Is the Subaru Forester AWD or 4WD?
The Subaru Forester is equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard across all trim levels. It does not have a traditional 4-wheel drive (4WD) system like some other SUVs and trucks.
What is the Difference Between AWD and 4WD?
All-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) are both systems that provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle, but they differ in their design and capabilities:
- AWD is a full-time system that automatically distributes power to all four wheels as needed, without any input from the driver. It provides enhanced traction and stability on a variety of road conditions.
- 4WD is typically found on larger SUVs and trucks, and it allows the driver to manually engage the 4-wheel drive system when extra traction is required, such as on rugged terrain or in severe weather conditions.
The Subaru Forester's AWD system is well-suited for everyday driving, providing confident handling and control in a wide range of conditions, from wet roads to light off-road use. It does not require the driver to manually switch between 2WD and 4WD modes.
Benefits of the Subaru Forester's AWD System
The Subaru Forester's AWD system offers several advantages:
- Improved Traction and Stability: The AWD system automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, providing better traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Enhanced Safety: The AWD system helps the Forester maintain control and stability in emergency maneuvers, reducing the risk of skids or loss of control.
- Versatility: The Forester's AWD system allows it to handle a variety of driving conditions, from city streets to light off-road trails, without the need for driver intervention.
Overall, the Subaru Forester's standard AWD system is a key feature that contributes to its reputation for capable, all-weather performance and versatility.
Is the Subaru Forester all-wheel-drive?
Yes, every modern Subaru Forester comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This is a fundamental and consistent feature across all model years and trims, including the base models, the Wilderness, and hybrid versions.
This video demonstrates the performance of the Subaru Forester's all-wheel drive system: 1mDriving Sports TVYouTube · Sep 10, 2025
- Standard feature: All-Wheel Drive is a standard feature, not an optional upgrade.
- Consistent across trims: This applies to all trims, from the Sport to the Touring and the Wilderness.
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's specific system is known as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and it is designed to constantly send power to all four wheels for better traction and stability in various conditions.
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 |
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This video explains the difference between AWD and 4WD systems: 1mWonder WorldYouTube · Apr 17, 2018
Is the Subaru Forester 4WD or AWD?
Crossover small or medium SUV All-Wheel Drive cars such as Subaru Forester that are designed for normal road use with occasional dirt or mild off road use generally use permanently engaged AWD systems.
Is the Subaru Forester AWD always on?
Unlike part-time systems that only activate when slip is detected, Subaru's AWD is always engaged. That means power is constantly being distributed to all four wheels, giving you better grip and stability whether the pavement is dry, wet, or uneven.
