Not all Subarus have all-wheel drive — some trim levels and older model years came standard with front-wheel drive

Subaru built its reputation on all-wheel drive, but the company has never made every model with AWD as standard. Since the mid-2010s, Subaru has offered front-wheel drive versions of several popular models, including the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Outback. Whether your Subaru has AWD depends on the model year, the specific model line, and which trim level you're looking at. A 2024 Impreza, for example, comes in both FWD and AWD versions — you choose when you buy.

If you already own a Subaru, the easiest way to know what you have is to check your owner's manual or look at the window sticker if you still have it. The sticker lists drivetrain type clearly. If you're shopping for a used Subaru, the listing or Carfax report will state whether it's FWD or AWD. The price difference between the two is usually $1,000 to $2,500, with AWD costing more.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru offers front-wheel drive on the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Outback, though not all trim levels or model years include it.
  • Subaru's truck and SUV lines — the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and WRX — are available in both FWD and AWD, depending on trim and year.
  • The Subaru BRZ and SVX are rear-wheel drive only and have never been offered with AWD.
  • Model year 2015 and later is when Subaru began offering FWD versions of mainstream models; before that, nearly all Subarus came standard with AWD.
  • Your vehicle's registration, title, or window sticker will state the drivetrain; you can also call a Subaru dealer with your VIN to confirm.

Which current Subaru models come in front-wheel drive

Subaru currently offers FWD on three mainstream models: the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Outback. In each case, FWD is the base option, and AWD is available at a higher trim level or as a paid upgrade. The Impreza sedan and hatchback both come in FWD standard on lower trims, with AWD available on mid and upper trims. The Crosstrek compact crossover follows the same pattern — FWD base, AWD optional. The Outback wagon offers FWD on the base and lower-mid trims, with AWD standard on higher trims.

The Forester, Subaru's most popular crossover, comes standard with AWD across all trim levels and model years since 2009. The WRX performance sedan is available in both FWD and AWD depending on the model year and trim, though AWD has been standard on most WRX models since the early 2000s. The Solterra, Subaru's electric SUV launched in 2023, comes standard with AWD only.

Subaru models that are always all-wheel drive or never all-wheel drive

Three Subaru models have never been offered with AWD: the BRZ sports car, the SVX (discontinued in 1997), and the Justy (discontinued in 2007). All three are rear-wheel drive. If you see a BRZ, it is RWD by design — Subaru engineered it that way to deliver the handling characteristics of a lightweight sports car.

On the opposite end, the Forester has been standard AWD since its introduction in 1997 and remains so today. The Outback was also standard AWD from 1995 through 2014; FWD became an option starting in 2015. If you own an Outback model year 2014 or earlier, it has AWD. The Legacy sedan followed a similar timeline — standard AWD until 2015, when FWD became available on base trims.

How to check what drivetrain your Subaru has

The fastest way is to look at your vehicle's window sticker, also called the Monroney label. This sticker is usually on the driver's side window or in the owner's manual envelope. It lists the drivetrain clearly under "Transmission" or "Drivetrain." If you no longer have the sticker, check your owner's manual — the first few pages often state the drivetrain type.

Your vehicle registration and title also list the drivetrain. If you have your VIN (17-character number on your registration or dashboard), you can call a Subaru dealer and give them the VIN; they will tell you the exact drivetrain, engine, and trim in seconds. You can also use free VIN decoder websites, though dealer confirmation is more reliable. A Carfax or AutoCheck report will also state the drivetrain if you're buying used.

When Subaru started offering front-wheel drive as an option

Subaru did not offer FWD on mainstream models until 2015. Before that, nearly every Subaru came standard with AWD — it was the brand's core identity. Starting in 2015, Subaru introduced FWD versions of the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback to lower the entry price and appeal to buyers in warmer climates where AWD is less common.

This shift was gradual. The Impreza got FWD first in 2015. The Outback and Legacy followed in the same year. The Crosstrek, which launched in 2013, did not get a FWD option until 2018. If you're shopping for a used Subaru and want to know whether a specific model year offers FWD, check the model year on the listing — 2015 and later is when the option became available for most models.

Price difference between Subaru FWD and AWD

The cost to upgrade from FWD to AWD on a new Subaru ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the model and trim. On the Impreza, the difference is typically around $1,500. On the Crosstrek, it is closer to $2,000. On the Outback, it can reach $2,500 on higher trims. These prices vary by model year and region, so check the Subaru website or a dealer for the exact figure for the year and model you're considering.

On the used market, the price gap is often smaller — sometimes $800 to $1,500 — because both versions have depreciated. However, AWD Subarus tend to hold their value slightly better in regions with winter weather, so the gap may be narrower in those areas than in warm climates.

Why Subaru added front-wheel drive options

Subaru added FWD to keep prices competitive and reach buyers who do not need AWD. A base Impreza with FWD costs several thousand dollars less than the AWD version, making it accessible to first-time buyers and budget-conscious shoppers. In warm states where snow and ice are rare, FWD is sufficient and improves fuel economy slightly — FWD vehicles weigh less and have less drivetrain friction than AWD.

The move also allowed Subaru to compete directly with Honda, Toyota, and Mazda, which have long offered FWD as standard on compact cars and crossovers. Subaru's AWD reputation remains strong, but offering FWD let the company capture a wider market without abandoning the all-wheel-drive models that built the brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my 2010 Subaru Outback all-wheel drive?

Yes. Subaru did not offer FWD on the Outback until 2015, so any Outback from 2014 or earlier comes standard with AWD. Check your owner's manual or registration to confirm, but model year 2010 means AWD.

Can I add all-wheel drive to a front-wheel drive Subaru?

No. AWD and FWD Subarus have different transmissions, differentials, and suspension geometry. You cannot retrofit AWD onto an FWD Subaru. If you need AWD, you would need to buy or trade for an AWD model.

Does the Forester come in front-wheel drive?

No. The Forester has been standard AWD since 1997 and remains so today. Every Forester, regardless of model year or trim, has all-wheel drive.

What does the window sticker say if my Subaru is front-wheel drive?

The window sticker lists the drivetrain under "Transmission" or "Drivetrain." For FWD, it will say "Front-Wheel Drive" or "FWD." For AWD, it will say "All-Wheel Drive," "AWD," or "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive" (Subaru's branded term).

Is front-wheel drive Subaru cheaper to insure than all-wheel drive?

Insurance rates depend on the model, trim, age, and your driving record — not just the drivetrain. FWD and AWD versions of the same model usually have similar insurance costs. Contact your insurer for a quote on the specific vehicle you are considering.