Does Subaru use animal leather?
No, Subaru does not use animal leather in its vehicles. The Japanese automaker is committed to using sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials in its car interiors, including synthetic leather alternatives.
Subaru's Commitment to Sustainable Materials
Subaru has a strong focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability across its operations. This extends to the materials used in its vehicle interiors, where the company has made a concerted effort to avoid the use of animal-derived leather. Instead, Subaru utilizes synthetic leather and other plant-based materials that provide a similar look and feel without the ethical and environmental concerns associated with traditional leather production.
Synthetic Leather Alternatives
Subaru's primary interior upholstery material is a synthetic leather alternative known as "Ultrasuede." This material is made from recycled polyester and provides a soft, suede-like texture without the use of any animal products. Subaru also offers cloth and other non-leather seating options across its model lineup, further reducing its reliance on animal-derived materials.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
The decision to avoid animal leather in its vehicles is driven by Subaru's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The production of traditional leather is resource-intensive and can have significant negative impacts on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. By using synthetic and plant-based alternatives, Subaru is able to reduce its environmental footprint and align with the growing consumer demand for more ethical and sustainable automotive products.
Conclusion
In summary, Subaru does not use any animal leather in its vehicle interiors, opting instead for synthetic and plant-based materials that align with the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This decision reflects Subaru's broader focus on developing eco-friendly and ethically-conscious automotive products.
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 any cars use real leather anymore?
Only high-end luxury cars from brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce have typically been fitted with seats fully upholstered in leather.
Which cars use vegan leather?
Which Cars Are Vegan?
- BMW & Minis: As of the 2023 model year, most BMW and Mini Cooper cars are available with primarily vegan materials.
- Ford: The Ford Mustang Mach-E comes standard with all-vegan interiors, including a vegan steering wheel.
Does Subaru use vegan leather?
Created by recycled, animal-free materials the StarTex material aligns with Subaru's pledge to care for and preserve the environment. Though vegan upholstery isn't necessarily new, it's something that resonates with many Subaru owners.
