Is the Subaru Forester a true 4WD?
Short answer: no—the Forester uses Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a permanent all-wheel-drive system, rather than a traditional 4WD system with a low-range transfer case. It offers strong on-road stability and solid light off-road capability, but it isn’t a classic 4WD.
In practice, this means the Forester continuously powers all four wheels as needed to maintain traction, rather than engaging a separate 4WD mode with a dedicated low gear. It also includes traction-enhancing features like X-Mode and Hill Descent Control on applicable trims to aid in slippery conditions or light off-road situations.
How Subaru's AWD works in the Forester
Subaru describes the Forester as having symmetrical AWD, designed to deliver balanced power and predictable handling. Here is how it generally operates across most model years:
- Permanent all-wheel-drive: The system is active at all times, not triggered solely by wheel slip.
- Center differential with a near 50/50 torque split: Under normal conditions, torque is distributed between the front and rear axles to maintain balance and grip.
- Electronic control: The system can adjust torque delivery to each axle based on grip, throttle, and vehicle dynamics to help maintain traction on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces.
- X-Mode (varies by year): A selectable mode that optimizes engine mapping, transmission, and AWD response for snow, dirt, or mud, and often includes enhanced hill descent control on descents.
- Hill Descent Control and other off-road aids: On models equipped with the feature, it helps control speed on steep descents when traction is limited.
Keep in mind that the details can vary by year and trim, and the Forester's drivetrain is designed for stability and confidence rather than deep off-road rock-crawling capability.
Is there a low-range 4WD in the Forester?
Not in the traditional sense. The Forester does not have a low-range transfer case or a dedicated low gear crawl option common to many body-on-frame trucks and classic 4x4s. Its off-road capability relies on the AWD system, X-Mode, ground clearance, approach/departure angles, and tires rather than a separate 4WD low gear.
What buyers should know about “4WD” terminology
In car marketing, some brands use 4WD to describe AWD vehicles or use terms interchangeably. Subaru markets this vehicle as having Symmetrical AWD rather than 4WD. For consumers comparing off-road capability, focusing on actual features—ground clearance, approach/departure angles, AWD tech, and X-Mode—provides a clearer picture than terminology alone.
Real-world implications for daily driving and light off-roading
For most buyers, the Forester's AWD plus X-Mode provides ample capability for winter conditions, slushy roads, and gravel trails. It handles city and highway driving with impressive grip and stability, and light off-roading in snow or moderate dirt tracks is well-supported. A true off-road 4WD with a low-range gear and robust articulation would be a separate class of vehicle, typically not required for the Forester's intended use.
What to consider if you specifically need 4WD
If your usage demands a traditional 4WD with low-range gearing—for instance, serious off-roading or steep, rock-laden trails—you may want to explore vehicles marketed for that capability, such as body-on-frame 4x4 SUVs or trucks, while keeping in mind Subaru's AWD tends to meet most daily and light-to-moderate off-road needs.
Summary
The Subaru Forester uses Symmetrical AWD (permanent all-wheel drive) with traction aids like X-Mode, not a traditional 4WD with a low-range transfer case. It provides strong on-road stability and capable light off-road performance, but it is not a true 4WD in the classic sense. For shoppers, focus on actual drivetrain features and off-road aids rather than terminology when assessing capability.
Is the Subaru Forester 4WD or AWD?
The Subaru Forester comes with all-wheel drive (AWD), not 4-wheel drive (4WD). Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard on all Forester models and is a type of full-time, automated system that sends power to all four wheels as needed, unlike traditional 4WD systems that are often manually engaged.
This video explains the differences between AWD and 4WD: 55sSam CarLegionYouTube · Mar 6, 2025
AWD vs. 4WD
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The Forester's system is a full-time, automated AWD system. It continuously distributes power to all four wheels and can send power to just the front or rear wheels depending on the conditions to maintain traction.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): A traditional 4WD system, often found in trucks and larger SUVs, typically requires a driver to manually engage it. It locks the axles together to evenly distribute power to all four wheels and is generally used for off-roading on rough terrain.
Subaru Forester's AWD system
- Always-on: The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is always active, providing constant traction and stability.
- Automatic adjustment: It automatically adjusts power distribution between the wheels for optimal grip on different surfaces, such as wet roads, snow, or dirt.
- X-MODE: For even more challenging conditions, the Forester also includes X-MODE, which is a driver-activated system to optimize power for low-traction situations.
Is the Subaru Forester permanent 4WD?
So you can rely on all-new Forester's advanced safety features to give you unparalleled peace of mind at all times. Our renowned permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system ensures Subarus are sure-footed in all conditions.
Is Subaru AWD as good as 4WD?
What is Better: AWD or 4WD? Generally, AWD offers superior performance over 4WD in inclement weather. Through rain, ice, or snow, AWD works automatically and nonstop to provide ultimate traction and stability without requiring additional action by the driver.
What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?
Oil Consumption
Many drivers have reported that they need to get their oil changed more frequently than they have had to in other cars. This is likely due to oil cracks or leaks in the camshaft and crankshaft seals as well as the oil pump seal.
