What are Subaru body panels made of?
Subaru body panels are primarily steel, with selective aluminum use on a few panels in newer models to reduce weight and improve efficiency.
In practice, most exterior panels—doors, fenders, quarter panels, and the roof—are steel. High-strength steel is used in key structural areas to enhance safety and stiffness, while the use of aluminum is limited to specific parts in certain generations and trims. The exact material mix varies by model year and market.
Standard steel: the backbone of Subaru's body
Subaru relies on steel as the default material across most body panels, combining durability, crash performance, and cost efficiency. Coatings and corrosion protection are applied to extend longevity in a variety of climates.
- Most exterior panels such as doors, fenders, quarter panels, and the roof are steel.
- High-strength steel is used in critical load paths and safety structures to improve rigidity and crash performance.
In short, steel forms the backbone of Subaru’s panels, with steel panels dominating the exterior and structure in most models.
Selective use of lighter materials
To improve efficiency and handling, Subaru employs lighter materials on select panels in certain models and generations. The application is not uniform across the lineup and depends on engineering choices for each model year.
- Aluminum may appear on certain panels such as the hood (bonnet) in some models and trims to reduce weight.
- Liftgates or tailgates may incorporate aluminum in weight-conscious configurations, depending on the model year and market.
- Mixed-material approaches, combining steel with aluminum or other alloys, are used in specific panels to balance weight, safety, and cost.
Because material choices shift with model updates, the exact aluminum panels can vary by year and region.
Model-year and market variations
Subaru's material strategy evolves with new generations, safety regulations, and consumer demands. For a given model and year, the official specs or the service manual can confirm the exact panel materials used for that version.
- Newer models may feature more mixed-material construction in select panels compared with earlier generations.
- Different markets (e.g., U.S. vs. other regions) may see variations in which panels use aluminum or other alloys depending on local regulations and supply chains.
Always verify with the manufacturer's specifications for your specific vehicle.
Summary
Subaru primarily uses steel for its body panels, with aluminum deployed on select components to reduce weight in certain models and generations. The exact mix varies by model year and market, so customers should consult official specs for precise details.
