Are all Subaru AWD Systems the Same?

The Subaru brand is famous for offering AWD in every car they make as a standard part of the equipment with the only exception being the BRZ. This means you’ll have the added benefit of this control system in your vehicle if you choose to drive one of the Subaru models and some of them are even offered to be able to handle some of the trails that you can find in your area and take your Subaru model out on the trails to have a lot of fun outdoors. Does this mean every model has the same system?

If you expect the same AWD system to be present in the Impreza, the Outback and the Forester you’d be wrong. Subaru has developed four different AWD systems to make each one work well with the car that’s being sold. This means you can have the high power and performance of the WRX STI and know the AWD system isn’t the same one that would be found in the street going sedan of the Impreza. You’ll also be able to have the system that can handle off-road challenges in the Forester and know it’s the right one for you as well.

Viscus Center Differential System

This is the simplest system of AWD from Subaru and its placed in the Crosstrek. This is the foundation for all of the other systems and is what’s used in all of the manual transmission models from this brand. What this system does is split the torque in half from front to rear in order to allow a divide in the power.

Active Torque Split System

This system pushed the power from the transmission to the clutch pack that allows a split from front to rear of 60/40. This is the system used to allow some slip and make it easier for the smaller models to handle the drive. This is what you’ll find in the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback that have a CVT transmission.

Variable Torque Distribution System

Currently, the only vehicle from Subaru that uses this system is the CVT model of the WRX. This setup allows for a 45/55 split of the torque. The power of this system is being sent to the center differential with through gearing to allow this system to reduce understeer of the car. This is perfect for this sport-oriented car to handle the job.

Driver Controlled Center Differential System

This system is completely unique to the STI model of the Subaru WRX. This system sends the torque power to a variety of differentials to give us the ability to have a power split that’s needed. This gives you the control to lock up the rear wheels and make sure more power is heading in this direction for the performance needed.

Take a look at the video below and enjoy the explanation regarding how all four of these systems work and why they are used for these specific models. I’m sure you never thought AWD could be this fascinating or complicated, but Subaru has mastered it better than any other automaker.

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