Is the Subaru Forester AWD or FWD?
The Forester is all-wheel drive by design. In the United States, every current Forester model ships with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, and there is no factory front-wheel-drive option for the latest lineup. Market variations can exist elsewhere, so it’s always best to check local specifications.
Beyond the basic question, this article explains how the Forester’s AWD system works, why Subaru sticks with AWD as the default, and how buyers can confirm the drivetrain on a specific vehicle. It also covers what features accompany the AWD setup and practical tips for verifying your exact model’s drivetrain when shopping or buying used.
Current drivetrain reality
In the U.S. and most markets where Subaru sells the Forester today, the vehicle is equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard. This means power is distributed to all four wheels, providing enhanced traction and stability across a range of conditions, from rain to snow to loose surfaces.
Key facts about the Forester’s AWD setup help explain why it’s central to the vehicle’s appeal:
- Symmetrical AWD is standard on all current U.S. Forester trims, not an optional upgrade.
- The system uses a center differential to balance power between the front and rear axles, improving stability on various surfaces.
- It enhances traction in adverse weather and on uneven terrain, contributing to better confidence behind the wheel.
- Many trims pair AWD with Subaru features like X-Mode, which optimizes traction for snow, mud, and dirt, along with the CVT that drives the wheels.
Bottom line: The Forester’s AWD architecture is a core part of its design and driving character, especially in regions with wintry or wet conditions.
How to verify your specific Forester’s drivetrain
For shoppers and owners, confirming the drivetrain of a particular vehicle is prudent, even though AWD is typical for modern Foresters. The following steps help you verify the exact setup on a given car:
- Check the window sticker or build sheet for a listed drivetrain (AWD or Four-Wheel Drive).
- Consult the owner’s manual or Subaru’s official portal by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm the drivetrain specification.
- Look for AWD badges or identifiers in the vehicle’s literature or on the rear of the car; note that badge placement varies by model year and trim.
- When in doubt, ask a dealership to pull the vehicle’s original configuration from Subaru’s system.
Because AWD is the standard configuration for contemporary Foresters in many markets, most examples will be AWD unless you’re examining an older model or a market with a non-standard spec. Always verify with official documents if precision matters for your purchase.
Market variations and historical context
Subaru’s lineup across different regions has historically emphasized AWD as a defining feature. While the current U.S. Forester lineup is AWD-standard, some markets or older model years may show exceptions or variations in drivetrain options. If you’re shopping outside the United States or looking at a classic Forester, check the local brochure or the VIN-based build data to be certain.
In essence, for most buyers today, the answer is straightforward: Forester equals AWD.
Summary
The Subaru Forester’s all-wheel-drive system is its default and defining drivetrain in the United States, where AWD is standard across all current models. While regional variations can exist, the Forester is designed around Symmetrical AWD to maximize traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. If you’re buying new or used, verify the drivetrain using the vehicle’s paperwork or VIN to confirm the exact specification for that unit.
