Symmetrical All Wheel Drive

Subaru XV Symmetrical AWD logo

The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (also known as Symmetrical AWD or SAWD) is a full-time four-wheel drive system developed by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru. The system consists of a longitudinally mounted boxer engine coupled to a symmetrical drivetrain with equal length half-axles. The combination of the symmetrical layout with a flat engine and a transmission balanced over the front axle provides optimum weight distribution with low center of gravity, improving the steering characteristics of the vehicle.[1] Ever since 1986, most of the Subaru models sold in the international market are equipped with the SAWD system by default, with the rear wheel drive BRZ and kei cars as the exceptions.[2]

  1. ^ "Subaru Technology Overview". Subaru Global. Fuji Heavy Industries. October 6, 2008. Archived from the original on December 25, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
  2. ^ "Subaru History Book" (PDF). Fuji Heavy Industries. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 25, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2014.