Cars and winter have never been the best combination; the slippery road and low temperature are automatic road hazards. Every attempt to navigate the snow-laden roads is a risk that lands most cars at the mechanics. But Subaru has found a way around the usual limitations of driving in through icy roads.
Subaru cars are not only safe for driving in winter, they also redefine joyrides on wet, snowed-in roads.
How Subaru made these winter-perfect car is a question for the patent office, but we can answer why some of their cars are simply ideal for safe drives even in the coldest months. Let's explore the uniques driving capacity of these Subaru rides:
Nothing Beats The Subaru WRX STi’s DriveTrain
The WRX STi has topped the chart of Subaru's most recognized cars since it won over three world rally championships between 1990 and 2005, but it has also grown more popular because of its reliability even in the worst of winter. Subaru designed the WRX with an exceptional All Wheels Drive system and a turbocharged boxer engine that guarantees smooth handling in all conditions.
This symmetrical AWD system is one of the coolest features of the Subaru WRX that permits its high-performance driving in paved asphalt and uneven tracks. This AWD system sends power to the WRX’s four wheels instead of the front wheels, allowing you to \have the necessary traction and grip to navigate the worst roads, even in winter.
Driving the Subaru WRX STi through uneven, steep, and snow-covered roads is easier when it runs on a 6-speed manual transmission and has a 2.5-liter H4 turbocharged boxer engine that produces up to 310 hp @ 6,000 rpm. However, the WRX STi is only five inches off the ground and is not ideal for driving through very deep snow.
The Modern Safety Features Of The Subaru Outback
Like most Subaru vehicles, the Outback runs on the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that offers more control of the wheels and smoother handling than most cars can attempt. But the Subaru Outback also has extra features that set it apart from other Subaru cars.
Unlike the other Subaru on this list, the Outback maintains a towering 8.7-inch distance from the ground, allowing it to wade through deeper snow than other cars in this category. It also has modern features like the Traction Control, Anti-Lock Braking System, and the latest electronic stability control called Vehicle Dynamic Control to protect the car and its occupant from swerving off the road or ramming into obstacles you may not have noticed.
The Outback’s All-Wheel Drive runs on the Active Torque Vectoring that balances your speed, traction, and handling by applying soft brake pressures inside the front wheels. This ATV coupled with the Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and the other Snow/Mud mood of the Subaru Outback guarantees your safety even on harsh snowing nights.
The Balanced Traction Of The Subaru Crosstrek
As one of the unrivaled AWD SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek competes easily with the Toyota RAV4 and other leading SUVs, but it is still the best choice for winter drives. With a standard symmetrical all-wheel drive that gives you a balanced grip and comfortable handling, the Subaru Crosstrek is not only ideal for driving through the snow; it is also one of your safest rides in any season.
Powered by a 2.5-liter 4 cylinder engine, the Crosstrek has an average power output of 182 hp or an optional 260 hp for the turbocharged engine. Combined with its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) similar to an 8-speed gearbox, the Crosstrek can navigate iced, slippery roads with better ease than any other SUV in the market today.
The Subaru Legacy’s Fuel Economy
Headlining Subaru’s sedans, the Subaru Legacy has one of the best fuel economies of any Subaru car, but it also has handling and cargo space that competes with most SUVs. This 5 seater, 4-door sedan comes with the standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer engine that produces up to 182 hp and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Subaru Legacy has the traditional sedan designs and a largely bland display, but it compensates for its unusual fuel economy and its excellent traction. You can drive this sedan through wet, uneven roads without a worry about losing control. The best part? The 2022 Subaru Legacy is worth only $22,995. This is one of the cheapest safety vehicles you will get for your winter trips.
Final Thoughts
Subaru may not have provided everything we need in cars, but they are excellent at giving us cars that are safe enough to drive even in winter. Even without the trademark Symmetrical AWD, the Subaru BRZ is the perfect argument for Rear-wheel drive in winter.