Does Subaru use real leather in their seats?

Subaru’s seat materials vary by model and trim. Real leather is not universal; many interiors use SofTex, the company’s synthetic leather option, while genuine leather is available on select higher trims or as an optional package in some markets.

In this article, we explore how Subaru outfits its seats, what SofTex is, and where real leather may appear, along with care considerations and what buyers should verify when shopping.

Upholstery options in Subaru vehicles

Subaru splits its interior materials into two main categories: SofTex synthetic leather and genuine leather or leather-trimmed seating. Availability depends on model year, trim level, and regional offerings, so the exact upholstery for a given vehicle can vary.

SofTex synthetic leather

SofTex is Subaru’s synthetic leather used as a leather substitute in many trims. It is designed to be durable, easy to clean, and suitable for varied climates. While it reproduces the look of leather, feel, breathability, and aging can differ from real leather, and some buyers may prefer the texture and longevity of genuine hides.

Real leather availability

Real leather upholstery is not standard across Subaru’s lineup and is typically offered on higher-trim configurations or as an optional package on certain models and markets. When available, the material may be described as "Leather-trimmed seating" or "Genuine leather upholstery," with coverage varying by model-year and region. If you’re shopping, check the interior specifications for the exact vehicle you’re considering.

Because upholstery offerings can differ by year and market, it’s important to verify the exact material on the specific model and trim you want.

Care, ethics, and sustainability considerations

For buyers who want to avoid animal products, SofTex provides a leather-free alternative. Real leather seats require conditioning and specific care to maintain suppleness, whereas SofTex generally cleans with mild products and may resist staining more easily in daily use.

Summary

In short, Subaru uses SofTex synthetic leather on many trims, while real leather is available only on select higher-trim configurations or optional packages—varying by model year and market. Prospective buyers should confirm the exact upholstery for the model and year they’re considering.

Which car brands still use real leather?

Leather Interiors on New Vehicles

1. Audi (100% Leather) All Audi models have leather interiors as a benefit of owning one of these cars.
2. Land Rover (100% Leather)
3. Porsche (100% Leather)
4. Volvo (98% Leather)
5. BMW (79% Leather)
6. Lexus (78% Leather)
7. Ford (71% Leather)
8. Chevrolet (70% Leather)

Are Subaru seats real leather?

Subaru uses a combination of genuine and synthetic leather on its seats, with real leather typically used for specific parts like the perforated surfaces on higher trims, while side bolsters and other sections are often made of synthetic materials like vinyl or StarTex. Some models, particularly those with StarTex, are completely synthetic and designed to be water-repellent and easy to clean. 
Real vs. synthetic leather

• Real leather: Subaru uses genuine leather on perforated sections of the seats, steering wheel, and shifter on certain models and trims. 
• Synthetic leather: On many models, parts that are not perforated are made from artificial or synthetic leather. 
• StarTex: This is a synthetic material made from polyurethane, which Subaru uses as an alternative to leather. It is designed to be water-repellent and easier to clean than traditional leather. 

How to tell the difference

• Check the seat's construction: You can often tell by looking at the material's backing, but when installed in a car, this is not possible. 
• Perform the push test: Push down on the surface. Real leather will show "spidering" or a web-like ripple pattern, while vinyl will just show ripples in the area you pressed. 
• Look at the model and trim: Higher trims with "leather" packages often include a mix of materials, with the real leather on the most visible, high-contact surfaces. 

What it means for you

• Durability varies: Some owners have reported durability issues with synthetic materials, like cracking on side bolsters, while others are happy with the performance and ease of cleaning. 
• Comfort varies: The feel of the material can vary significantly between trims and models, with some owners finding the synthetic or coated leather uncomfortable or stiff. 
• Maintenance varies: Real leather requires conditioning to prevent drying and cracking, while StarTex can be cleaned with mild soap and water. 

How do I tell if my seats are real leather?

The easiest way (apart from trusted labels) is to find an edge of the leather and peek beneath it. If you see suede fibers, it is leather. A second less reliable way is to gently scratch with your fingernail. Real leather will FEEL like leather and PVC with feel grippy like plastic.

What 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.