How Subaru’s All Wheel Drive Keeps You Safe This Holiday Season

When it comes to all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, Subaru has long been a leader in providing exceptional handling and stability, especially when driving through challenging road conditions. One of the main features that sets Subaru apart from other manufacturers is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which comes standard on most of Subaru’s models. So, what makes this system so special, and why should you care about it, especially during the winter season or when you’re navigating rough terrain?

What is a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive?

Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system is designed to send power to all four wheels simultaneously, helping to maintain optimal traction on both dry and slippery surfaces. The key word here is symmetrical—Subaru’s AWD system is balanced, meaning it is powered by a symmetrical layout of components. This unique setup provides better stability and control, offering a more consistent driving experience.

In simpler terms, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD ensures that power is evenly distributed to all four wheels, which improves handling and reduces the likelihood of wheel slip, especially in adverse weather conditions like snow, ice, or rain. The system’s design plays a crucial role in Subaru’s reputation for safety and durability, particularly in vehicles that need to perform well in all seasons, from wet autumn roads to snowy winter paths.

How Symmetrical AWD Works

At the heart of Subaru’s AWD system is the SUBARU BOXER® engine, which is mounted transversely, giving the vehicle a low center of gravity. This positioning helps keep the vehicle stable and balanced, particularly when turning or navigating rough terrain.

In addition to the unique engine positioning, the Symmetrical AWD system uses a sophisticated drivetrain to distribute power to all four wheels. If the system detects that one of the wheels is slipping—whether it’s on a patch of ice, gravel, or mud—the system automatically adjusts by sending more power to the wheels with more traction. This ensures a smoother, more controlled ride and helps prevent situations like skidding or losing control, which can be particularly dangerous on winter roads.

Benefits of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD

1. Improved Stability and Traction Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD gives drivers confidence in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re tackling a snow-covered road, rainy highways, or icy mountain passes, the system’s ability to distribute power to all wheels enhances vehicle grip, giving you better stability on slippery surfaces. This increased traction can make all the difference when you’re driving in tough conditions, ensuring a safer ride for you and your passengers.
2. Balanced Handling The symmetrical layout provides balanced handling, so the vehicle feels stable and responsive. The AWD system ensures that the power is always distributed in the most optimal way to give you precise control over the vehicle, allowing for smoother acceleration and more confident cornering.
3. Enhanced Safety in Winter Conditions Driving during winter storms or in snow-heavy regions requires vehicles that can handle challenging weather and terrain. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system gives you the extra traction you need to drive confidently through these conditions. It’s particularly valuable in regions where icy roads or unpredictable snowstorms are common.
4. Better Off-Road Capability Subaru vehicles with Symmetrical AWD are also known for their off-road capabilities. The system automatically adjusts power distribution to prevent wheel spin, ensuring that the vehicle moves forward, even on rocky or gravelly paths.
5. Enhanced Towing Performance Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD doesn’t just improve handling for everyday driving – it also makes towing easier, it helps maintain better traction, even when towing on wet or slippery surfaces.

How Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Works in the Snow

At the core of Subaru’s exceptional snow-handling capability is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Unlike traditional AWD systems, which engage only when a loss of traction is detected, Subaru’s AWD is always active. This continuous engagement distributes power evenly to all four wheels, ensuring optimal balance and traction right from the start.

The symmetrical design provides a lower center of gravity and ensures that power flows seamlessly to the wheels with the most grip. On icy roads or snow-covered highways, this prevents slippage and gives drivers the stability they need to stay in control.

The Key Benefits of Subaru’s AWD on Snowy Roads

1. Continuous Traction
   Subaru’s AWD system is always working to maintain traction. When one or more wheels lose grip, the system automatically redirects power to the wheels with better traction. This feature reduces the risk of fishtailing, skidding, or getting stuck in deep snow.
2. Balanced Stability
   The symmetrical layout of Subaru’s AWD system delivers a perfectly balanced power flow. This improves handling on slippery or uneven surfaces, helping the car stay level even during sudden maneuvers.
3. Predictable Handling
   Winter driving requires precise control, and Subaru’s AWD delivers exactly that. Whether navigating icy turns or stopping on slick roads, the predictable handling ensures drivers remain confident and safe.

X-MODE: Enhanced Control in Winter Conditions

Subaru takes winter driving to the next level with X-MODE, an advanced feature available on many Subaru models.

When activated, X-MODE fine-tunes engine output, adjusts the transmission ratios, and enhances the performance of the AWD system. This feature is particularly useful when tackling steep, icy inclines or descending snowy hills, where traction is critical. X-MODE also integrates Hill Descent Control, which maintains a controlled speed on downhill slopes, giving you one less thing to worry about in challenging conditions.

Pairing AWD with Winter Tires for Maximum Safety

While Subaru’s AWD system provides incredible snow-handling capabilities, pairing it with winter tires further enhances your safety. Winter tires are specifically designed with deeper treads and softer rubber compounds to maintain flexibility and grip in freezing temperatures. When combined with AWD, winter tires make navigating snow and ice feel effortless, whether you’re driving to the slopes or tackling your daily commute.

For expert advice and installation, the Richard Lucas Subaru Service Center has all your winter preparation needs and equips you with winter tires, ensuring your vehicle is ready to tackle any weather this season.

Additional Subaru Safety Features for Winter 

Subaru’s AWD system is complemented by a suite of advanced safety technologies that provide an extra layer of protection during the colder months:

• Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is like having a co-pilot who’s always alert and watching out for you. This system uses dual color cameras to monitor the road ahead, scanning for potential hazards such as pedestrians, other vehicles, or even road debris. 

EyeSight can intervene when necessary, providing features like:

• Pre-Collision Braking: Helps avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning: Alerts you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane.

During the holiday season, when roads are busier than usual, EyeSight can be a real lifesaver, helping you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid potential accidents.

• Traction Control System: Works with AWD to prevent wheel spin on icy patches.
• Vehicle Dynamics Control: Helps you maintain control during sudden turns or evasive maneuvers on slippery surfaces.
• STARLINK® Safety and Security: Traveling during the holiday season often means driving long distances, sometimes in unfamiliar areas. Subaru’s STARLINK® Safety and Security system is here to give you added peace of mind. This system connects you to emergency services and essential features like:

• Automatic Collision Notification: Notifies emergency responders if you’re involved in a collision.
• Roadside Assistance: Provides help if you run into any issues, whether it’s a flat tire or a mechanical problem.
• Remote Vehicle Locator: Helps you find your vehicle if it gets misplaced in a crowded parking lot.

With STARLINK®, you’re always connected, so you can focus on enjoying the journey and not worry about what might happen along the way.

This holiday season, ensure you’re ready for both the festivities and the roads ahead. With Subaru’s trusted AWD technology and winter-focused features, you can focus on making memories, not stressing about winter driving. Drive a Subaru, and let us help you make every journey a safe and confident one—even when snow and ice are part of the adventure.

At Richard Lucas Subaru, we offer a wide selection of Subaru vehicles known for their reliability, performance, and industry-leading all-wheel drive. Our team is ready to assist, whether you’re upgrading to a new model or preparing your current Subaru for winter. We provide expert guidance to match you with the perfect vehicle and ensure that winter tires are installed to maximize safety and performance. With Richard Lucas Subaru, you’ll be ready to navigate any road this winter with confidence and peace of mind.