Do subarus come with a leather interior?

Leather interiors are available on many Subaru models, typically on mid-to-high trims or as an optional upgrade, while base models usually come with cloth upholstery.

Subaru’s interior offerings vary by model year and trim level. Leather or leather-trim appears more often on higher-end trims across the lineup, and some models offer leather as part of a optional package. If you’re shopping, it’s essential to check the exact year, trim, and region because material names and availability can change with redesigns and market differences.

Leather Interiors Across the Subaru Line

Below is a general guide to how leather is typically offered across current Subaru models. Exact availability can differ by year and region, so always verify with the dealer or official brochures for the model you're considering.

• Outback: Leather-trimmed upholstery is typically offered on the Limited and Touring trims; other trims use cloth.


• Forester: Leather is usually available on Limited and Touring trims, with cloth on base and lower trims.


• Crosstrek: Leather upholstery is commonly available on the Limited trim; base models use cloth.


• Legacy: Leather is typically offered on the Limited and Touring trims; base trims come with cloth.


• Ascent: Leather usually comes with the mid/high trims (Limited/Touring) or as part of specific packages.


• WRX: Leather seats are generally found on higher trims (e.g., Limited) rather than the base model.


• BRZ: Leather-trimmed seats are typically offered on higher trims, not on the base model.

Concluding note: If you’re shopping, confirm the exact interior material for the year and trim you want, as Subaru’s trim names and materials can change with redesigns or regional differences.

What Counts as Leather in a Subaru?

Subaru uses several terms to describe interior materials, including genuine leather, leather-trimmed upholstery, and leather-like surfaces. The most common terms you’ll encounter are leather-trimmed upholstery, perforated leather seating surfaces, and, on higher-end packages, Nappa leather. Some models also offer synthetic leather alternatives designed for durability and easier cleaning.

Key distinctions to check

• Leather-trimmed upholstery vs full leather: Some trims offer leather on seating surfaces while using synthetic materials elsewhere.


• Perforated vs non-perforated: Perforated leather is common with heated/ventilated seat packages.


• All-weather or synthetic options: Some trims use synthetic leather for durability in certain climates.

Concluding note: If you have a preference for genuine leather versus synthetic material, verify the exact seating material with the dealer and review the vehicle’s spec sheet or brochure.

How to Verify Leather Availability for a Specific Year/Model

Before you commit, use these steps to confirm the exact interior material for the model and year you’re evaluating.

• Check Subaru’s official website or the model brochure for the year you’re interested in to see interior material listings by trim.


• Review the vehicle’s window sticker (Monroney label) or the dealer’s spec sheet for seat material details.


• Ask the dealer to show you the actual seats or request interior photos that clearly show the upholstery texture and color.


• If possible, test-drive the trim to assess comfort and material quality in person.

Concluding note: Leather availability can vary by region and year; always confirm with the seller or dealership before purchase.

Summary

Leather interiors are widely available across Subaru’s lineup, but not on every base model. Most mid-to-high trims on models like the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Ascent commonly offer leather interiors or leather-trim as an option. Performance models such as the WRX and BRZ typically reserve leather seating for higher trims. Always verify the exact trim and year to ensure the interior you want is included.

How do I tell if my seats are leather or vinyl?

You can tell if car seats are leather or vinyl by performing a finger-press test: genuine leather will wrinkle like skin, while vinyl will remain taut or create a "spider web" of wrinkles. You can also check the backside of the material where it's folded over an edge or frame; leather has a soft, suede-like backing, whereas vinyl will have a fabric or plastic backing. Other indicators include a slight difference in feel (leather is softer and warmer, vinyl feels colder and stiffer) and looking for a more natural, inconsistent grain on leather versus uniform pores on vinyl.
 
This video demonstrates how to identify leather vs vinyl based on the material's texture and backing: 1mTheSeatShopYouTube · Apr 16, 2021
Look at the backing

• Leather: If you can lift an edge or find a seam with a small tear, the underside of genuine leather will look and feel like a rough, suede-like surface. 
• Vinyl: Vinyl will have a fabric or plastic backing, sometimes white or "fuzzy," that looks like it's glued to the material. 

Perform a finger-press test 

• Leather: When you press your finger into the seat, the material will wrinkle or "spider web" in a way that mimics skin. 
• Vinyl: The surface of vinyl will remain taut and smooth without wrinkling. 

Feel the texture and temperature 

• Leather: Feels softer, warmer, and more natural to the touch.
• Vinyl: Feels colder, stiffer, and more artificial or plastic-like. 

Examine the grain 

• Leather: The pores and grain patterns will be inconsistent and have natural variations. 
• Vinyl: The grain will be a repeating, uniform pattern that looks more manufactured. 

Which Outback models have leather seats?

The Subaru Outback with leather seats comes in the Limited, Touring, and Touring XT trims. The Limited trim features leather upholstery, while the Touring and Touring XT trims offer more premium Nappa leather, along with other upgrades like ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
 
Outback trims with leather seats 

• Limited: The first trim level to include leather seats. 
• Touring: Adds Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power moonroof, and a heated steering wheel to the features of the Limited trim. 
• Touring XT: This is the top-tier trim that includes all the features of the Touring model, plus a turbocharged engine for a sportier performance. 

Additional features in higher trims

• Ventilated front seats: The Touring and Touring XT models provide ventilation to the front seats for added comfort. 
• Heated steering wheel: The Touring and Touring XT trims come with a heated steering wheel. 
• Nappa leather upholstery: The Touring and Touring XT trims feature a more luxurious Nappa leather. 

What material are Subaru seats made of?

Subaru offers different seat materials, including StarTex, a water-repellent, durable synthetic upholstery made from polyurethane and recycled materials, and leather. Some models also feature traditional cloth or "soft-touch" upholstery. StarTex is a popular non-leather alternative for models aimed at active lifestyles, while leather is offered in higher trim levels.
 
StarTex

• Composition: A synthetic polyurethane material with a backing made of 25% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 
• Key Features:
  • Water-repellent and easy to clean. 
  • Durable and designed to be more resilient to dirt and moisture than traditional leather or cloth. 
  • Vegan and animal-product-free. 
  • More breathable than standard vinyl and stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter than leather. 
  • Lighter than leather. 
• Availability: Often found on models like the Forester Wilderness, Outback Onyx XT and Wilderness, Crosstrek Sport and Wilderness, and Ascent Onyx Edition. 

Leather

• Composition: Traditional leather upholstery. 
• Key Features:
  • Offers a more luxurious feel and appearance. 
  • Requires more care and maintenance than StarTex to prevent cracking or damage over time. 
• Availability: Offered on higher trim levels. 

Cloth

• Composition: Traditional fabric upholstery.
• Key Features:
  • Comfortable and a standard option on some models.
• Availability: Available on certain trim levels. 

Do subarus have a leather interior?

Yes, many Subaru models have leather seats, but they are typically found on higher trim levels like the Outback Limited, Touring, and Crosstrek. The highest-end trims may feature a premium grade like Nappa leather, while other models use leather-trimmed or synthetic leather on non-perforated parts of the seat.
 
Examples of Subaru models with leather seats

• Outback: The Limited and Touring trims offer leather or Nappa leather-trimmed seats. 
• Crosstrek: Higher-end trims include options for leather upholstery. 
• Ascent: The Touring and Onyx Edition Touring trims feature Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery. 
• WRX: Some aftermarket options and certain OEM packages use leather seating surfaces. 

What to know about Subaru leather

• Trim levels: Leather is usually an option on higher trims, with standard models often featuring cloth seats. 
• Material grades: Some top trims, like the Outback Touring, come with a finer grade of Nappa leather. 
• "Leather-trimmed": Many models use "leather-trimmed" upholstery, which means that only certain parts, such as the perforated areas you sit on, are genuine leather. The other parts may be synthetic or vinyl.