Can you get leather seats in a Subaru Impreza?

Yes. Leather seating is available in the Impreza, but typically only on higher trims and depending on the model year; base models usually come with cloth upholstery. If leather is a priority, check the exact year and trim with a dealer or Subaru’s official configurator for the latest options.

What to expect across trims and years

The Impreza lineup in the United States has generally reserved leather seating for higher trims. In recent model years, the Limited trim commonly uses leather-trimmed upholstery and often includes heated front seats. Some years offered a leather package on other trims (such as Premium), but availability varies by year and market. Always verify the current configuration for the model year you’re considering.

The following summarizes typical upholstery options by trim and year for recent models:

• Base 2.0i: Cloth upholstery; leather seating is not offered on this entry model in most years.


• Premium: Usually cloth; in some years, a Leather Package or leather-trimmed surfaces may be available as an option.


• Sport: Typically cloth; leather seating is not commonly included as standard or optional on most years.


• Limited: Leather-trimmed upholstery is common, and heated front seats are often included or available.

In addition to factory options, customers may consider aftermarket leather upholstery or leatherette seat covers. These can affect warranty and fitment, so plan accordingly.

How to verify availability for your model year

Because Subaru occasionally revises trim content and option packages, the most reliable way to confirm leather seating is to:

• Use Subaru's official configurator for the exact model year and market.

• Check the window sticker or build sheet when the vehicle is on the lot.

• Ask the dealer for current Leather Package availability and pricing, and whether leather is standard on Limited or optional on Premium.

Regional and market differences

Leather seating options vary by region. In Canada and Europe, certain trims may include leather seating more often than in the US, or offer different packages. Always verify with the local dealer for regional specifics.

Pros and cons of leather seats in the Impreza

Pros: Enhanced interior look and feel, often paired with heated front seats in cold climates, easier cleaning than some cloth materials, potentially higher resale value on models with leather.

Cons: Leather surfaces can be less breathable in hot climates, can feel less comfortable if the material is stiff, may incur higher upfront cost, and aftermarket leather may affect warranty or resale value if not installed by the manufacturer.

Summary

Leather seating is available in the Subaru Impreza, but mainly on higher trims such as Limited, and sometimes via a Leather Package on other trims depending on the model year and market. If leather is a priority, target the Limited trim on the model year you’re considering, and confirm current options with a Subaru dealer or configurator. For those who don’t see leather in their preferred trim, aftermarket solutions remain an option, though they carry considerations about warranty and fitment.

What are the negatives of the Subaru Impreza?

Cons: Limited cargo space: The Impreza has a relatively small trunk, which can be limiting for those who need to carry a lot of cargo. Performance: While the Impreza is capable and reliable, it is not known for its high-performance capabilities.

Does Subaru use real leather for seats?

More specifically, the Touring and Touring XT models contain a higher grade, full-grained Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery.

What year to stay away from a Subaru Impreza?

Years to avoid for the Subaru Impreza include 2012 and 2013, which had issues with the transmission and other reliability problems. The 2008 model is also often cited as a year to avoid, though specific reasons aren't as widely mentioned in the provided results. If considering an older model, be wary of models from 1996-2005 that may have used engines prone to head gasket failure. 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the 2012-2016 Impreza: 59sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 11, 2023
Years to avoid

• 2012: This model had issues with the transmission, particularly the continuously variable transmission (CVT), with some units potentially experiencing sudden acceleration. 
• 2013: A bad year for the Impreza due to multiple issues, including engine and transmission problems and low owner satisfaction scores from Consumer Reports. 
• 2008: Often listed as a year to avoid, it was the first year of the third generation and may have had specific drawbacks. 
• 1996-2005: These years, especially with the EJ25 engine, had a known issue with head gasket failures, leading to costly repairs. 

What to look for instead

• Post-2013 models: Generally, newer models have improved reliability, with the 2022 model being a good example. 
• 2015 or later CVTs: If buying a model with a CVT, 2015 or newer models generally had better versions of the transmission. 

This video discusses common problems in the 2011-2017 Impreza: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 5, 2023

Which Subaru models have leather seats?

Many Subaru models offer leather seats in their higher trim levels, including the Outback (Limited and Touring), Forester (Limited and Touring), Ascent (Touring and Onyx Edition Touring), and Legacy (Limited and Touring). Specific availability depends on the model year and trim, with features like heated and ventilated front seats often included as standard on these luxury trims.
 
Subaru models with leather seats

• Outback: Leather is available on the Limited and Touring trims, with the Touring trim featuring a higher-grade Nappa leather with ventilation. 
• Forester: The Limited and Touring trims come with leather-trimmed upholstery, and the Touring trim often includes additional features like heated front and rear seats. 
• Ascent: The Touring and Onyx Edition Touring trims include Nappa leather-trimmed seating and ventilated front seats. 
• Legacy: The Limited and Touring trims offer leather or Nappa leather upholstery.