Is there a Subaru that isnt AWD?
Yes. The Subaru BRZ is not all-wheel drive; it is rear-wheel drive. All other current Subaru models offer all-wheel drive as standard or widely available.
Subaru has built its reputation on AWD, and for the 2024–2025 model years in the United States, the lineup primarily uses symmetrical all-wheel drive across SUVs, sedans, and crossovers. The BRZ stands out as the notable exception—a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed with Toyota. This distinction is a key consideration for buyers prioritizing drivetrain layout and performance characteristics.
All-Wheel-Drive models in Subaru's current lineup
Before listing the models that use AWD, note that this snapshot reflects the U.S. market for the 2024–2025 model years where AWD is standard or broadly available across trims.
- Forester — Symmetrical AWD standard across all trims.
- Outback — Symmetrical AWD standard across all trims.
- Crosstrek — AWD standard across trims (including hybrids).
- Legacy — AWD standard across trims.
- Ascent — AWD standard across trims.
- WRX — AWD standard across trims.
- Solterra — AWD standard across trims (all-electric).
In short, Subaru’s emphasis on all-wheel drive is a defining feature of its mainstream lineup; the BRZ remains the only current Subaru model not equipped with AWD.
Summary
The short answer is yes: there is a Subaru that isn't AWD—the BRZ, which is rear-wheel drive. All other current Subaru models in the United States are AWD, making Subaru a standout for those seeking enhanced traction regardless of weather or road conditions.
Which Subaru is not AWD?
Subaru BRZ
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. Take a moment to learn more about the drivetrain on each of our Subaru all-wheel drive models.
Are Subaru's AWD all the time?
Yes, Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is always on and works full-time to send power to all four wheels simultaneously. This is different from many other systems that only engage the rear wheels when slippage is detected. In Subaru, the power distribution can shift in real-time to the wheels that have more traction, providing better stability and control in various conditions like dry, wet, or snowy roads.
- Full-time engagement: The system is always active, which means there is no delay in sending power to all wheels when you need it most.
- Automatic power distribution: While always on, the system continuously and automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels to optimize grip for current conditions.
- Instant response: Unlike "on-demand" systems, Subaru's AWD is reactive and doesn't require you to select a mode for it to work.
- Standard on most models: Symmetrical AWD is a standard feature on nearly all Subaru vehicles, with the exception of the rear-wheel-drive BRZ.
Does Subaru make a car that's not all-wheel drive?
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.
Has Subaru ever made a FWD?
In the 1960s, Subaru introduced its first truck, the Sambar minitruck. Then in 1966, Subaru unveiled the 1000, the first car equipped with a front-wheel-drive system tied to a horizontally opposed engine.
