Most Subarus come with all-wheel drive standard, but not all of them

Subaru is famous for making all-wheel drive (AWD) the default on nearly every model they sell in North America. But "nearly" is the key word. The brand does not put AWD on every vehicle — a few models offer front-wheel drive (FWD) as the base option, and you need to know which ones before you buy or shop used.

The reason Subaru pushes AWD so hard is their engineering philosophy. They design their platforms around AWD from the ground up, which means adding it costs less than it would on a car built for FWD first. That economics works in your favor on most of their lineup. But on their smallest and least expensive models, they've chosen to offer FWD to hit a lower price point.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru's Impreza, Crosstrek, Outback, Legacy, Forester, and Ascent all come with standard AWD in most trim levels.
  • The Subaru BRZ is rear-wheel drive only — it's a sports car built on a Toyota platform, not a Subaru platform.
  • Some base-model Imprezas and Crosstreks are available with FWD to lower the starting price, so check the specific trim and year before assuming AWD.
  • Used Subarus from the 2000s and 2010s are more likely to have FWD options than newer models, since the brand has been moving toward standard AWD across the board.

Which current Subaru models come standard with AWD

If you're looking at a 2020 or newer Subaru, the safest assumption is AWD. The Outback, Legacy, Forester, and Ascent all come with standard AWD on every trim level. The Crosstrek and Impreza also come standard with AWD on most trims, though you may find FWD on the absolute base model of the Impreza in some model years.

Subaru has been consolidating their lineup toward standard AWD because it's become a selling point rather than an option. When you're shopping, the window sticker will tell you exactly what you're getting — look for "All-Wheel Drive" or "AWD" in the drivetrain section. If it says "Front-Wheel Drive" or "FWD," that's what you're buying.

The one major exception is the BRZ, which is rear-wheel drive only. Subaru co-developed the BRZ with Toyota (who sells it as the GR86), and both companies built it as a lightweight sports car. RWD was the engineering choice for that platform, and it's not changing.

FWD Subarus you might find on the used market

If you're shopping for a used Subaru from the 2010s or earlier, FWD models are more common. The Impreza was available with FWD on lower trims for years. The Crosstrek, when it first launched in 2013, offered FWD on base models. Even the Outback had FWD options in some years, though this became rare as the brand shifted strategy.

The older the car, the more likely FWD is an option. A 2008 Impreza or 2010 Outback might very well be front-wheel drive. Check the window sticker or Monroney label if the car still has it, or ask the seller directly. The VIN decoder on Subaru's website can also confirm the drivetrain for any specific vehicle.

Why Subaru made AWD standard on most models

Subaru's engineering team designed their unibody platforms to accommodate AWD without major structural changes. That means the cost difference between FWD and AWD is smaller for Subaru than it is for most other manufacturers. On a Honda or Toyota, adding AWD might cost $2,000 or more. On a Subaru, the difference is often $1,000 to $1,500.

That cost advantage let Subaru make AWD standard on most models without pricing themselves out of the market. It also became part of their brand identity — Subaru owners expect AWD, and dealers market it as a standard feature. Over time, the company has pushed FWD options off the menu entirely on most models.

How to confirm the drivetrain on a specific Subaru

The easiest way is to look at the window sticker or Monroney label, which lists the drivetrain clearly. If you're shopping used and the sticker is gone, the title or registration may list it, or you can call a Subaru dealer with the VIN and they'll tell you in seconds.

You can also decode the VIN yourself using Subaru's online tool or a third-party VIN decoder. The 8th character of the VIN indicates the engine, and the 9th character indicates the transmission and drivetrain. Subaru dealers know these codes and can read them over the phone if you give them the full 17-character VIN.

On newer models with window stickers still attached, look for the "Drivetrain" or "Drive Type" line. It will say "All-Wheel Drive," "Front-Wheel Drive," or "Rear-Wheel Drive." That's your definitive answer.

What this means for winter driving and traction

If you're buying a Subaru specifically for winter or rough terrain, standard AWD on most models is a real advantage. AWD gives you better traction in snow and mud than FWD, and Subaru's symmetrical AWD system is engineered to send power to whichever wheels need it most. That said, AWD is not a substitute for winter tires — it just helps you use them better.

If you end up with a FWD Subaru, you're not at a major disadvantage in winter as long as you run proper winter tires. FWD actually has some advantages in snow because the engine weight over the front wheels helps with traction. But if winter performance is your priority, a used AWD model will serve you better than a new FWD one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Subarus AWD?

No. Most current Subaru models come standard with AWD, but the BRZ is rear-wheel drive only, and some base-model Imprezas and Crosstreks are available with front-wheel drive. Older used Subarus are more likely to have FWD options than newer ones.

Can I get a Subaru Outback with front-wheel drive?

Not on current models. The Outback has been standard AWD-only for several years. If you find an older Outback with FWD, it's likely from the 2000s or early 2010s. Check the window sticker or VIN to confirm.

Is the Subaru BRZ all-wheel drive?

No. The BRZ is rear-wheel drive only. Subaru co-developed it with Toyota as a lightweight sports car, and both companies chose RWD for the platform. If you want AWD from Subaru, the BRZ is not an option.

How do I know if my used Subaru is AWD or FWD?

Check the window sticker if it's still in the car, look at the title or registration, or call a Subaru dealer with your VIN. You can also use an online VIN decoder — the 9th character indicates drivetrain. The simplest method is to ask the seller directly.

Does a FWD Subaru cost less than an AWD one?

Yes, usually $1,000 to $1,500 less on a new car. On the used market, the price difference depends on age, mileage, and condition more than drivetrain. A newer FWD model might cost less than an older AWD model, but not always.