Subaru Brand Glossary: 5 Terms Worth Knowing Before You Shop

Subaru SUV driving on a wet, snowy mountain road. 

When you start shopping for a new Subaru vehicle, you'll notice the same proprietary names appearing across the lineup, from compact crossovers to full-size three-row SUVs. These aren't just buzzwords-they're the core technologies that define how Subaru vehicles drive, protect, and perform. Freehold Subaru breaks down what some of these terms mean.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive®

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive® is standard on virtually every model in the lineup, built into the foundation of the vehicle. The drivetrain components mirror each other from left to right, contributing to balanced weight distribution and consistent grip across all four wheels in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions.

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is Subaru's suite of active safety features, standard across most of the current model lineup. The system uses cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to initiate pre-collision braking, provide lane departure warnings, and maintain set following distances through advanced adaptive cruise control.

BOXER® Engine

The SUBARU BOXER® engine gets its name from the way its pistons move horizontally, opposing each other in a "boxing" motion rather than firing up and down like a conventional engine. This horizontally opposed design places the engine lower in the chassis, helping lower the center of gravity for more stable handling.

X-MODE®

X-MODE® is Subaru's terrain management system designed to help drivers maintain confident traction in slippery or uneven conditions. When activated, it adjusts throttle response, braking, and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive® system to optimize grip on snow, dirt, mud, or steep grades. Many current models offer dual-function X-MODE® with two driver-selectable settings: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.

LinearTronic™ CVT

The LinearTronic™ continuously variable transmission replaces a traditional stepped gearbox with a belt-and-pulley system capable of moving through an infinite range of gear ratios. On models like the Subaru Forester and Subaru Ascent, the LinearTronic™ CVT pairs with an eight-speed manual shift mode and paddle shifters for drivers who want more direct control.

Find Your New Subaru Model at Our Dealership in Freehold, NJ

If you're ready to try out these technologies firsthand, visit our Subaru dealership in Freehold, NJ. While you're exploring your options, our team can also walk you through Subaru financing options to bring home your new Subaru vehicle.

  1. Freehold Subaru

    299 South St.
    Freehold, NJ 07728

    • Sales: 732-677-5141
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