Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Control the road.

You need balance and an even distribution of power for maximum traction, instead of the slip-then-grip alternative. Almost every Subaru comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for better stability, efficiency and a quicker response to slippery conditions to help you drive with confidence over the winter roads near Cleveland.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on:
 All Subaru Models except BRZ

Ken Ganley Subaru Bedford

123 Broadway Ave.
Directions Bedford, OH 44146

  • Call or Text Sales: 440-439-3444
  • Service: 440-374-5852
  • Parts: 440-703-1114

Stability and Control

The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive helps add control through uniform stability. With power being distributed to the wheels with the best traction, it helps you hold true to the path.

Front-wheel drive vehicles generally understeer or push in a turn, while rear-wheel drive vehicles can often oversteer in a turn.


Power and Traction

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive sends power to all wheels simultaneously for maximum traction and acceleration.

In slippery conditions, that power instinctively flows to the wheels with the best traction.

Learn More About the Perks of Subaru All-Wheel Drive

One of the many things that make the Subaru lineup unique is the fact that nearly every model comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Standard AWD means that you can enjoy all-weather capability, better traction, and greater stability when the roads around Bedford get nasty and slippery.

So, what is Subaru AWD all about and why does it matter so much to drivers in the Cleveland and Beachwood areas? Here you'll find a variety of frequently-asked questions that we encounter here at our dealership, so if you have a query about Subaru AWD, we encourage you to start here!

Subaru AWD FAQs

Q: Which Subaru models have all-wheel drive?

A: All Subaru models except the Subaru BRZ come with AWD. In other words, extra all-weather capability is standard on the Impreza, Legacy, Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent, and WRX. Drop by our Subaru dealership near Shaker Heights to check them out for yourself!

Q: Does all-wheel drive cost more?

A: No! AWD is part of each AWD-equipped Subaru model's design, so you never have to worry about paying more to tack it on as an option.

Q: Do I have to activate Subaru all-wheel drive to make it work?

A: No. Subaru AWD is always on and always working to provide your vehicle with as much traction as possible for a more stable, confident ride. There are no buttons to hit, no pedals to press, and no levers to pull.

Q: What makes Subaru AWD different from other AWD systems?

A: Subaru engineers design AWD Subaru models knowing that these vehicles will feature all-wheel drive. Other brands feature AWD as an upgrade, meaning that their vehicles need to have extra equipment bolted on to supply AWD capability. Since AWD is already part of a Subaru model's design, you can enjoy perks like better handling and less weight.

Q: Does AWD damage fuel economy?

A: All-wheel drive hardware does add some extra weight, but you'll find that AWD Subaru models don't pack as much extra baggage as other AWD vehicles since Subaru models are designed with AWD in mind, unlike models that offer it as an upgrade. All-wheel drive Subaru models are typically more efficient than many of their closest AWD rivals as a result.

Q: Why is AWD good for winter driving?

A: All-wheel drive makes it easier to gain traction, which is essential when roads get slippery or snowy around Hudson, OH. The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system can automatically direct more power to the wheels with the most traction, which can give you the push you need to get out of sticky situations.

Q: Is all-wheel drive useful when the pavement is dry?

A: Yes! While most folks immediately think of powering upwards over a snowy hill when they think of AWD, this system is not only for winter driving. AWD helps even when the road is dry, the sun is out, and you've barely seen a drop of rain in days. Subaru AWD helps you maintain better control over your vehicle by supplying optimal traction when you need it most, aiding in emergency maneuvers.

Q: What's the difference between Subaru AWD and four-wheel drive?

A: Typically, a four-wheel drive system powers all four wheels at once whereas Subaru Symmetrical AWD works to direct power to the wheels that have the most traction. Thus, Subaru AWD offers a more strategic approach to helping you maintain control over your vehicle at any given time.

If you have other questions about Subaru AWD, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team here at our Subaru dealership serving Cleveland Heights. We'll be happy to help!