Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Explained: AWD, VDC and DCCD

If you buy a 2020 Outback, WRX STI, a Crosstrek with a manual transmission or a WRX with a CVT, you get one of four very different all-wheel drive systems. Even though Subaru advertises it simply as "Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive". In this video we look at the modern history of the systems, and how every version of the system works in current Subaru models.
#subaru #2020outback #technical
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[@mateorincon3448]

Last Sunday I went on a off road trip with various Wranglers and Toyotas and I was driving my 2019 Subaru Forester. It was when we got to a slippery mud hill when 2 Toyotas ( a Land Cruiser and a Fortuner) and a Mitsubishi Montero got stuck but my Subaru on the other hand went up the hill with no problems at all and with little wheel spin too, I couldn`t be any more happier with my Subaru!!!

[@JwcubTHS]

This has to be the best description of Subaru AWD Systems I've ever seen; I really enjoy your videos! 😎

[@vacuitenonvide]

Merci beaucoup!

[@kumir_]

I´m completely agree with You!

[@hirameberhardt8643]

Yeah...show and tell, understandable

[@shayeteariki9132]

E Dv

[@sevdalinkisimov8946]

@@kumir_ хържтрггжжжжжжж гр х еъъъмкрибикцвкшимъфшшогбтк/ц;%

[@marilynhayes4884]

My 2006 Forester w/ AWD saved me from having a major accident when I hit a patch of ice while accelerating through s turn. I skidded to the right across the street, up a little hill & down the other side of the hill, braked and turning slightly to the left wound up on the street & avoided driving into a driveway w/two cars. After sitting in the car long enough to get settled I went on to my doctor's appointment. I chose the Subaru Forester because it was stable on curves. I'm very glad that I did! - Marilyn

[@2percentright]

recently bought a Subaru. The first time I've even been in one, much less driven one. And I'm kicking myself for waiting so long. It's one of the best drives I've ever had, to the point I keep trying to think of places I need to go or just driving for the hell of it. Granted, I don't have a ton of experience with driving multiple different vehicles from the spectrum of manufacturers, but I think I may be in love.

[@jface3806]

One of my favorite things about winter is feeling the AWD on my '01 Outback with 200,000+ miles shift power around the 4 wheels and figure out an unplowed uphill road and go around stuck vehicles who can't quite make it. Just warms my heart.

[@Isaiah5417GdLk]

I have same car, almost same miles, I know what you mean.

[@FinnMcRiangabra]

I have a Mazda MX-5. When I see a flake of snow, I start to sweat. But in the sun....

[@charbelh.644]

Hey do u know what kind of center diff does it have? I have an 00 outback and im trying to figure it out.

[@williampow69]

That is why i like Subaru i can just start the car and drive no dials to turn or switch to click or press it can handle normal bad weather and road conditions

[@IsraGuitar]

@@FinnMcRiangabra same here, even a drop of rain makes me slow down and be extra carefull. That's why I'm selling my mx5 to buy a subaru. I can't wait to have it and test it !

[@4seasonsxpedition196]

Its incredible to see how capable Subaru has made their vehicles over the years. Amazing video!

[@afcgeo882]

4 Seasons Xpedition to be exact, how less capable they’ve been making them lately.

[@802Garage]

For most people's needs, they are very capable. They have been incredibly capable for decades though. :)

[@leonid3312]

The only reason I didn't choose Subaru is the CVT. I had it in Suzuki SX-4 and hated it. Finally I chose Mazda CX-3 and love it very much: I think, Mazda is the one of rare modern car where the classic automatic gearbox is still used, most of other switch to CVT.

[@bigpapa8152]

Now if they could figure out head gaskets,.

[@spol1622]

I assume that you are talking about its AWD. If so, Subarus are about average for its class (maybe slightly better than average).... There are real life situations tests proving it...

[@slothystyle]

Subaru's symmetrical AWD system and Audi's AWD Quatro are the two best true AWD systems on the market hands down.

[@LaBambaCL]

on road, honda's sh-awd is best, tho i'm not sure what porsche has.

[@LaBambaCL]

@MrAbletospeak never had a honda, but it's high on the list! tbh, i'm not a believer in awd even in my 4 season city.

[@LaBambaCL]

@MrAbletospeak my opinion is from videos and articles ;). i did some comparison of awd car systems, honda's sh-awd is by far the best performer on road compared to sub, bmw, mb, audi, etc, and most actively sophisticated awd. i did not come across the porsche awd info/comparison and i know they are top rated awd cars. perhaps porsche is equal or better but at a much much higher cost.

[@oldschoolways4661]

Wrong! Advance Quadra Trac’s - Quadra Drive.

[@squidproquo2241]

@MrAbletospeak _ I don't know about the Audi's but you lied about the Subaru's and your Renegade not having a difflock. All trail rated Jeeps, which they have the "Trailhawk" logo on them, have central locking differentials.

[@user-bz7sx2dk3e]

You’re amazing Ryan! Am the owner of a 2019 forester sport, watched all your videos through the years countless times, and requested this video to be released during your 2020 outback live session. You made it happen! Really appreciate you listening to the viewers. This is why I continue to The quality content of Driving Sports TV!

[@swgrantimus]

How do you like the Sport?

[@billhill59]

‘7

[@Doc1855]

I opted for the 2019 Forester Touring because we’re tired of the grey and black interior colors. My Forester is Bronze with saddle brown leather interior. I love the heated steering wheel and my rear passengers enjoy the heated rear seats.

[@PQR5CHE]

Awesome video! Thank you sir! We took my wife’s 2019 Ascent to a off road park in Texas, and drove it so far into the technical sections that a older gentleman in a brand new F-150 Raptor kept following us because he later told us was convinced we would get stuck... Nope! Kept going! Amazing vehicle! I just picked up a 2020 STI, coming from a 2017 BMW M3 Competition. My first drive in the rain was so much fun with the STI! The M3 would absolutely go nowhere in those conditions, and could be super tricky. But the STI plowed through with so much confidence, amazing for real life use! (In dry the M3 was a different animal though, I need to give it credit. Lightning fast monster!)

[@timothybracken1728]

congrats on your new sti and welcome to the family :)

[@PQR5CHE]

Username 1991 I got the Limited. I wanted the Recaro seats, and Hartman Kardon sound system. But in hindsight I could have gone for the Base. The HK in the STI is not good as the HK sound system from our Ascent. I don’t really need a sunroof either, but now the fall starts here in Dallas I have it open more and more. I’m keeping my STI stock besides a AWE Catback exhaust. Love it in this setup, and don’t want to ruin my added 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. 😅

[@PQR5CHE]

Username 1991 I like it better than Borla! Awe makes high end quality systems.

[@markeldamgaard]

I love my 2018 forester XT and it has the same engine as a WRX

[@DH-og5yr]

Shoulda got a sh-awd

[@BlowYourBra1n]

Based on videos like this one I went trough a lot of trouble to import myself a WRX STI(it's no longer sold in EU after 2018). Best decision I ever made in regards to cars. If you have not driven one before, you've not lived a full life :)

[@Doc1855]

We have to put both our Outback and Forester into Xmode just to get up our private road and into our garage during our very deep winter snow. We have to plow and maintain our road ourselves and we get 5-7 feet of snow every winter. We live in the mountains well above Cashmere, WA. Leavenworth is 20 minutes from our house and Wenatchee is 25 minutes from our house once we get onto highway 2. It normally takes us 10-15 minutes to get to the highway from our mountain home. Ryan I Love the content you share on your channel, especially when you’re talking about Subaru’s. I watch everyone of your videos. Thanks again, Ryan !

[@mftoutdoors7483]

Best description ever. As a service manager in a large Subaru dealer in south Florida I can tell you that are phenomenal and you are absolutely correct.

[@djteako]

Great vid. and Thank You. This is one of the best explanations of the DCCD system I've seen - and I've watched most of them as I just got a '19 STI 5 months ago and am trying to figure out how to use it. I've had 2 WRX's before that, and both were awsome in the snow. Can't wait to try the new one this winter :)

[@gregherman4691]

I purchased a new Outback in 2017, had RAB and many electrical problems from the start. After only a couple of months I had the car in the deanship for repairs, . The dealer only deleted the PC history, did nothing to fix the problem, and does not supply the needed paperwork to prove I was there. This practice is still going on today. The service tech brags, "as long as I work here, no one will ever qualify for Lemon Law protection " Problems got MUCH worse. In for repair 10 + times, towed in 4 times. After contacting Subaru customers support, they said because the dealer refused to supply paperwork for your visits, they refused to refund my money for the Lemon they sold me. I could almost hear Subaru saying " GOT YA SUCKER " Car was traded in, because it would not work, still under warranty, still not fixed because they didn't know how to fix it. Lost well over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars, or the customer.

[@Yul-Uhlu]

Subarus have equal length half shafts while other brands don't. Unequal length half shafts cause squirrelly handling in slippery conditions because the power is applied unevenly, and when applied it causes drift and fish tailing, over and under steer... and such and so forth. Your welcome.

[@mcguirereid7226]

my mom recently bought a 2019 forester sport and after watching some of your videos, it makes me like it a little bit more

[@tc6578]

Ryan, You’re awesome. Thanks for detailed explanations of the various Subaru AWD systems available in their production vehicles. My wife and I have been hooked to Subies since the early ‘90’s and have seen their vehicles evolved and improved through successive generations. Subies truly inspire confidence especially during inclement weather conditions. Again, thanks for putting together this informative video on the Subie AWD systems.

[@RickyJr46]

Well done! I liked learning about the history and development of Subaru AWD systems.

[@georgecrawford7225]

I had a 2014 outback 2.5 with cvt. I loved that vehicle. I was sold on Subaru’s AWD when I was forced into the medium during a snow storm by the snow plow dodging a vehicle in his lane. That Subie pulled out of that situation without missing a beat. On top of that is the great mpg those Subies can get.

[@sancheznish8285]

Your channel deserves wayyy more attention than it’s getting, amazing video man

[@chovue2363]

Well...shiz, here goes a marathon on all your subaru reviews.

[@calebjared75]

I love the Subaru enthusiasm! I could watch your Subie videos everyday 👍 Also I’m jealous of your Subaru racing suit 😎

[@stephenwoosley4942]

One of my favorite youtubers, I love how your never biased. Also it does say alot when a man who makes a living driving cars picks a subie for his family. Keep up the good work!

[@lfelssordnry]

Wow, what a thorough explanation of the Subaru AWD system. The Dealers at Subaru should be so well informed. I bought my Forester sport anyway, but the information would have been nice. I’m a subscriber now, thanks.

[@darkerimpulses7146]

This was incredibly informative. Great video!!

[@PatrickRich]

Very good content Ryan. As you might guess...I have notes. One thing thats important to note with the "continuous AWD" system in the manuals is that while they have viscous couplers they aren't only the coupler, they are viscous over open. So the Center diff unit has a traditional open diff with spider gears and then the VC unit in addition. So in this case its a full time open center differential that will transfer torque 1:1, but that also means that limited front traction means that same limit to the rear axle (1:1). With the VC, it adds a limited slip function to the center to be able to change the bias ratio. Its hard to find specific information on that ratio, I suspect because the VC TECHNICALLY will fully lock in "hump" but thats just the plates in the VC binding and thats not good for the unit. In hump mode the continuous system can actually transfer 100% of torque to the rear axle as the center diff is "locked". Like I said, thats bad for the VC and doesn't really happen that often but it can. The reason thats important is because some older implementations of the VC were not coupled with a differential at all and the coupler did all the work. That meant that the rear axle would only get power reactively after there was sufficient speed difference between axles. This was how the older VW synchros worked and it put a ton more stress on the VC and they aren't as good off-road as a result. VTD is basically the pricey special version of this system and while it can be true to say that it will only transfer "50:50" that's not super accurate as the clutch pack can transfer way more than 50% to the rear axle as it has the ability to fully lock the plates like DCCD, only without the ability to control it manually. In a fully locked system (VTD or DCCD) the center differential is fully locked and taken out of the equation where it then acts as a full 4wd system, just like a truck. In that state the system can transfer 100% of torque to either axle. DCCD is deeply misunderstood as its a torque sensing limited slip center differential with normal torque bias in the gearing. In a fully turned off DCCD system, the system can still transfer more than 50% of the torque to the rear axle as the bias ratio is greater than 1:1 (I think its somewhere like 2:1, maybe as high as 2.6:1). Meaning whatever the front axle is getting up to 2.6 x that limit is what the rear can get. if the front axle can only support, say, 1000 lbs-ft TRG then the rear can get up to 2600 lbs-ft TRG before the center limited slip limit is reached and slip happens. In this instance 72% of torque goes to the rear axle. What DCCD, and to a lesser extend VTD, does is apply addition torque bias by clamping up clutches that act on the center diff. So going from a fully disabled DCCD to say, 50% DCCD setting will increase the bias ratio from the standard 2.6:1 to, lets say, 6:1. That means in the same case as before the torque that could go to the rear axle is now 6x the front meaning that 83% can go rear...all the way up to fully locked which is an 1:0 ratio or infinity:1, in other words fully capable of sending 100% torque to the rear axle (the STI also has limited slips with similar TBR's front and rear). i.e. LOCKED. This is specifically why I hate the use of the term "50/50", because it implies percentage, but doesn't actually have anything to do with torque bias. it CAN mean a nominal torque bias of 1:1, or it CAN mean a locked state, but those are very different things as a nominal 1:1 bias can't bais any torque, where a limited slip or locking function actually can. Subaru systems are, indeed, quite robust and aside from the active AWD system in the autos, very different from the on demand AWD systems most crossovers have. Active AWD is pretty much like these PTO systems on most AWD system, but their clutches are strong enough to fully lock and indeed you can modify the signal to the solenoid to do just that - fully lock the clutches. Hopefully this doesn't come across as anything but being helpful, your explanations are miles ahead of 95% of all explanations of these systems online. Side note: VDC is NOT torque biasing, its a 1:1 bias differential but tricks the differential into thinking there is no traction loss at the slipping wheel allowing 50% of the torque coming in at the ring gear to go to the gripping wheel. STI's and some WRX/XT models have true biasing limited slip differentials in at least the rear axle, though in situations where a tire has no traction, VDC is better than an LSD as 2.6x nothing is still nothing, where half of whatever the rear diff is getting will get you moving.

[@drivingsports]

Thanks for the post, Patrick. Good stuff! I'm sure some of my viewers will like your deeper dive on the subject. The challenge with these videos is simplifying to the point of still being accurate (enough.) If I can pass the muster with at least a 95% better than anyone else, I'll take that. Lol. Thanks again for taking the time to write out your thoughts.

[@afcgeo882]

Driving Sports TV To be honest, you over simplified it to the point where it’s just wrong and useless. You see, any AWD system on the market right now can provide a “reactive” 50/50 torque split. EVERY SINGLE ONE. That doesn’t make Subaru at all special. In fact, most systems can lock the center diff, allowing systems to provide a 1:0 bias (up to 100% to the rear) or even a 0:1 bias (100% to the front). You did not state that Subaru can at least do the former... sort of. In reality, due to energy loss, only about 96-98% of the torque can be shifted to the secondary drive axle, even in fully locked conditions. 100% pure engineering theory, not applicable to the real world.

[@matthewjohnson1211]

George L =Subaru hating troll (he drives a rav4 -lol)

[@afcgeo882]

Matthew Johnson I drive a 2011 Legacy, so you’re the troll.

[@jacobmitchell85]

Great videos sir! One of the best car KZbin pages I've seen. Thank you so much

[@08650rRider]

best explanation of the STI DCCD system I have seen. I learned it by feel through my 15 STI, but always wondered what it all actually means. Thanks M8, enjoy a sub.

[@shrimperlincs3395]

Dude, this is excellent content. Really informative with diagrams!

[@daledearing5163]

Subaru is AWESOME! Thanks for the excellent & in-depth explanation of their 4-wheel drive systems. Great videos of your classic Subaru and wheel spin 👍

[@802Garage]

Awesome overview and recap! Love your classic Legacy. I have a 91 wagon myself, though it needs a lot of love. Keep up the great work!

[@surajrajamohan383]

I am certainly going to keep coming back to this video whenever I am in doubt about AWD systems. Awesome video Ryan.

[@Hirogen7]

Fantastic explanations thank you so much I’m sending this around

[@samevil13]

This is fantastic explanation. Thank you so much.

[@WasteDeep]

Thank you for this amazing video! I've always wanted a concise and thorough explanation of the Subaru AWD systems. This video is perfect, and I have subscribed. Thanks again!

[@Jason-kv7cm]

Awesome video! I just got my 2018 Black Edition Forester! Upgraded from the 2015 Forested Silver and couldn’t be happier.

[@pabauza]

Excellent video. Now Im even happier that I bought an STI.

[@terryprangley2878]

Love my 2017 Forester, this car goes anywhere, I feel safe , that I can drive anywhere, no matter the time of year !!

[@hirameberhardt8643]

Speaking of safety, I would rate them to a Volvo. Good technology, I'm on my second Subaru Forester 2015, not complaints.

[@okoyechinweuba5113]

This level of detail is out of this world. Super nice one. 👏🏿 👏🏿 👏🏿

[@timothybracken1728]

underrated channel and video, thanks so much for the information! Subscribed. Great and concise explanation wow

[@wg4476]

Excellent review, However, you did miss one of my favorite Subaru AWD systems. My 2003 Subaru Baja 5MT has a rear LSD. 2003 is the only year Subaru did this and it is only on the Manual Transmission. I had to dig through information just to get this amazing fact. Love it. I easily got out of blow sand dunes which I got stuck in because I stopped the car at the worst possible time in blow sand, but didn't matter because as easy as it was to get stuck, it was almost just as easy to get out. Other heavier vehicles with 4x4 or locking diffs would have more trouble getting out. Amazing vehicle!

[@wg4476]

@@mindbodysynergy1432 They are all nice, but they still don't have the bed passthrough, which I find to be invaluable if you like to go to home depot a lot. Also, for blow sand dunes, I think they are all too heavy. Subaru is planning for a new Baja, but that also looks heavy. But, hopefully the new Baja will include the passthrough and drop down tail gate extender. Either way, I am sticking with my current favorite offroader. I am just looking to install long travel suspension and maybe a low gear, then it will be perfect for me.

[@peterscott2662]

You missed the, orbital gear center differential that is also on the Manual Transmission basic Viscous system. The open differential spits the torque between front and rear. The viscous locks when either end slips. A Viscous only system would be FWD only until it slips.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

One year later Ryan, and this video is still very relevant. Love coming back and hearing the differences in the awd systems.

[@drivingsports]

We're doing Audi next.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@drivingsports Ohhh Baby!!! For me(As I've owned both systems/still do) Audi and Subaru have the BEST awd systems in the world... Cannot wait, Ryan.. Thanks for the heads up!!!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@drivingsports Ryan, I know you've been busy, and the year is just beginning!! But any future plans on making the same video with the subject being AUDI? Would love to see it.

[@unforgiven123321]

As a Subaru fan and long time user, this is THE most comprehensive piece on SAWD drive trains I have seen.

[@jn846]

wow this is a great channel. I appreciate the detail run down of the Subaru AWD systems and also the great examples of the various tests you have done. I've been looking for something just like this. I love my 2012 OB 3.6R but it's a little small. Sadly the Ascent seems too big and to be honest, less than attractive. I was actually looking at the Highlander mostly for the extra cargo space, but I know it doesn't compare to Subies awesome prowess AWD abilities. Thanks for all the videos!

[@eeshunique]

The video we all have been waiting for! This was a thorough, well explained video and love the gutted old school legacy! But I am still slightly confused about what exactly consists of a AWD system in my car, a 2018 wrx base with 6-speed. From my understanding it still has the Continues AWD system with a fully mechanical center diff coupling that locks a 50/50 split with open diffs at two ends and VCD by braking only? Or, does it have the VCD system with sensor controlled clutch pack at each diff in addition to braking?

[@drivingsports]

Your 2018 has a drivetrain layout similar to my 1991 Legacy. Viscous coupler with open diffs. The VDC system uses wheel brakes to provide the “brake vectoring” effect that replaces LSD units. Prior to VCD some WRX models had LSDs but that was dropped when VCD was incorporated across the board.

[@willba4]

watch the video by engineering explained. he goes through them pretty well

[@LaBambaCL]

mazda's awd video by their chief engineer also gives good insights into torque. viscous diff's lose efficiency, partly why subaru's have lower fuel econ i imagine.

[@Honestandtruth]

@@drivingsports WOW, you know Everything about Subaru AWD systems....... And now I know that Subaru has a Slipe-diffential but, WHY the TFL people saying Subaru doesn't have Slipped-differential ???

[@fartman10284]

@@Honestandtruth I guess you didn't pay attention enough to the contents of the video. 3 out of the 4 Symmetrical AWD systems uses open differentials front and rear, and uses VDC as a form of electronic limited slip differential, the exception is the STI's VTD with DCCD, which I believe uses Torsen LSD in the front and rear axles.

[@rerun3283]

I just found this channel today and I'm very happy.

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Great video and explanations. The recap is especially helpfull. Keep up the good work brother!

[@drduplessie]

Great explanation. Confusing, but great. They need to make a Crosstrek WRX with a better engine.

[@yal100]

Outback also adds rear limited slip diff compared to the legacy :)

[@Alaster-]

And manual forester in the 00's

[@geoff761]

Excellent description of Subaru AWD systems. Never knew there was more than one. Had a 2002 Forester which couldn't get up a driveway when there was ice on just one side of car and dry asphalt on other side. Never shifted power to the non slipping side.

[@Anonymous-bt7zz]

Nice Video! Very informative! I hate to say that I haven't been a real fan of yours in the past, but your videos have improved a TON! Credit where it's Due.

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

I have an '03 Impreza WRX with the mechanical LSD in back and whatever kind of voodoo they put in there that car has gone places you wouldn't think it could plus its on rails in the corners. I may keep it forever.

[@802Garage]

If you can keep it rust free it will even start going up in value soon. :)

[@MichaelSeeds]

My 2003 sti has the best drivetrain they've made. 65:35 split and two LSD's.

[@marilynhayes4884]

Thanks for your description of the AWD - now I know why my 2006 Forester handled so well!

[@deanrhodenizer938]

Thank you. Comes across as as totally knowledgeable on these systems. I wish I had this information the last time I was shopping. No one at the Subaru dealership had this kind of in-depth experience and was willing to share. The only thing I could get from the dealer is the Subaru system is the best but no direct evidence or technical information was available. Subscribed and liked thanks again.

[@nightVzn]

Very well-produced, informative video! (Liked/subscribed/etc.) I've read about this topic in various places, but it's never been clear why it makes engineering sense to pair Continuous AWD with manuals and Active AWD with automatics. (Setting aside VTD and DCCD for a moment, since those are more niche.) There must be an engineering reason or else Subaru wouldn't still be adhering to both pairings after several decades. It's not like the use case for, say, a manual Crosstrek is that different from that of an automatic Crosstrek such that the different front/rear biases would make more sense for respective buyers of each. I'd find that argument hard to believe. The best guess I've heard is that an automatic already has a bunch of electronics and/or hydraulic plumbing in place, so it's relatively simple to add AWD-control functionality, whereas a manual's purely mechanical transmission setup would necessitate a lot of added complexity to tack on Active AWD, so they stick with a purely mechanical VLSD arrangement. If true, this would seem to suggest Active AWD is "better" than Continuous, because there's no clear engineering reason they couldn't slap a VLSD onto the back of their automatic transmission and achieve greater economies of scale, but they choose to give it Active instead. Also, I keep hearing different figures for Active AWD's nominal split. Some sources, including the Subaru Global website, say it's up to 60/40 now. Of course, the actual number is probably relatively meaningless since the system is constantly making adjustments.

[@r.j.bedore9884]

It's not that they couldn't put the VLSD into the automatics, or that the Active AWD system is better, it's that sending some 90% of the power to the front wheels while just cruising down the highway is more fuel efficient than having a nominal 50/50 split. This was a bigger deal back when they used the 4 speed automatics since they were less fuel efficient than the 5 speed manuals, but with the CVTs they use now it isn't necessary. That's why more of today's automatic transmission Subarus use a nominal split closer to 60/40, or just use the more advanced VTD system.

[@affliction1979]

I almost cried at around 11 minutes in when you admitted to having an automatic WRX...

[@Mufflee]

Can’t out shift automatics bruh. Computer > manual

[@Didumos69]

Thanks for this great explanation video! The deep dive into continuous all-wheel-drive makes me wonder what would happen if we would put the open differentials between diagonally opposite wheels instead of the front wheels and rear wheels. The viscous coupler still connects the 2 differentials. Let's refer to this as diagonal continuous AWD as opposed to symmetrical continuous AWD. When 2 diagonally opposite wheels lose grip, which is typically the case in crawler-like situations, symmetrical continuous AWD won't really help, because the viscous coupler won't lock when slipping occurs both in the front and in the back. However, with diagonal continuous AWD, the viscous coupler WOULD kick in, causing power to be distributed evenly over the pair of slipping wheels and the pair of wheels with grip, without the need for single wheel breaking. Another advantage of diagonal continuous AWD would be that while cornering on a normal road, the 2 pairs of diagonally opposite wheels will average to more or less the same rotation speed, whereas paired rear wheels would average to a lower speed than paired front wheels. As a result, diagonal continuous AWD will reduce the chances of the viscous coupler kicking in while cornering.

[@sinine]

Great vid! You were brutal with the oldie, but the educational value is off the charts :D

[@THEPOETGOD]

I would love to see a video on Mazda’s recent Skyactiv AWD system in the new Mazda 3 CX 30 which is the Crosstrek competitor .... I owned an Impreza and enjoyed it but Mazda won me over with the 2014 Mazda3 hatch which I love because of the style handling and power! I’m considering the CX 30 or CX5 because I want to do head to the mountains and hit some dirt trails on the weekends... I hate CVT transmissions although Subaru's isn’t that bad it’s lack of power in combination with that is a deal breaker for me. Great video

[@Peter11525]

Do a video on Toyota/Lexus AWD systems

[@elusivellama]

Yes please, especially the system on the GS/RC/IS.

[@mindtraveller100]

Yes. I´m planning on buying a 2006 or 2007 Rav4, but i still didn´t figure out how that one works.

[@Avacarho]

I got my 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Prem 6 months ago where I live in West Central Ohio, and have been down in northeastern Kentucky where my daughter lives for the majority of that time. She lives on a mountain up a partially paved mostly gravel road with a 6% grade gravel driveway that gets washed out every time it pours rain. My car has been used to get higher up the mountain through the horse pastures to help with farm chores and is a dream. If I’d been in any other vehicle, especially my old 2002 Mercury Sable Wagon, which I loved, it wouldn’t have made it half the time and I’d have been scared of losing control. Thanks for explaining extremely well how my Subaru’s system works so well.

[@markhamer5112]

Excellent video. The best at explaining and demonstrating the differences between Subaru AWD systems.

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

Very nice video! That's just a pity you didn't mention Leone ;)

[@drivingsports]

We wanted to do the full history, but had to eventually focus on systems that tied to current cars to keep it somewhat on track.

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

@@drivingsports OK 🙂 I mentioned about Leone cause many people, especially here in Europe have no idea that this 4wd car came out years before Quattro. By the way - where did you get the info about 80/20 basic torque split of ACT-4, any official Subaru source?

[@drivingsports]

All the numbers were from Subaru tech docs. We also consulted with an internal Subaru engineer.

[@Abbbb225]

@@4x4.tests.on.rollers Thanks for all your roller test videos - I think they're great; no BS, just showing results. If you can do more videos on the specifics of how different AWD systems work, that would also be great.

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

@@drivingsports Thank you. Is there any info in docs about torque split during highway cruising?

[@BigBlueGuy]

I'd like to learn about Audi's ]Quattro system.

[@notectrl]

look up Torsen diff

[@DH-og5yr]

Or the best one Ah-awd

[@An.Individual]

@@notectrl or Crown Wheel Diff, or Haldex Diff. Audi have many different systems all labelled Quattro

[@fartman10284]

@@RareGenXer No, that's just the Magna-produced Ultra technology, on the A4 chassis (and the Haldex on the transverse engine cars). Go up to the A5/A6,etc and you still get their in-house crown gear center differential.

[@bobbyaustralia8509]

Quattro is trash now, front wheel drive with weak and unreliable rear detection - basically 4motion’s haldex 🤢 but I bought the last allroad with real awd and I’m never selling it! Thankfully Subaru is keeping true awd alive 💪🔥💪

[@adcurds6]

Great video, well done sir! I work for Subaru in sales and we take factory test about this stuff and talk amongst ourselves. This video shares a lot of the same info and even more! Thank you

[@TheGreatBender]

Great AWD system, unfortunately on most of their cars it is attached to a very lousy CVT that likes to slip power when you need more. Check the curb test, but nobody wants to throw mud on their favorite brand.

[@soccernskibum]

What do you mean check the curb test? I have a Subaru Forester with a CVT and I can tell you that a curb doesn't give me any difficulty at all. In fact I did a search for subaru curb test first video is a guy testing in reverse... right up no issue not even using a lot of power.

[@subielife4life]

Never had an issue with my cvt in my 2018 Subaru Outback no issues on the road and definitely no issues when off-roading

[@JordieG8]

You forgot to mention the Diff lock on the STi, I can turn my car into a snow plow when they're locked up. 👌😁

[@cezargheorghe269]

One of the best AWD video explanation ! it would be nice to see videos about other car brands AWD! Thank You!

[@92justy]

Thanks for bringing back the 91 Legacy for a bit!!! Love that car!

[@CoolLifeFilms]

different hardware is also involved in subaru's modern AWD system. you said the only difference was software-- you cant put new software on an old computer. You definitely know what you're talking about, but you may have oversimplified it there for everyone else.

[@CoolLifeFilms]

ps i love your collection

[@boostedmaniac]

At 16:15. You haven’t seen TFL car’s Subaru on gold mine hill. The cvt wouldn’t send enough power to the wheels to climb the hill.

[@jjr007]

I have seen that video, they were not driving it right. I have seen other videos with cvt Subaru, such as the Canadian guys (forget their youtube name) doing diagonal testing and other tests similar to the TFL tests, with the cvt having no problems. Look at the TFL test where they finally try a slightly different line with their Outback, and made it up the hill. Also look at earlier in the video you are talking about where the other car they were testing, had to take a different line to get through the area the Outback had made it through with no problem.

[@erichernandez7553]

Saw it, and TFL are complaining of lack of power out of a 4 cylinder, they cheaped out on the 4cylinder which is for soft roading where it’s the 6cylinder is recommended for that kind of job..🤷🏻‍♂️

[@PhoenixMoore]

Excellent video! Just subscribed!

[@yoppalab8326]

I love my subaru legacy outback at 270,000 miles, she's still kicking off the snow!

[@Rqoiz]

All I know is that my 2019 XV can drive where my dads fwd volvo can't!

[@byeboy00]

Obviously if you're comparing awd to fwd

[@kylejabin3016]

Where all my wrx/sti guys and gals at!!?? (I feel like a majority of y'all watching this have either or)

[@MrMatt8478]

Kyle Jabin three forester xts here (well one is my sons:)

[@SuperFlojoGuy]

07sti here! This is a great video!

[@c3p046]

17 WRX here :)

[@mitchwest6453]

An excellent explanation except for one key fact: Subaru did put rear limited slip differentials in some models, like the 5 speed 2003 Outback that I owned. To me, having three wheels constantly putting power down in low grip situations with absolutely zero electronic/computer interference made it extremely easy to drive and predictable, while giving it almost superior grip compared to a lot of systems.

[@tonyeccles4550]

I am a owner of a 2020 Subaru cross trek limited and we are really happy with how the car handles driving through the rain on the interstate the car drives so solid and you can feel the car working for you to keep us from slipping on the wet surfaces!

[@andydavidson5253]

Japanese are very clever. And their women are gorgeous. :)

[@CrimsonChris]

Okay Boomer

[@martinr8278]

Amen David!

[@alistairwhite2906]

One great upgrade for the viscous centre diff is to change to a Sti rally unit. Factory ones only had 4kg/40nm of locking power in a lot of models, so power transfer front to rear etc is limited. Going to a 12kg or 20kg unit means much greater power transfer and therefore drive in slippery conditions. I've coupled a 20kg unit with a rear 1.5 way plated LSD and helical front LSD in my 2004 Forester XT. Amazing grip, absolutely shoots the car out of corners, even with 190kw at the wheels it just grips and goes. And on gravel, it's stupidly fast but controlable. Just like a rally car should be!

[@adventureforesterblog]

Thanks! Great video! Subaru stuff always welcome. Happy to support that!

[@jenedyermeneses1157]

What a great video explaining the engineering aspect of Subaru's all wheel drive system.

[@cfjruth]

Love my Forester. My wife and I both drive one. Great cars.

[@philboytano]

Im 2016 owner of WRX my very first turbo AWD. I didn't know jack about its all wheel drive until i come across your channel. :)

[@paulblegg]

What an informative video. With humour! I’ve just bought a 2013 diesel cvt outback. Love my Subaru’s. Had a 2003 forester XT for 11 years, didn’t miss a beat.

[@STohme]

Very interesting and excellent analysis of Subaru AWD systems. You explain very well that Subaru AWD technologies are full time all wheel drive in comparison with many other AWD available on the market which are in fact only part time all wheel drive and switch all wheel drive in case of slipping. Many thanks.

[@JPfernandez15]

I'm starting getting in love with my 2020 STI. Best car ever owned.

[@aljay2955]

Bought American made vehicles since 1970. Got tired of fixing them so I bought a new 2012 Subaru Outback. 162,000 miles later no problems only oil changes and filters. The drive train is superb. Not a snowballs chance in Hell that I'll buy anything but a Subaru going forward.

[@YoshixVR]

DCCD on my Type R Vers. 6, helped me so much when I just bought my Subaru on winter, and cross some roads with 20cm of snow!

[@markdc31]

Awesome video! I really enjoy your detailed descriptions and explanations. After watching the video I was curious which system is closest to matching my old ‘97 Pathfinder 4x4. Or my buddy’s old 4x4 Explorer. They were true go anywhere types of vehicles. After moving to Florida from New England, I thought I’d no longer have a need for anything other than a 2WD sedan or whatever. Then I experienced multiple tropical storms, flash floodings and one mandatory evacuation due to a hurricane. I wonder if you might one day make a video on tires, different drive systems and ground clearance in snow, rain, flooding, etc. On road the way most folks spend most of their time.

[@matthewhannan3958]

Now that was a great explanation with great video's and graphics. Nice job guys!

[@javierjavier-ht3yu]

Very good explanation, and I want to say the excellent work of the tires for resisting the ground and the weight of the vehicle.

[@kenik]

Excellent explaination of the various awd system. Thank you.

[@philricci2012]

Awesome explanation of Subaru all wheel drive. Well done. Subscribed.

[@FelipeMeirelles]

Super nice! Thank you for your time and dedication to explain all to us!!!! Great job!

[@goofygomez]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video mate. Cheers

[@arielgs]

Great video!!! A lot of knowledge explained simple! Keep it up!

[@patricks5575]

Beauty!! Great vid Ryan

[@heliscat]

Absolutely love your content. So much so your reviews of the Outback Onyx XT heavily persuaded me away from a Tacoma and into my new Magnetite 2021 Onyx XT.