Stepping into a new Subaru, you're often greeted with the appealing scent of… well, something. But is that "new car smell" underpinned by genuine leather, or is it a clever synthetic mimicking the real deal? For car buyers, especially those with ethical or aesthetic preferences, knowing the upholstery material is crucial. This article dives deep into Subaru's use of leather, exploring which models offer it, where it's used, and what alternatives are available for the conscious consumer.

Subaru Leather: The Truth Behind the Seats

Subaru's approach to leather isn't a simple yes or no. The reality is more nuanced. While some models and trims do feature genuine leather, it's rarely used exclusively. More often, you'll find a combination of real leather and synthetic materials designed to balance cost, durability, and aesthetics.

Generally, higher trim levels within a specific Subaru model line are more likely to feature leather upholstery. Think Limited or Touring trims, which often represent the pinnacle of luxury within that model's offerings.

Which Subaru Models Offer Leather? Let's Break It Down

To get a clear picture, let's look at some specific Subaru models and their leather upholstery options. Keep in mind that model years can influence availability, so always double-check the specific vehicle you're interested in.

  • Subaru Ascent: The Ascent, Subaru's largest SUV, often features leather-trimmed upholstery on higher trims like the Limited and Touring. This typically includes leather seating surfaces. However, lower trims usually opt for cloth or StarTex (Subaru's water-repellent polyurethane material).

  • Subaru Outback: Similar to the Ascent, the Outback's Limited and Touring trims frequently boast leather-trimmed seats. Again, it's important to note that this usually refers to the seating surfaces themselves. Side bolsters and other areas might utilize synthetic leather.

  • Subaru Forester: The Forester, known for its practicality and off-road capabilities, generally offers leather on its higher trims. However, it's less common than in the Ascent or Outback.

  • Subaru Crosstrek: The Crosstrek, a popular subcompact SUV, typically uses cloth or StarTex upholstery. Leather options are less prevalent in this model line.

  • Subaru Impreza: The Impreza, a compact car, usually features cloth upholstery. Leather is rarely, if ever, an option on this model.

  • Subaru Legacy: The Legacy sedan often follows a similar pattern to the Outback, with leather-trimmed upholstery available on higher trims.

  • Subaru WRX/STI: These performance-oriented models sometimes offer leather-trimmed seats, often combined with sporty elements like red stitching or Alcantara inserts.

Key takeaway: Always verify the specific trim and model year to confirm the presence and extent of real leather upholstery. Subaru's website or a visit to your local dealership are the best ways to get accurate information.

Where Exactly is the Leather Used? Decoding "Leather-Trimmed"

The term "leather-trimmed" is crucial. It doesn't necessarily mean that everything you see and touch is genuine leather. In most cases, "leather-trimmed" indicates that the seating surfaces – the parts you sit on and lean against – are real leather.

However, other areas, such as:

  • Seatbacks: The back of the seat.
  • Side Bolsters: The raised areas on the sides of the seat that provide support.
  • Headrests: The part of the seat that supports your head.
  • Door Panels: The interior panels of the doors.
  • Dashboard: The panel in front of the driver and passenger.
  • Center Console: The area between the front seats.

are often covered in synthetic leather, also known as pleather, vinyl, or leatherette. This is a common practice in the automotive industry to manage costs and improve durability in high-wear areas. Synthetic materials are often more resistant to scratches, stains, and fading than real leather.

Why the Mix-and-Match Approach? The Pros and Cons

Subaru's (and other automakers') use of a combination of real and synthetic leather boils down to several factors:

Pros:

  • Cost: Real leather is significantly more expensive than synthetic alternatives. Using it sparingly helps keep the overall vehicle price competitive.
  • Durability: Synthetic leather is often more durable and easier to clean than real leather. It can withstand daily wear and tear better, especially in areas prone to scuffs and spills.
  • Aesthetics: Modern synthetic leathers can closely mimic the look and feel of real leather, making it difficult to distinguish between the two at a glance.
  • Environmental Concerns: While the production of both real and synthetic leather has environmental impacts, some consumers prefer synthetic options due to concerns about animal welfare.

Cons:

  • Perception of Luxury: Some buyers equate real leather with luxury and may be disappointed to find that only parts of the interior are actually leather.
  • Breathability: Real leather is generally more breathable than synthetic leather, which can lead to discomfort in hot weather.
  • Maintenance: Real leather requires more specialized cleaning and conditioning to prevent cracking and fading.

StarTex: Subaru's Ethical and Practical Alternative

In recent years, Subaru has been increasingly promoting StarTex, a polyurethane material, as a durable and water-repellent alternative to leather. This material is particularly popular in models like the Outback Wilderness and some Crosstrek trims.

What makes StarTex appealing?

  • Water Resistance: StarTex is designed to repel water, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families with young children.
  • Durability: It's highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
  • Ethical Considerations: StarTex is a vegan-friendly material, appealing to consumers concerned about animal welfare.
  • Easy Cleaning: Spills and messes can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.

StarTex represents a conscious effort by Subaru to offer a material that balances practicality, durability, and ethical considerations. It's a compelling alternative for those who want a leather-free interior without sacrificing comfort or style.

Caring for Your Subaru's Leather (or Leatherette!)

Whether your Subaru has real leather or synthetic leather, proper care is essential to keep it looking its best.

For Real Leather:

  • Regular Cleaning: Use a dedicated leather cleaner to remove dirt and grime. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
  • Conditioning: Apply a leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
  • Protection from Sunlight: Park in the shade or use a sunshade to protect the leather from fading and drying out.

For Synthetic Leather:

  • Gentle Cleaning: Use a mild soap and water solution to clean synthetic leather.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the material.
  • Protection from Sunlight: While synthetic leather is generally more resistant to fading than real leather, it's still a good idea to protect it from direct sunlight.

Checking Before You Buy: How to Confirm the Upholstery Material

Before signing on the dotted line, take these steps to confirm the upholstery material in your desired Subaru:

  1. Consult the Window Sticker: The Monroney sticker (window sticker) provides detailed information about the vehicle's features, including the upholstery material. Look for specific terms like "leather-trimmed seats" or "StarTex upholstery."
  2. Visit Subaru's Website: The official Subaru website allows you to build and price your desired model. You can view the specifications for each trim level and see what upholstery options are available.
  3. Ask Your Dealership: Don't hesitate to ask your dealership salesperson for clarification. They should be able to provide accurate information about the upholstery material and answer any questions you have.
  4. Visually Inspect the Vehicle: Take a close look at the seats and other interior surfaces. If possible, compare the texture and feel of different materials to get a better sense of what's real leather and what's synthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Subaru use 100% real leather in any of its models? No, Subaru typically uses a combination of real and synthetic leather, even in higher trim levels.
  • Is StarTex a good alternative to leather? Yes, StarTex is a durable, water-repellent, and vegan-friendly alternative that is becoming increasingly popular in Subaru models.
  • How can I tell if my Subaru's seats are real leather or synthetic? Check the window sticker, consult Subaru's website, or ask your dealership for clarification. You can also visually inspect the seats for differences in texture and feel.
  • Does leather add to the overall cost of a Subaru? Yes, models and trims with leather upholstery are generally more expensive than those with cloth or StarTex.
  • Is leather upholstery more difficult to maintain than cloth? Yes, leather requires more specialized cleaning and conditioning to prevent cracking and fading.

The Bottom Line

Subaru's use of leather is a carefully considered decision that balances cost, durability, aesthetics, and ethical considerations. While some models and trims offer leather-trimmed seats, it's essential to understand that this usually means a combination of real and synthetic materials. For those seeking a leather-free option, StarTex provides a compelling alternative. Before making a purchase, always verify the specific upholstery material to ensure it aligns with your preferences and needs.