STARLINK
Subaru's name used for connected vehicle services and multimedia technology. Depending on the vehicle and service plan, connected features can include remote functions, safety/security services, and more.
AWD, X-MODE, BOXER engines, EyeSight, Starlink, Wilderness — all the Subaru words explained like a normal person is asking.
There are a handful of things you'll hear over and over. Once these make sense, the rest of the lineup gets way easier to understand.
Subaru's all-wheel-drive layout sends power through a drivetrain arranged along the vehicle's centerline. It's standard on most Subaru models.
The pistons move horizontally instead of up and down, helping keep the engine low in the vehicle.
A camera-based suite of driver-assist features designed to help watch traffic, lane position, and potential hazards.
A system that coordinates the engine, transmission, AWD, brakes, and stability systems when traction gets difficult.
More off-pavement-focused versions of certain Subaru models with added clearance and capability.
Subaru uses the STARLINK name for connected services and multimedia-related technology. The exact features depend on vehicle and subscription.
All-wheel drive means the vehicle can send power to all four wheels instead of relying on only the front or rear wheels. That can help the vehicle use available traction when roads are wet, snowy, loose, or uneven.
“Symmetrical” refers to Subaru's drivetrain layout: major components are arranged longitudinally along the centerline of the vehicle. Subaru pairs that layout with its horizontally opposed BOXER engine.
One important distinction: AWD helps you use traction — it does not create traction. Tires, speed, road conditions, and driver inputs still matter enormously.
AWD can help distribute power when available grip changes.
Useful for getting moving and maintaining traction — but good tires still matter.
Gravel, dirt, and uneven terrain are where AWD and X-MODE can work together.
Your contact patches are still the only parts of the vehicle touching the road.
Because the opposing pistons move horizontally toward and away from each other — a little like two boxers punching toward the middle.
Most common inline engines have cylinders standing more vertically. In a horizontally opposed engine, the cylinders lie flat on opposite sides of the crankshaft.
That shape lets Subaru mount the engine relatively low, which contributes to a lower center of gravity. The opposing layout also helps with inherent balance.
BOXER does not mean turbo. Subaru has naturally aspirated BOXER engines and turbocharged BOXER engines. “BOXER” describes the engine layout.
EyeSight is Subaru's driver-assistance system. Depending on model and configuration, its camera-based technology supports features that can help with following distance, lane positioning, and collision avoidance.
Can adjust vehicle speed to help maintain a selected following distance.
Can warn the driver and apply braking when the system detects a potential frontal collision.
Available EyeSight functions can warn about lane departure and help support lane positioning.
EyeSight uses forward-facing camera technology to monitor the road ahead.
These systems assist the driver; they do not make the vehicle self-driving.
Exact EyeSight functions differ by model, trim, transmission, and model year.
Think of X-MODE as the vehicle helping coordinate several systems at once for low-speed situations where traction is harder to find.
Adjusts powertrain behavior to make low-speed control easier on difficult surfaces.
Works with the all-wheel-drive system to manage traction.
Traction and stability systems can intervene when individual wheels begin slipping.
On equipped vehicles, X-MODE can help manage speed on steep descents.
Some models add selectable modes for different slippery or loose-surface conditions.
Think snow, mud, loose dirt, steep slippery grades, and other low-speed traction challenges.
It's more than orange accents. Wilderness models are modified for increased capability away from pavement.
Wilderness versions generally sit higher than their standard counterparts.
Wilderness models use tires chosen with rougher surfaces and capability in mind.
Suspension, gearing, X-MODE, and other hardware or calibration can differ by model.
Roof capability, exterior protection, water-resistant materials, and other features vary by Wilderness model.
Don't buy Wilderness just because it looks cool — although, yes, it does. 😂 Buy it when the extra clearance, tires, towing or trail-focused hardware actually matches what you do.
Subaru's name used for connected vehicle services and multimedia technology. Depending on the vehicle and service plan, connected features can include remote functions, safety/security services, and more.
Projects compatible phone apps onto the vehicle's multimedia screen. Some Subarus support wireless connection; others may require a cable depending on model and year.
A package or standard equipment grouping that commonly includes cold-weather comfort features such as heated front seats, heated mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer. Exact content varies.
Uses sensors to help alert you when another vehicle is in or approaching a blind-spot area. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is commonly paired with it.
On equipped vehicles, the system can detect certain obstacles behind the vehicle and may apply the brakes to help reduce or avoid a collision.
Continuously Variable Transmission. Instead of using a fixed set of traditional gear ratios, a CVT can continuously vary its ratio to suit driving conditions.
Quick answers for the questions that come up constantly.