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Is the Subaru Ascent AWD or 4wd?

The Subaru Ascent uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, not a traditional four-wheel-drive (4WD) system.

Since its introduction in 2019, the Ascent has been equipped with a full-time Symmetrical AWD setup that continuously delivers power to all four wheels as needed. There is no driver-selectable 4WD low-range in this model, and traction is aided by features like X-Mode for slippery conditions and enhanced stability systems to keep grip on snow, rain, and uneven pavement.

How Subaru's Symmetrical AWD works in the Ascent

Understanding what AWD means for everyday driving helps explain why Subaru positions the Ascent this way and how it differs from traditional 4WD systems.

Full-time all-wheel drive is active automatically, with power distributed to all four wheels as needed rather than a driver engaging a 4WD mode.

The system uses a symmetrical drivetrain layout to promote balanced handling and stability under varying traction conditions.

It works in concert with Subaru's traction and stability controls to improve grip on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces.

X-Mode is available on most trims and tunes throttle response, drivetrain settings, and braking to optimize traction in snow, dirt, and mud.

There is no traditional low-range gear or locked center transfer case common to many 4WD systems; this is primarily a road-oriented AWD designed for everyday confidence and light off-road use.

For practical purposes, the Ascent's AWD keeps you moving with minimal intervention from the driver, without a separate 4WD selector or low-range gear.

AWD vs. 4WD: what buyers should know

Here’s how to distinguish the two drivetrains in everyday terms—use cases, performance expectations, and owner inputs matter when choosing a vehicle with these systems.

AWD systems (like Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD) are typically full-time or automatic, distributing power to wheels as needed without driver input; this suits on-road driving and variable weather.

4WD systems usually include a transfer case with selectable 2WD/4WD high/low ranges and are geared toward off-road or heavy-duty use; some 4WD setups require manual shifting.

In winter conditions, AWD aims to prevent wheel slip and maintain stability, while 4WD can provide extra torque for extreme off-road tasks but may be less convenient for daily driving.

In practice, the Ascent’s AWD configuration is designed to deliver consistent traction and confidence across a wide range of conditions, without the need for a separate 4WD control or low-range engagement.

The real-world takeaway for Ascent owners

For most buyers, the Ascent’s Symmetrical AWD offers a balanced blend of on-road competence and light off-road readiness. The system’s automatic torque distribution, combined with X-Mode traction settings, works behind the scenes to help you stay in control during snowy commutes or rain-soaked highways. If a driver is specifically seeking a vehicle with a traditional 4WD low-range for serious rock-crawling or deep mud, a different class of SUV would be more appropriate.

Summary

The Subaru Ascent is equipped with standard Symmetrical AWD across all trims, not a traditional 4WD system. It provides automatic, continuous power distribution to all wheels, enhanced by X-Mode for slippery conditions and general stability systems for confident handling. There is no manual 4WD selector or low-range gear in the Ascent, making it ideal for everyday driving in diverse weather while offering light off-road capability.

What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?

Common Subaru Ascent cons include poor fuel economy, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that can feel disconnected and noisy, and brake issues like premature wear and juddering. Other drawbacks cited by owners are limited interior cabin width, inconsistent technology and infotainment, and engine noise, particularly under acceleration. Some owners also report issues with electrical systems, and despite a decent engine, some feel it is underpowered for the vehicle's size, particularly with its CVT.
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems and weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Performance and powertrain

Poor fuel economy: Some owners report fuel economy that is worse than advertised.
Underpowered engine: The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is often considered underpowered for the Ascent's heavy weight.
Noisy CVT: The CVT can cause a "droning" noise and a disconnected feeling, while competitors use more traditional automatic transmissions.
Inconsistent throttle: Some drivers find the throttle too touchy at low speeds or sluggish at higher speeds.

Brakes

Premature wear: Owners report premature wearing of brake pads and rotors.
Vibration and noise: Complaints include pulsating or vibrating brakes and squeaking noises.

Interior and technology

Limited interior width: Despite being a large SUV, the cabin is narrower than many competitors, reducing usable space for passengers.
Frustrating technology: Some owners find the technology and infotainment systems frustrating to use.
Driver assist system issues: In some conditions, such as heavy rain, the EyeSight driver assist system can shut down.

Other issues

Engine and transmission problems: In addition to the CVT, other engine and transmission-related issues have been reported by owners.
Electrical system issues: Reports include problems with interior lights and other electrical components.
Repairs: Some owners report that repairs for certain issues, like replacing a windshield, can be expensive and trigger other cascading problems.

This video discusses several issues with the Subaru Ascent, including the CVT, brake problems, and electrical system: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 4, 2025

Is the Subaru Ascent always in AWD?

Unlike other AWD systems that activate only when needed, Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is always on. This full-time system delivers power to all four wheels simultaneously, improving stability whether you're navigating rainy roads, gravel paths, or even snowy hills in nearby Appalachia.

Is Subaru AWD the same as 4WD?

Subaru uses an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which is different from traditional Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) because it is automatically and continuously engaged, providing a balance of performance and efficiency for daily driving. In contrast, 4WD systems are typically manually engaged for more demanding off-road conditions and are not designed for continuous use on pavement. Subaru's Symmetrical AWD continuously distributes power to all four wheels to improve traction in various conditions, while 4WD is primarily for heavy-duty off-roading and towing.
Subaru AWD vs. traditional 4WD

Feature	Subaru AWD	Traditional 4WD
Operation	Fully automatic and continuous; system automatically adjusts power to all four wheels	Typically requires manual engagement by the driver
Design	Aims to balance on-road performance and efficiency for everyday use	Designed for maximum traction in low-speed, off-road, and extreme conditions
Power Distribution	Power is continuously distributed and can shift between the front and rear axles based on real-time sensor data	Power is often locked to both front and rear axles for equal torque, which can cause issues when turning on high-traction surfaces
Best For	All-weather driving (rain, snow, ice), stability, and improved acceleration on paved roads	Rough off-road terrain, rock crawling, and towing heavy loads
Subaru Systems	Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is a permanent, continuous system. Some models also feature "X-Mode" for enhanced low-speed traction control in slippery situations.	Not available on standard Subaru models; found on dedicated off-road or truck-focused competitors

Is the Subaru Ascent 4 wheel drive?

The Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), not four-wheel drive (4WD). This means the system is always on, sending power to all four wheels simultaneously for improved traction on various surfaces like rain, snow, and gravel. It also includes a dual-function X-Mode for enhanced performance in deep snow/mud or dirt.
This video demonstrates the Subaru Ascent's X-Mode and all-wheel drive system in an off-road setting: 53sDriving Sports TVYouTube · May 21, 2018
Key features of the Ascent's AWD system

Full-time system: Unlike 4WD systems that are often part-time, Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is a full-time system that is always engaged.
Improved stability: The constant power to all four wheels enhances stability in slippery conditions and helps with traction on various terrains.
X-Mode: Subaru's X-Mode system can be selected through the infotainment screen to optimize the AWD for specific conditions:
- Snow/Dirt: Provides wheel torque vectoring and is suitable for slippery, but not completely low-traction, conditions.
- Deep Snow/Mud: Allows for more wheel spin to help the vehicle move through very difficult conditions with limited grip.
Ground clearance: With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Ascent is capable of handling rough terrain better than many competitors.

You can watch this video to learn more about the Subaru Ascent's X-Mode system: 1mAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Jun 6, 2021

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.