When did Subaru stop making FWD?
Subaru effectively stopped selling front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars in its mainstream lineup by the late 1990s, with all current models now either all-wheel drive (AWD) or, in the case of the BRZ, rear-wheel drive (RWD). Today, AWD is the defining feature of Subaru’s lineup outside of the BRZ sport coupe.
What follows is a concise look at how Subaru shifted away from FWD, why AWD became central to the brand’s identity, and how the current model lineup reflects that strategy. The article provides a timeline, a snapshot of today’s drivetrains, and a brief summary of implications for buyers.
A Timeline of Subaru's AWD Shift
Below is a timeline of how front-wheel-drive variants receded from Subaru’s mainstream lineup as all-wheel drive became the brand’s signature feature.
- Early movement toward all-wheel drive began in the 1990s, as Subaru emphasized symmetric AWD as a key selling point across more models in global markets.
- By the late 1990s to early 2000s, AWD had become standard or near-standard on most Subaru models in North America, while FWD options were largely phased out in these markets.
- In 2012, the BRZ (a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe) debuted, establishing the only current Subaru model that does not use AWD as its primary drivetrain.
- In the 2020s and into 2025, Subaru reaffirmed its lineup policy: nearly all mainstream models use AWD, with the BRZ as the sole non-AWD member, and no new factory FWD offerings are introduced in major markets.
The overarching trend is clear: Subaru’s identity centers on AWD, with front-wheel-drive variants effectively discontinued in its core markets. The BRZ remains the notable exception as a purpose-built, rear-driven sports car.
Current lineup and Drivetrain Status
Here’s how Subaru’s current models stack up in terms of drivetrain as sold today, highlighting the brand’s AWD emphasis and the BRZ’s RWD exception.
- Impreza — All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on all trims
- Outback — AWD standard
- Forester — AWD standard
- Crosstrek — AWD standard
- Legacy — AWD standard
- Ascent — AWD standard
- BRZ — Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
In summary, Subaru’s current consumer lineup centers on AWD as the default drivetrain for its mainstream models, with the BRZ standing out as a non-AWD option. There are no new factory FWD offerings in the present catalog.
Summary
Subaru’s transition away from front-wheel-drive is a core part of the brand’s history. By the late 1990s, FWD largely disappeared from Subaru’s mainstream lineup in favor of all-wheel drive, which the company markets as a safety and performance advantage. Today, nearly every Subaru model is AWD, and the only non-AWD vehicle in the lineup is the BRZ, which uses rear-wheel drive. Buyers seeking FWD will not find it in Subaru’s current catalog; those alternatives lie with other brands.
When did Subaru switch to CVT?
Subaru first introduced a CVT in the 1989 Justy, but the widespread switch to its Lineartronic CVT began around the 2010 model year for models like the Legacy and Outback. Since then, the CVT has become standard in all automatic Subaru models except for the BRZ, with it being standard on most automatic models by 2014.
- Early introduction: Subaru first used a CVT in the 1989 Justy, but this was not a full company-wide adoption.
- Widespread adoption: The modern Lineartronic CVT started appearing in more models with the 2010 model year, particularly in the 4-cylinder Legacy and Outback.
- Standard on most models: By the 2014 model year, the Lineartronic CVT had become the standard automatic transmission for nearly all Subaru models, excluding the BRZ.
- 6-cylinder models: The 6-cylinder models that used a traditional automatic transmission also switched to the CVT starting with the 2015 model year.
Did Subaru ever make a FWD car?
The first model was turbocharged and was initially called the P-1, a name changed later to the Subaru 1500. It featured front-wheel drive and was the first car with a monocoque body.
When did Subaru go to AWD?
1972
Subaru cars are known for their use of a boxer engine layout in most internal combustion vehicles above 1,500 cc. 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.
Are there any subarus without AWD?
Now that you know that, with the exception of the BRZ, all Subaru models are AWD, and you're more familiar with the Symmetrical Subaru All-Wheel Drive system, call Subaru South Tampa to book some test drives. Our phone number is 866-941-2206.
