Does Subaru Use Real Leather? (A Honest Review)

Subaru is a Japanese automobile manufacturer known for producing reliable and high-performance vehicles. Many car buyers are curious to know whether Subaru uses real leather in their car interiors or not. Leather is a popular material for car seats, steering wheels, and other interior components, but some car buyers prefer to avoid animal products for ethical or environmental reasons. In recent years, there has been a growing trend among car manufacturers to offer synthetic leather or other leather alternatives as an option for customers.

In this article, we will explore whether Subaru uses real leather in their car interiors or if they offer any leather alternatives for environmentally-conscious consumers. We will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using real leather versus synthetic leather or other alternatives, and what car buyers should consider when choosing the material for their car seats and other interior components.

Which Subaru Models Have Leather Seats?

Subaru offers leather seats as an option in several of its models. However, not all models have leather seats as standard or optional equipment. Some of the models that offer leather seats as an option include the Outback, Ascent, Legacy, Forester, and Crosstrek. It’s important to note that not all trim levels of these models offer leather seats, so it’s important to check the specific features of the trim level you’re considering.

Additionally, some Subaru models come with leather-trimmed seats, which means that only certain parts of the seats are covered in leather. This is often used as a compromise to provide the luxury of leather seats without the high cost of full leather upholstery.

If having leather seats is important to you, it’s recommended that you research the specific model and trim level you’re interested in to see if leather seats are available as an option.

What Does Subaru Use On Their Upholstery?

Subaru uses a variety of materials on their upholstery depending on the model and trim level. Some Subaru models feature leather upholstery, while others use synthetic materials like cloth or a leatherette-like material called “leather-trimmed upholstery.” Subaru also uses materials like Alcantara, which is a synthetic suede-like material, on some of their performance-oriented models.

It’s worth noting that Subaru places a strong emphasis on using eco-friendly materials in their vehicles, and some of their upholstery options are made with sustainable materials like recycled polyester. In addition, many of their models feature interior trim pieces made from plant-based materials like cork and volcanic ash.

If you’re curious about the specific materials used in the upholstery of a particular Subaru model, you can check the manufacturer’s website or consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more information.

Why Does Subaru Use Faux Leather?

Subaru uses faux leather as a more ethical and sustainable alternative to real leather. The company has a commitment to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles and manufacturing processes, and using synthetic materials is one of the ways they achieve this goal. Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, is made from a variety of materials including polyurethane, vinyl, and PVC. These materials can be made without the use of animal products or byproducts, reducing the impact on animal welfare.

Furthermore, synthetic leather can be manufactured to have properties that make it more durable and easier to maintain than real leather. This means that it can last longer and require less maintenance, reducing the need for replacement and potentially reducing waste. In addition, faux leather can be produced in a wider range of colors and textures, giving designers more flexibility in creating unique and appealing interiors.

When Did Subaru Stop Using Real Leather?

Subaru stopped using real leather in their vehicles in 2011 when they introduced their eco-friendly “green” initiatives. As part of this initiative, Subaru started using a new type of upholstery material called “Subaru Tex” in their vehicles instead of real leather. This material is made from polyurethane and polyester, and it is designed to be more eco-friendly and sustainable than traditional leather. 

Additionally, Subaru Tex is also more durable than leather and is resistant to stains and other types of damage. This makes it an ideal material for use in vehicles that are frequently used and exposed to various types of wear and tear. Since 2011, all Subaru models have featured Subaru Tex upholstery rather than real leather.

Is Subaru’s Faker Leather Better Than Real Leather?

Some people prefer faux leather to real leather for various reasons. Faux leather is typically less expensive than genuine leather and is often more durable and easier to maintain. It is also a more ethical and sustainable option since it does not involve the use of animal hides.

Subaru uses high-quality faux leather that is designed to look and feel like real leather. It is known for being durable and resistant to wear and tear. While some car enthusiasts may still prefer genuine leather, many people find that Subaru’s faux leather upholstery is a great alternative that offers many benefits. Ultimately, the choice between faux leather and real leather is a personal one that depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Is Subaru The Only Company That Doesn’t Use Real Leather?

No, Subaru is not the only car company that doesn’t use real leather in their vehicles. Several other car manufacturers, such as Tesla, Lexus, and BMW, have also shifted to using faux leather or other animal-free materials in their cars. The trend towards using synthetic materials is growing due to environmental and ethical concerns regarding the use of animal products. 

Faux leather is more sustainable, as it is not derived from animal hides and requires less water and energy to produce. Additionally, synthetic materials tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them an excellent option for car interiors. Furthermore, many manufacturers have created high-quality faux leather materials that mimic the look and feel of real leather, providing car owners with a luxurious experience without compromising on ethics or sustainability.

Are All Subaru Leather Seats Synthetic?

Yes, all Subaru leather seats are synthetic or faux leather. Subaru does not use genuine or real leather in any of its models. Instead, they use high-quality synthetic leather or leatherette, which is also known as vinyl or pleather. This synthetic material is designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather while providing durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Subaru’s synthetic leather seats are made of a blend of polyester and polyurethane that is soft to the touch, breathable, and comfortable. They are also water-resistant, which makes them easy to clean and maintain. The synthetic leather used by Subaru is also more eco-friendly than genuine leather because it does not require the use of animal hides or harsh chemicals in the production process.

Subaru’s decision to use synthetic leather aligns with its corporate philosophy of sustainability and environmental responsibility. By avoiding the use of animal products in its cars, Subaru is making a conscious effort to reduce its impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable future.

Is Subaru Leather Vegan?

Subaru’s leather-like upholstery, called “Leatherette,” is made from synthetic materials and is not sourced from animals. Therefore, Subaru’s Leatherette is a vegan alternative to genuine leather. The Leatherette is made of a durable, high-quality synthetic material that is meant to be a long-lasting and low-maintenance option for vehicle owners who prefer not to use animal products. Additionally, Subaru also offers other eco-friendly materials in some of its vehicles, such as recycled materials made from plastics and fabrics.

Subaru’s use of Leatherette instead of genuine leather is part of their overall effort to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles. By using synthetic materials instead of real leather, Subaru is able to reduce the carbon footprint of their cars and provide customers with an alternative that is both sustainable and high-quality.

What Are Some Of The Problems With Subaru’s Fake Leather?

Subaru’s fake leather is known for having a few issues. Some of the problems with Subaru’s fake leather include:

• Cracking and peeling: Over time, the fake leather can start to crack and peel, especially if it’s not properly maintained or exposed to extreme temperatures.

• Fading: The color of the fake leather can fade over time, especially if it’s exposed to sunlight or other sources of UV radiation.

• Staining: Fake leather can be more prone to staining than real leather, and it can be more difficult to clean once stained.

• Odors: Fake leather can emit unpleasant odors, especially when new.

What Should Subaru Do About This?

It is up to Subaru and its customers to decide what is the best course of action regarding their upholstery materials. Subaru may want to consider customer feedback and market trends when making decisions about their products. 

One possible solution could be to offer more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials that are also animal-friendly. Additionally, providing more information about the materials used in their vehicles’ upholstery may help customers make more informed purchasing decisions. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what factors are most important to them when choosing a vehicle, including the materials used in the interior.

FAQ:

Q: Does Subaru use real leather in their vehicles?

A: No, Subaru does not use real leather in their vehicles. Instead, they use synthetic leather, also known as “faux” or “vegan” leather, which is a man-made material that mimics the look and feel of real leather. Subaru uses a high-quality synthetic material called “StarTex” for their upholstery, which is designed to be durable, breathable, and easy to clean.

Q: Which Subaru models have leather seats?

A: None of the current Subaru models offer true leather seats, as Subaru has made a conscious decision to avoid using animal products in their vehicles. However, some higher-end models may have upgraded synthetic leather seats, such as the Subaru Ascent, Outback, and Legacy Limited trims.

Q: Why does Subaru use synthetic leather instead of real leather?

A: Subaru has made a commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact, which includes avoiding the use of animal products in their vehicles. Synthetic leather is a more eco-friendly alternative to real leather, as it requires fewer resources to produce and does not involve the use of animal hides. Additionally, synthetic leather is typically more durable and easier to clean than real leather, which can be prone to cracking and staining over time.

Q: Is Subaru’s synthetic leather as good as real leather?

A: Subaru’s synthetic leather, known as StarTex, is designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather while offering greater durability and easier maintenance. While some people may prefer the feel of real leather, StarTex has been well-received by customers for its quality and comfort. Additionally, StarTex is more environmentally friendly than real leather and does not involve the use of animal products.