What are Subaru doors made of?
Subaru doors are primarily made from steel, delivering crash protection and long-term durability.
In practice, the door structure comprises outer panels, inner shells, and reinforced beams, all built largely from steel. Aluminum is used more often in non-structural panels on some vehicles to shave weight, but doors themselves are typically steel. This article examines the materials and how they appear across the Subaru lineup as of 2024–2025.
Core door materials and construction
The main materials used inside Subaru doors are chosen for crash performance, maintenance, and cost efficiency. The list below highlights the typical components and what they're made from:
- Outer door panel skin: stamped steel with corrosion-resistant finishes and protective coatings
- Inner door shell and reinforcement: high-strength steel structures designed to absorb and distribute impact forces
- Side-impact beams: heavy steel beams integrated into the door to improve side protection
- Window regulators, latches, and mechanisms: steel alloys and components mounted within the door
- Weather seals and door trim: EPDM rubber seals and plastics used to insulate and finish the door around the opening
- Interior door panels and hardware: durable plastics or composites with fabric or leather coverings in higher trims
In short, the door shells and reinforcement are almost always steel, with rubber seals and plastic trim completing the assembly. Aluminum is not typically used for the door skin itself in Subaru models.
Variations across models and markets
There is limited variation in the door material across Subaru’s model range. The brand emphasizes a steel-based door (including inner reinforcements) for safety and cost reasons, while other lightweight strategies are applied to different panels rather than the door itself. This keeps strength consistent across the lineup while helping with overall vehicle weight in some trims.
- General pattern: steel outer panel, steel inner structure, and steel side-impact beams across most common models (Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, etc.)
- Weight-saving efforts: non-door panels such as the hood, fenders, and tailgate are more likely to use aluminum or mixed materials rather than the doors
- Exceptions: rare regional or special-edition variations exist, but door material changes are not a typical feature of Subaru’s mainstream lineup
In summary, Subaru doors are predominantly steel, with weight reductions pursued in other parts of the body rather than switching the door skin to aluminum.
Summary
Subaru’s doors are built to prioritize safety, durability, and cost, using steel for the outer panels, inner structures, and reinforcement beams. Weather seals are rubber, and interior components rely on plastics. Aluminum appears mainly in other body panels, not in the typical door skin. Users should expect this standard across the brand’s current lineup, with minor variations by model or market being uncommon.
