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Subaru: All Models, Symmetrical AWD & Brand History

More than a car company, Subaru is a trusted companion for adventure, defined by its unwavering commitment to safety and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. From the go-anywhere capability of the Outback and Forester to the rally-bred performance of the WRX, Subaru builds vehicles that are loved for their durability, versatility, and the confidence they inspire in any weather.

Subaru: Confidence in Motion and a Legacy of Loyalty

Subaru is an automotive brand that has cultivated one of the most loyal and passionate followings in the industry. It has achieved this not through flashy marketing, but by consistently delivering on a core promise: building incredibly safe, durable, and capable vehicles that empower owners to live more adventurous lives. With its legendary standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a reputation for long-lasting quality, a Subaru is more than just a car; for many, it is a trusted member of the family and an essential piece of outdoor gear.

The Genesis: From Aircraft Roots to Automotive Innovator

The origins of Subaru are in the Fuji Heavy Industries company of Japan, which itself grew from a former aircraft research laboratory. The automotive division was officially founded in 1953 by CEO Kenji Kita. The name "Subaru" is the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster, which is represented in the brand's iconic six-star logo. From its earliest days with the quirky Subaru 360, the company had a reputation for innovative and unconventional engineering, a trait that would come to define its future success.

Core Philosophy: "Love." and the Four Pillars

Subaru's modern marketing is built around a single, powerful word: "Love." It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru. This philosophy is supported by four core pillars that are engineered into nearly every vehicle:

  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Unlike competitors who offer AWD as an option, Subaru makes it a core, standard feature, providing superior balance, traction, and all-weather confidence.
  • Safety: A relentless focus on safety, both passive and active, with top ratings from the IIHS and the advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.
  • Durability: A well-earned reputation for building vehicles that last for hundreds of thousands of miles, leading to incredible owner loyalty.
  • Capability: Generous ground clearance and rugged engineering that make its vehicles genuinely capable on dirt roads and in snowy conditions.

Defining Moments and Iconic Achievements

Subaru's history is marked by a series of segment-defining vehicles and a legendary motorsport heritage.

  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: The decision to make this advanced AWD system a standard feature across its lineup in the 1990s was a game-changing move that defined the brand's identity and created a massive competitive advantage.
  • The Outback: The original Subaru Outback, launched in 1994, essentially created the rugged, lifted-wagon segment that has become the blueprint for the modern crossover.
  • World Rally Championship (WRC) Dominance: The iconic blue-and-gold Subaru Impreza WRX STI, piloted by legends like Colin McRae, dominated the WRC in the 1990s and 2000s. This motorsport success cemented the brand's reputation for performance and durability in the minds of enthusiasts worldwide.
  • Top Safety Ratings: Subaru has consistently earned more IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" awards than almost any other brand over the last decade, a testament to its unwavering commitment to safety.

Subaru's Modern Market Position: The Lifestyle Enabler

Today, Subaru stands as a highly successful brand in the American market, perfectly aligned with the public's growing demand for safe, capable, and adventure-ready vehicles.

Vehicle Lineup and Target Audience

Subaru's lineup is focused and highly effective:

  • Crossovers/Wagons: The heart of the brand, featuring the iconic Outback, the popular Forester, and the versatile Crosstrek.
  • SUVs: The 3-row Ascent serves the needs of larger families.
  • Sedans & Compacts: The dependable Legacy and Impreza continue the tradition.
  • Performance: The rally-bred WRX carries the torch of performance for enthusiasts.
  • Electric Vehicles: The Solterra marks the brand's entry into the all-electric market.

The brand's target audience is active, educated, and practical, including families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone living in a four-season climate who values safety and capability.

Key Differentiators and Competitive Advantages

Compared to its primary rivals, Toyota and Honda, Subaru's key differentiators are:

  • Standard Symmetrical AWD: This is Subaru's single greatest competitive advantage. It is not an option; it is the core of the brand's identity and a powerful selling point.
  • Safety Leadership: The combination of Symmetrical AWD and the highly-rated EyeSight® system gives Subaru an authentic and marketable leadership position in vehicle safety.
  • Brand Loyalty and Culture: Subaru has cultivated a unique and powerful culture around its brand, creating a level of owner loyalty that is the envy of the industry.

Subaru Models

  • Outback

    1995-Present

    The original sport-utility wagon that defined a segment. The Outback is the icon of American adventure, masterfully blending the comfort of a wagon with the go-anywhere capability of an SUV. It's the trusted, rugged companion for any journey.

  • Forester

    1998-Present

    The smart, safe, and incredibly practical compact SUV. With its excellent visibility, standard Symmetrical AWD, and spacious interior, the Forester is the dependable and versatile choice for families who value safety and utility above all else.

  • Crosstrek

    2013-Present

    The subcompact SUV with a huge heart for adventure. The Crosstrek packs rugged styling, impressive ground clearance, and legendary AWD capability into a fun-to-drive and efficient package. It's the perfect escape artist for the city and the trail.

  • Ascent

    2019-Present

    The biggest Subaru ever built, designed for the modern American family. The Ascent delivers three rows of seating, 19 cupholders, and the steadfast safety of standard EyeSight and Symmetrical AWD. It's the capable and trustworthy hauler for your entire crew.

  • Impreza

    1993-Present

    The only compact car in its class with standard All-Wheel Drive. Now a versatile 5-door hatchback, the Impreza continues to offer a unique blend of safety, reliability, and all-weather confidence, making it the smartest choice in its segment.

  • Legacy

    1990-Present

    The sophisticated mid-size sedan that intelligently stands apart. The Legacy offers the all-weather security of standard Symmetrical AWD, a comfortable ride, and a spacious, premium cabin. It is the thinking person's alternative to the ordinary.

  • WRX

    2002-Present

    A rally legend, tamed for the street. The WRX is a pure, exhilarating performance machine, delivering turbocharged boxer power and the tenacious grip of Symmetrical AWD. It’s an icon of raw, unfiltered driving pleasure for the true enthusiast.

  • WRX STI

    2004-2021

    The pinnacle of Subaru's rally-bred performance. The STI was a more hardcore, track-focused beast than its WRX sibling, featuring the driver-controlled center differential (DCCD) and its iconic giant wing. It is a true legend of the enthusiast world.

  • Solterra

    2023-Present

    The first all-electric adventure SUV from Subaru. The Solterra combines zero-emissions driving with the brand's legendary Symmetrical AWD and generous ground clearance. It's a new kind of Subaru, built for the trails of tomorrow.

  • BRZ

    2013-Present

    A masterclass in pure driving fun. The BRZ is a lightweight, perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive sports car designed for the purist. With its low center of gravity and telepathic steering, it is one of the most engaging driver's cars available.

  • Baja

    2003-2006

    The wonderfully weird and incredibly versatile crossover-pickup. With four doors and a small open bed, the Baja was a quirky, multi-tool of a vehicle that became an instant cult classic for outdoor adventurers who dared to be different.

  • Tribeca

    2006-2014

    Subaru's first foray into the 3-row SUV market. Named after the trendy NYC neighborhood, the Tribeca offered standard AWD and a unique, controversial design. It paved the way for the larger and more successful Ascent that followed.

  • SVX

    1992-1997

    A futuristic and bizarre luxury GT from the mind of Giorgetto Giugiaro. The SVX was an ambitious coupe with a smooth flat-six engine, advanced AWD, and its unforgettable 'window-within-a-window' design. A true and rare 90s automotive oddity.

  • Brat

    1978-1987

    An icon of quirky utility. The BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) was a small 4WD pickup famous for its rear-facing jump seats welded into the bed. It remains one of the most unique and beloved vehicles in Subaru's history.

  • Loyale / GL / DL

    1971-1994

    The tough, simple, and unstoppable vehicles that built Subaru's reputation in America. These cars and wagons, with their rugged, on-demand 4WD and boxer engines, were the dependable, all-weather workhorses that created a legion of loyal fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and why is it special?
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is the cornerstone of the Subaru brand and a key reason for its legendary stability and safety. Unlike many competitors' AWD systems that are adapted from front-wheel-drive platforms, Subaru's system is designed to be perfectly symmetrical and balanced. Key benefits include:
  • Perfect Balance: The engine, transmission, and drivetrain are aligned in a straight, symmetrical line, providing a low center of gravity and excellent side-to-side balance for superior handling.
  • Full-Time Power: It is a full-time AWD system that constantly sends power to all four wheels, providing instant grip and traction rather than waiting for a wheel to slip before engaging.
This engineering commitment is why almost every Subaru comes with Symmetrical AWD as a standard feature, not an expensive option.
What is a Subaru BOXER® engine?
The BOXER® engine is another core part of Subaru's unique engineering identity. In a boxer engine, the cylinders are positioned horizontally (lying flat) and move toward and away from each other like a boxer punching their gloves together. This design has two major advantages:
  • Low Center of Gravity: Because the engine is flat and sits low in the chassis, it dramatically lowers the vehicle's center of gravity. This reduces body roll and results in much better, more stable handling.
  • Smoothness: The opposing motion of the pistons naturally cancels out vibrations, making the boxer engine inherently smoother and more balanced than a traditional inline or V-shaped engine.
What is the difference between a Subaru Outback and a Forester?
While both are highly capable and popular AWD vehicles, they are designed for slightly different buyers:
  • The Subaru Outback is essentially a lifted, rugged station wagon. It offers a more car-like ride and handling experience, a longer cargo area, and is often considered the ultimate long-distance road trip and adventure vehicle.
  • The Subaru Forester is a more traditional compact SUV. It has a taller, boxier design that provides a higher seating position, a more commanding view of the road, and exceptional headroom and visibility. It is often favored for its practicality in urban and suburban environments.
Choosing between them often comes down to a preference for a car-like wagon or a traditional SUV feel.
What is Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology?
EyeSight® is Subaru's advanced, camera-based suite of active safety and driver-assistive technologies. It is unique because it uses a pair of forward-facing cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to create a stereoscopic, human-like view of the road. This allows the system to accurately detect vehicles, pedestrians, and lane markings. Key features include:
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the car ahead.
  • Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
  • Pre-Collision Braking: Can apply full braking force to help prevent or mitigate a frontal collision.
EyeSight is a core reason why Subaru has consistently earned more IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" awards than almost any other brand.
What is a Subaru WRX and STI?
The WRX and STI are legendary, high-performance, all-wheel-drive sport compacts born from Subaru's dominance in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
  • The WRX (World Rally eXperimental) is the accessible, everyday performance model. It features a powerful turbocharged BOXER engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and Symmetrical AWD, offering thrilling performance for the street.
  • The STI (Subaru Tecnica International) was the even more hardcore, track-focused version. It featured a more powerful engine, a driver-controlled center differential (DCCD), a massive rear wing, and a much stiffer suspension. While the STI is not in the current lineup, its legacy has cemented Subaru's reputation as a performance icon.