What year did Subaru introduce all wheel drive?
The first production all-wheel-drive Subaru appeared in 1972 with the Leone 4WD in Japan.
Subsequent developments in the 1990s, including the Outback introduction and the branding of Symmetrical AWD, helped cement AWD as a defining feature of the Subaru lineup. This article traces the origins and evolution of Subaru’s all-wheel-drive technology and how it shaped the brand’s approach to traction, safety, and performance in all weather conditions.
Origins: The year that started it all
Below is a concise timeline of Subaru’s AWD milestones to illustrate how the system moved from a niche feature to a core brand attribute.
- 1972 — Leone 4WD: Subaru introduces its first production all-wheel-drive model, the Leone 4WD, in Japan.
- 1994 — Outback wagon: A Legacy-based wagon that popularizes AWD in the United States and beyond, helping make AWD a consumer expectation for Subaru.
- 1996 — Symmetrical AWD branding: Subaru begins using the term Symmetrical AWD to describe its balanced drivetrain layout and its benefits for stability and handling.
- Late 1990s to 2000s — Broad adoption across models: AWD becomes widely available or standard on key models such as Impreza, Forester, Legacy, and Outback, across most markets.
These milestones collectively illustrate how Subaru’s all-wheel-drive strategy evolved from a single 1970s experiment into a defining characteristic of the brand.
Leone 4WD: The breakthrough
In 1972, Subaru rolled out the Leone 4WD, making all-wheel drive a production reality for the company. This early 4WD setup began in Japan and laid the groundwork for Subaru’s long-running emphasis on traction in all conditions.
Outback and branding evolution
The 1994 introduction of the Outback, a wagon variant based on the Legacy, brought AWD into the mainstream in North America. Its popularity helped reshape Subaru’s image around capability in diverse weather and road conditions, a trend that persisted as AWD spread across more models.
Broader evolution and current practice
Over time, Subaru’s AWD architecture matured into a defining brand feature. The mid-1990s brought the Symmetrical AWD concept into clearer focus—emphasizing a balanced drivetrain layout and improved traction. By the 2000s, AWD had become a standard or near-standard feature on most major Subaru models, reinforcing the company’s reputation for reliability in rain, snow, and rough terrain.
In the contemporary era, Subaru has continued to refine AWD with supporting technologies such as enhanced stability control and driver-assistance features, maintaining AWD as a central pillar of the brand’s safety and performance narrative.
Summary
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive journey began in 1972 with the Leone 4WD. It evolved through the 1990s with the Outback’s rise and the branding of Symmetrical AWD, ultimately becoming a core feature across the lineup by the 2000s. Today, AWD remains integral to Subaru’s identity, widely adopted across models and continually refined to meet evolving safety and performance standards.
What year to stay away from a Subaru Outback?
Years to avoid for the Subaru Outback include 2010–2014, which had widespread CVT, oil consumption, and oil leak issues, and 2018, which had recalls and reliability concerns. Additionally, some sources recommend avoiding the 2005–2007 models due to head gasket problems and the 2020 model, which had electrical and windshield issues.
Years to avoid
- 2010–2014: These models are frequently cited for significant transmission issues (CVT), oil consumption, and general reliability problems. The 2010 model specifically had issues with the torque converter locking up.
- 2018: This year saw recalls and owner complaints related to oil consumption, exhaust components, and electrical issues.
- 2005–2007: These models are known for head gasket failures, which can cause coolant and oil leaks.
- 2020: This model year is associated with a high number of electrical problems, including dead batteries and stalling, as well as issues with the windshield cracking from small chips.
Other potential problem years
- 2013: Frequently mentioned for oil consumption issues.
- 2015: Some reports list it with electrical and engine problems.
- 2017: Reliability issues were noted.
Which subarus have all-wheel drive?
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.
What are the downsides of Subaru AWD?
The rear differential is a critical part of the AWD system, so fluid leaks can result in increased friction, reduced lubrication, and loss of traction. Likewise, issues can arise with the center differential, creating a similar problem.
What year did Subaru standardize all-wheel drive?
The Symmetrical All Wheel Drive drive-train layout was introduced in 1972. Both became standard equipment for mid-size and smaller cars in most markets by 1996.
