The First Subaru AWD Car
The first Subaru car to feature all-wheel drive (AWD) was the Subaru Leone Station Wagon, which was introduced in 1972. This early version of Subaru’s AWD system was a part-time mechanical four-wheel drive system that was offered as an optional feature for the first-generation Subaru Leone Wagon. It is worth noting that while the Leone Station Wagon was the first Subaru to offer AWD, there were other Subaru models released after that which also featured AWD, such as the Subaru XT. However, it wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s that Subaru started to gain recognition for its AWD technology, particularly with the success of its AWD cars in rallying.
Contents
- What year did AWD become standard Subaru?
- Did Subaru ever make a 4×4?
- When did AWD become standard on Subaru?
- What was the first AWD vehicle?
- What year did Subaru go to AWD?
- When did Subaru become AWD?
- Which Subaru has AWD?
- What was the first Subaru with AWD?
- Why is Subaru AWD the best?
- When did Subaru go all AWD?
What year did AWD become standard Subaru?
1996
In 1996, SOA decided to include Subaru Symmetrical AWD as standard across all model lines. The decision underpinned the manufacturer’s commitment to safety, capability, and driving enjoyment. To this day, all Subaru models (excluding the BRZ sports car) are equipped with standard Symmetrical AWD.
Did Subaru ever make a 4×4?
Subaru launches the Subaru 4WD wagon, the first four-wheel drive passenger car sold in the U.S. Road Test magazine names the Subaru GF model “1975 Import Car of the Year.”
When did AWD become standard on Subaru?
1996
Subaru cars are known for their use of a boxer engine layout in most vehicles above 1,500 cc. The Symmetrical All Wheel Drive drive-train layout was introduced in 1972. Both became standard equipment for mid-size and smaller cars in most markets by 1996.
What was the first AWD vehicle?
The 1893 Diplock Steam Locomotive was the world’s first 4WD land vehicle. The Lohner–Porsche Mixte Hybrid was both the world’s first hybrid vehicle, and the first four-wheel drive without a steam engine.
What year did Subaru go to AWD?
1972
The first version of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive was introduced in September of 1972, serving a modest role as an option on the new Subaru Leone Wagon.
When did Subaru become AWD?
1972
Subaru cars are known for their use of a boxer engine layout in most vehicles above 1,500 cc. The Symmetrical All Wheel Drive drive-train layout was introduced in 1972. Both became standard equipment for mid-size and smaller cars in most markets by 1996.
Which Subaru has AWD?
Every model in the Subaru lineup except the Subaru BRZ comes standard with an AWD system. While the type of AWD system may vary slightly between models, they all come equipped with it.
What was the first Subaru with AWD?
Subaru Leone 4WD Estate Van
The Subaru Leone 4WD Estate Van, Japan’s first AWD passenger car, was introduced to the market in September 1, 1972. FHI had started mass production of Leone 4WDs at its Gunma plant in July 1972.
Why is Subaru AWD the best?
Designed to emphasize balance, predictability, and optimized power distribution, Subaru Symmetrical AWD offers enhanced stability, traction, and control. The system is responsive in the face of icy surfaces, intense weather, and other dangerous road conditions.
When did Subaru go all AWD?
The second-generation system, called Full-Time 4WD, was available on most models from the late-80s to early 90s. The system eventually evolved into one of the manufacturer’s core technologies: Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. In 1996, SOA decided to include Subaru Symmetrical AWD as standard across all model lines.
