What are Subaru bodies made of?
Subaru bodies are built primarily from steel, using high-strength steel in critical areas and selective aluminum panels on some models to reduce weight.
Subaru uses a unibody construction anchored by the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), a design philosophy introduced to boost stiffness, safety and handling across its lineup. While the exact material mix varies by model and generation, the backbone remains steel with targeted aluminum additions.
Materials and the Subaru Global Platform
Steel and high-strength steel
The body-in-white is dominated by steel, including conventional grades and higher-tensile variants. High-strength steel (HSS) and ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) are deployed in key load paths—such as pillars, rails and crossmembers—to improve crash energy absorption and torsional rigidity without adding excessive weight.
Aluminum and mixed-material panels
To offset weight and enhance efficiency, aluminum panels appear on selected models and trims, notably on components like hoods and liftgates. Other panels and joining methods may use a mix of materials, depending on generation and model strategy. The exact panel composition shifts as Subaru updates its platforms.
Before listing the specific material categories below, note that the steel-dominant approach remains the foundation, with aluminum used selectively to optimize performance.
- Conventional steel: The base material for most body panels and internal frames.
- High-strength steel (HSS): Used in key load paths to boost rigidity and crash performance.
- Ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS): Employed in critical safety zones to maximize energy absorption and occupant protection.
- Aluminum panels on select models: Hood, liftgate, and some body panels to reduce weight.
These material choices reflect Subaru's emphasis on safety, rigidity, and efficiency across its lineup. The weight savings from aluminum, when used judiciously, help improve fuel economy and handling without compromising structural integrity.
Practical implications for owners and service
- Structural safety: The platform prioritizes crash energy management and cabin safety through a stiffer chassis.
- Maintenance and repairs: Mixed-material bodies may necessitate specialized repairs and parts for aluminum components.
- Model variation: The degree of aluminum usage varies by generation, trim and model; newer Subarus are more likely to employ mixed-material strategies.
- Future direction: Ongoing evolution toward the Subaru Global Platform emphasizes multi-material integration to balance safety, weight and cost.
In sum, Subaru bodies remain steel-centric with selective aluminum integration, aimed at delivering safer, stiffer, and more efficient vehicles across its range.
Summary
Subaru’s body construction is built on a steel-dominant unibody foundation, enhanced with high-strength steels in critical zones and selective aluminum panels on certain models. The Subaru Global Platform underpins these choices, seeking to optimize safety, rigidity and efficiency through a thoughtful mix of materials and joining techniques.
Are subarus galvanized?
Subaru applies protective coatings to essential underbody elements, and many body panels use galvanized steel. This helps reduce the risk of rust, which can weaken the vehicle's structural integrity over time.
Do subarus have a steel frame?
Built for Impact: The Subaru Global Platform
High-strength steel reinforces key parts of the frame to help redirect crash forces away from passengers. The result? Top marks in crash tests from both the IIHS and NHTSA. There's also smart thinking under the hood.
What is a Subaru body made of?
Highly Rigid Body
For an ideal balance of both of these qualities, Subaru has created a highly rigid and lightweight body by comprehensively using aluminum materials and high tensile steel plates throughout the vehicle.
Are Subaru engines aluminum?
It came with an aluminium alloy block with 92 mm (3.62 in) bores – with cast iron cylinder liners – and a 75 mm (2.95 in) stroke for a capacity of 498.6 cc (30.43 cu in) per cylinder, with thicker cylinder walls than EJ25.
