Subaru Symmetrical AWD vs. Competitor AWD Systems: What New Mexico Drivers Need to Know
Driving in New Mexico requires a vehicle that handles rapid weather changes and extreme terrain shifts. One afternoon you are cruising down a dry, sun-baked stretch of I-25, and the next you are navigating a flash flood downpour along Coors Boulevard, a muddy canyon trail in Sandoval County, or slick winter slush up in the Sandias. When shopping for an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) crossover, it is easy to assume that all AWD systems operate the same way. However, the engineering behind how power reaches your tires varies significantly between vehicle manufacturers. Understanding the structural differences between Subaru’s full-time Symmetrical AWD and the slip-and-grip systems found in many competitors helps you pick the right vehicle for high-desert living. What Is Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive? Most modern compact and midsize SUVs use “part-time” or “on-demand” AWD. Under normal dry conditions, these vehicles operate almost entirely in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) to cons...