?
The Crosstrek relies on Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, a full-time system that sends power to both front and rear axles as needed for traction. There is no 4WD with a low-range gear in any Crosstrek model.
Key characteristics of this setup include:
- Full-time AWD that dynamically apportions torque to wheels with better grip.
- Standard across all Crosstrek trims; no 4WD option is offered.
- Designed for stability in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions, and it supports driver aids like X-Mode for slippery surfaces.
In practice, this means the Crosstrek prioritizes on-road stability and weather handling over rugged, low-range off-roading.
X-Mode and traction management
X-Mode is Subaru’s traction-optimizing feature for the Crosstrek, working in conjunction with AWD to improve grip on slippery surfaces. The system includes two modes tailored to common conditions you’ll encounter in everyday driving and light adventures.
Key elements of X-Mode include:
- Snow/Dirt mode to optimize traction on light snow, gravel, or wet pavement.
- Deep Snow/Mud mode for deeper snow or muddy surfaces (adjusts throttle response and transmission behavior).
- Works with the CVT and stability control to minimize wheel slip and maintain predictability.
Even with X-Mode, the Crosstrek remains an all-weather crossover, not a rugged four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Practical takeaway for buyers
For drivers who prioritize weather resilience and easy handling in snow, rain, and light trails, the Crosstrek’s AWD setup offers capable performance. There is no 4WD option with a low-range transfer case in Crosstreks, so true off-road work requires a different vehicle.
In short, Crosstrek is an AWD vehicle by design, optimized for everyday practicality rather than serious rock-crawling capability.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, specifically equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD as standard. It does not offer a traditional 4WD system with a low-range transfer case. Features like X-Mode enhance traction on snow, dirt, and mud, but the vehicle remains intended for weather resilience and light off-road use rather than heavy off-roading. For buyers seeking true 4WD capability, other vehicles would be more appropriate.
