Learn How the Subaru Symmetrical AWD System Dominates the Elements

Driving in poor road conditions and winter weather is the worst, we hear it all the time from drivers in the Layafette community. That's why we find many of them making their way to our dealership because they learned that nothing conquers the road better than a Subaru vehicle. Why does a Subaru vehicle perform better in poor weather condition? It's because of one standard feature found on all Subaru models, besides the BRZ. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, this system is standard as a part of the Subaru brand's commitment to safety. Although this still leaves the questions, what is Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and what makes this system better than all-wheel-drive on a different vehicle?

What is Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive? To answer that questions we must first start with what all-wheel-drive is. All-wheel-drive in the simplest terms means that when a vehicle is moving all four wheels have power being sent to them causing them to turn. All-wheel-drive is beneficial, although basic all-wheel-drive systems lack the sophistication and optimization of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. In a Subaru vehicle, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive optimizes traction and balance because it is laid along the length of the vehicle. The location of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive along the centerline increases balance through weight distribution giving a Subaru vehicle optimal performance and control. The system increases road traction due to the even distribution of power between wheels that allows for power to be shifted to wheels that don't have traction increasing your control.

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive not only gives you the confidence to tackle less than ideal road conditions but it also delivers an exceptional driving experience by helping eliminate over and understeering. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system works simultaneously with other standard Subaru safety features like Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Vehicle Dynamics Control to increase control when you're in the driver's seat.

The Benefits of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

• Control and Traction:
  While the legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in a Subaru offers many benefits, the most important is control and traction. Whether in the dead of winter, rain of spring, or heat of summer you can drive confident behind the wheel of a Subaru.
• Balance:
  When you drive a Subaru one of the most notable parts of the experience is the comfort. Due to the balance of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system you enjoy a smooth driving experience even through sharp curves.
• Power Distribution:
  A Subaru vehicle accelerates quickly and comfortably due to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. As you accelerate weight shifts and more power is sent to the rear wheels while power is still sent to the front wheels to maintain control and smooth acceleration.
• Simplicity:
  The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is built using fewer parts than the competitions all-wheel-drive systems. This reduces maintenance costs and increases efficiency in a Subaru vehicle.

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vs. The Competition

When you're exploring your next vehicle it is important to know how the vehicle will perform during winter months and throughout the year in a variety of poor weather conditions. You likely won't be test driving your next car during a blizzard so you need to educate yourself on the differences between the different vehicles you're exploring. You want to understand how front and rear wheel drive vehicles perform and how other all-wheel-drive systems stack up against Subaru's.

• Front Wheel Drive:
  Many vehicles use front wheel drive, whether it's a car, SUV, or small truck the vehicle only gets power sent to the front wheels. This means that your rear wheels are only spinning while the vehicle is in motion.
• Rear Wheel Drive:
  Similar to front wheel drive vehicles, rear wheel drive vehicles only supply power to two wheels. In this case the rear wheels are the only ones getting power, this makes driving in poor weather and snow difficult leading to fishtailing because there isn't enough traction.
• Optional All-wheel-drive:
  There are many vehicles that are offered with optional all-wheel-drive. Most of these systems use sensors to monitor when a wheel loses traction and then sends power to that wheel to correct the issue. This solution isn't as effective as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive because once the wheels start to slip there may not be enough time to regain traction.
• Four Wheel Drive:Often found in trucks and SUVs, this system is geared more towards off-roading and supplies torque or power to all four wheels regardless of need. This system is in-efficient because even if a wheel doesn't have traction it will continue to spin regardless. With the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system power is shifted away from the wheel without traction to the wheels that do, limiting the possibility of getting stuck.

The benefits of the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system amplify the technology that has made Subaru vehicles legendary. Paired with the SUBARU BOXER® engine the balance of your Subaru vehicle increases efficiency and control through a low center of gravity. A Subaru vehicle is thoughtfully designed to deliver the most controlled and safe driving experience possible.

Learn More About the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System

Here at Bob Rohrman Subaru we believe one of the best ways to learn about the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and the benefits it offers is by getting behind the wheel. So, come join us at our dealership here in Lafayette, IN for a test drive in any one of our great Subaru vehicles. If you have any questions our helpful team of Subaru auto experts are here to help, they will assist you in any way possible when it comes to researching your next Subaru vehicle.