Everyday AWD Confidence and Driver Assist Peace of Mind around Owings Mills, MD

Jones Bel Air Subaru - Everyday AWD Confidence and Driver Assist Peace of Mind around Owings Mills, MD

For many drivers around busy suburbs, the most important features in an SUV are the ones you feel daily—traction that makes foul-weather driving less stressful and driver-assist tech that lightens the load during long commutes. That’s where Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology shine. Together, they help make the 2026 Subaru Forester an easy yes for shoppers who value surefooted confidence and clear, intuitive safety support. Below, we dig into how these systems work, what sets them apart, and why they fit real-world driving in neighborhoods, on highways, and across seasonal backroads.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is more than a badge—it’s a balanced system designed from the ground up. Because the powertrain is longitudinally mounted and power is delivered to all four wheels, weight distribution stays even, giving the Forester a planted feel as conditions change. In rain, snow, and loose gravel, that balance helps maintain grip, while the system’s quick responses make transitions smooth and predictable. If you crave even more control for trailheads and unpaved shortcuts, the Wilderness trim adds extra ground clearance and specialized drive modes—Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud—to refine traction in low-grip terrain. It’s the kind of engineering that you may not notice until the moment you need it, and then you’ll be glad it’s there.

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Delivers balanced traction front-to-back and side-to-side for consistent control in changing weather
• Wilderness Drive Modes: Adds Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings to optimize throttle and traction off pavement
• Ground Clearance: Offers 8.7 inches on most models and 9.3 inches on Wilderness for confident clearance over ruts and snow
• Steering and Chassis: Tuned for stability and comfort, helping reduce fatigue on long drives

EyeSight® complements that mechanical confidence with camera-based assistance to help monitor traffic and reduce stress. Standard features include Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. On the highway, Adaptive Cruise Control helps maintain following distance and can ease stop-and-go frustration. In suburban traffic, Pre-Collision Braking can assist with unexpected slowdowns, while Lane Keep Assist offers subtle steering support. The Forester’s excellent visibility and available LED headlights further enhance situational awareness. Inside, a clean, modern cabin frames the technology: an available 11.6-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad helps keep your phone ready for map apps, messages, and playlists.

At Jones Bel Air Subaru, we focus on how these systems translate into daily ease. For commuters, EyeSight® relieves some of the grind on crowded highways. For families, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive brings day-to-day confidence in changing weather and on school-day detours. And for weekend explorers, the Wilderness trim’s elevated ground clearance and added cooling for towing open new possibilities—small campers, bikes, and kayaks included. Our goal is to help you choose a Forester that fits your routine today with room to grow into tomorrow’s adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive differ from on-demand systems?

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a full-time, balanced layout designed to send power to all four wheels without waiting for slip. Many on-demand systems route power to the rear only after the front wheels lose traction; Subaru’s design prioritizes stability and predictability from the start.

Is EyeSight® always watching for traffic?

EyeSight® uses forward-facing cameras to help monitor traffic when the system is active. It can assist with braking, steering support, and cruise control functions within its operational parameters. Drivers remain responsible for safe operation and should keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

What if I drive on unpaved roads frequently?

The Forester’s standard ground clearance and all-wheel traction perform well for many gravel and dirt routes. If you see deeper ruts or seasonal snow, the Wilderness trim adds 9.3 inches of clearance plus Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, along with specialized hardware to manage tougher terrain more confidently.

Can I tow a small camper?

Yes—Forester Wilderness models are rated up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is suitable for many small campers and utility trailers. Other trims are rated up to 1,500 pounds. Always confirm the weight of your trailer and gear to stay within published limits.

From neighborhood errands to weekend getaways, the Forester’s blend of full-time traction and camera-based driver assistance aligns with what local drivers ask for today. With one of the best combinations of visibility, balance, and everyday usability in its class, it delivers steady assurance throughout the year. Our showroom is serving Owings Mills, MD, Glen Burnie, and Newark, DE, with a selection of trims and options so you can test how each feature feels on real roads. When you are ready to see how it fits your life, we will be here to help you compare, drive, and decide with clarity.

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