Is the Subaru Legacy RWD?
The Subaru Legacy is not rear-wheel drive. In its current and recent generations, Subaru equips the Legacy with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), delivering power to all four wheels for better traction in rain, snow, and other low-traction conditions. This article explains why AWD is central to the Legacy’s identity and what that means for everyday driving.
Understanding the Legacy's drivetrain
Key aspects of how the Legacy's AWD system works and why it matters for handling and safety are outlined below.
Before discussing the specifics, here are the core features of Subaru’s AWD approach in the Legacy:
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive distributes power to both front and rear axles through a center differential, aiming for balanced traction along the vehicle’s centerline.
- The system is typically standard across Legacy trims, making AWD the default configuration rather than an optional upgrade on most markets.
- On slippery surfaces, AWD helps with acceleration and cornering stability, though it does not replace careful driving and proper winter tires.
In practice, this AWD setup reinforces the Legacy’s reputation for stability and confidence in adverse weather, setting it apart from many rear-wheel-drive sedans.
Is rear-wheel drive ever used in the Legacy?
Market and generation consistency
Across current and recent production years, Subaru has not offered a production Legacy with a dedicated rear-wheel-drive layout. The AWD configuration is a defining and expected feature of the model in most markets. While early concept work or historical experiments may exist in Subaru archives, the modern Legacy lineup centers on Symmetrical AWD rather than RWD.
What drivers can expect in daily use
Vehicle performance and ownership notes tied to the Legacy’s AWD setup help explain why many buyers choose Subaru wagons and sedans.
Before detailing the practical implications, consider these points:
- All-wheel drive provides improved grip in rain, snow, and on slippery surfaces, contributing to steadier starts and steadier cornering.
- AWD can come with a small efficiency penalty compared with front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, due to added drivetrain weight and complexity—but modern implementations have narrowed the gap.
- Maintenance considerations for AWD systems include periodic drivetrain fluid checks and service; Subaru designs the system to be robust, but proper maintenance remains important.
For most drivers, the Legacy’s AWD is a practical feature that enhances year-round usability, particularly in regions with winter weather or poor road conditions.
Summary
The Subaru Legacy is not a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Its defining feature is Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which powers all four wheels and improves traction in various conditions. While AWD offers tangible benefits for safety and confidence, it also influences fuel economy and maintenance considerations. If you specifically need or want RWD, the Legacy lineup in its current form is not the right fit; consider other brands or models that offer true rear-wheel drive.
Are subarus fwd or rwd?
Most Subaru vehicles are equipped with a full-time AWD drivetrain.
Do all Subaru Legacy have AWD?
Every vehicle in the Subaru lineup comes standard with Subaru AWD, except the BRZ sports car. That means whether you want a sedan like the Legacy or a crossover like the Forester, you will still get access to the benefits of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System for your trips around Glenwood Springs.
Are there any subarus that are RWD?
You might have heard that every Subaru is an AWD model, but are all Subarus really AWD? With the exception of the Subaru BRZ, a track-ready sports car with RWD, all Subaru models come with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Is the Subaru Legacy FWD or RWD?
All Legacy models have all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
