Is the Chevy SS FWD or RWD?
The Chevy SS is rear-wheel drive (RWD).
The Chevrolet SS, a high-performance sedan sold in the United States from 2014 through 2017, was built on the Holden Commodore platform and configured as a rear-drive car from the outset. It was not offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, aligning with Chevrolet’s sports-oriented remit during its brief U.S. run. As of 2025, the model remains discontinued in the U.S., with no direct successor in production.
Overview of the Chevy SS
The SS used Holden’s Commodore underpinnings, adapted for U.S. customers under the Chevrolet badge. It carried a large V8 and a rear-drive layout aimed at delivering rear-wheel traction, predictable handling, and a traditional performance sedan feel. The car’s development reflected GM’s global platform strategy, sharing engineering with markets that used both left- and right-hand drive configurations, but marketed in the United States as a Chevrolet performance sedan.
Drivetrain and Performance
Before listing its core drivetrain attributes, this section highlights essential facts about how the SS moved power to the road.
Key drivetrain facts:
- Drivetrain layout: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Engine: 6.2-liter V8 (LS3 family)
- Platform: Based on the Holden Commodore architecture
- Drive options: No front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) variants were offered in the U.S. during its production years
In practice, this RWD configuration underpinned the SS’s sporty character, with power more directly connected to the rear tires for acceleration and handling dynamics typical of performance sedans.
Notes on transmission and availability
Details about transmission options varied by model year and market; for precise specs, consult the official Chevrolet documentation for 2014–2017 models.
Current status and legacy
Since its U.S. introduction and subsequent discontinuation after the 2017 model year, Chevrolet has not revived the SS badge for the American market. The car remains a standout example of an Australian-built, rear-drive V8 sedan in the Chevrolet lineup, remembered by enthusiasts for its RWD performance credentials.
Summary
The Chevy SS is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Built on Holden Commodore architecture and sold in the U.S. from 2014 to 2017, it offered no FWD or AWD options and remains discontinued, preserving its reputation as a dedicated RWD performance sedan.
