What are Subaru Outback seats made of?

The Subaru Outback uses a mix of fabrics and leather-like materials for its seats, with the exact option depending on year and trim. In broad terms, you’ll typically see cloth upholstery, leather-trim seats (often a synthetic leather called SofTex), and genuine leather on select high-end trims in some markets. Availability varies by model year, region, and configuration.

Seat materials you’ll encounter

The following list summarizes the primary materials Subaru has used for Outback seats in recent years.

• Cloth upholstery: Standard on many base trims, offering a breathable, durable fabric that’s easy to clean with regular care.


• SofTex leatherette (synthetic leather): A leather-like material used across many trims as a non-animal alternative with a premium feel and easier maintenance than true leather.


• Genuine leather: Offered on select higher trims in certain markets, providing a traditional leather surface with a premium look and feel. Some trims that previously offered leather may use SofTex as the leather substitute in other years.

Note: Exact availability varies by model year, trim level, and market. Always check the current brochure or dealer configuration for the specific year you’re considering.

Cloth seats

Cloth upholstery is common on the entry-level and mid-range Outback trims. It tends to stay cooler in warm weather and can be easier to clean for families or outdoor use, though it may show stains more readily than leather over time.

SofTex and leather-trim options

SofTex is Subaru’s widely used leatherette material, offering a leather-like appearance without animal products. It’s commonly paired with contrasting stitching or inserts in various trims. Genuine leather remains available on select high-end trims in some markets, delivering a traditional leather surface for buyers seeking a more luxurious feel.

Care and maintenance by material

Materials require different care to preserve appearance and longevity. The following tips apply broadly across Outback seat options.

• Cloth care: Regular vacuuming, prompt stain treatment with a fabric cleaner, and avoiding harsh solvents helps maintain color and texture over time.


• SofTex care: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed; avoid harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners that could wear the surface.


• Leather care: Use leather-specific cleaners and conditioners, keep out of direct sun to prevent fading, and condition periodically to prevent cracking.

Following material-specific care routines can extend the life and appearance of your Outback seats, regardless of the trim.

Summary

Subaru Outback seats are not uniform across years and trims. The model typically offers cloth, SofTex leatherette, and genuine leather options, with SofTex serving as the common leather substitute on many configurations. Always verify the exact seating material for the model year and trim you’re considering, as availability can shift with redesigns and regional specifications.

Do leatherette seats last?

Yes, leatherette seats are durable and can last a long time, especially with proper care. However, their durability can vary by quality, and they are more prone to cracking and peeling over time compared to genuine leather, particularly with heavy use and sun exposure. Leatherette's durability also comes from its resistance to stains and spills because of its synthetic nature, making it easy to clean.
 
This video explains the difference between real and fake leather: 59sProject RacecarYouTube · Mar 28, 2022
Pros of leatherette durability

• Stain and spill resistance: Leatherette is non-porous, so spills and dirt can be wiped away easily, making it a good choice for families with kids or pets. 
• Easy to maintain: It requires minimal upkeep, typically just a wipe-down with a damp cloth, unlike genuine leather which needs regular conditioning. 
• Maintains shape: It resists stretching and sagging, which helps the seats maintain their original shape for longer. 
• Cost-effective: It is significantly cheaper than genuine leather, and higher-quality versions can last a decade or more. 

Cons of leatherette durability

• Susceptible to sun damage: Extended exposure to direct sunlight and heat can accelerate wear, leading to cracking or peeling over time. 
• Limited lifespan compared to leather: Genuine leather is often considered more durable and can last for decades with proper care, while leatherette has a shorter lifespan. 
• Difficulty in repair: When it does wear out, leatherette is much harder and more expensive to repair than leather. 

You can watch this video to learn about the difference between leather and leatherette seats: 35sIMJOSHV - Car Detailing and Reconditioning TipsYouTube · Jul 16, 2019
How to maximize leatherette durability

• Clean regularly: Wipe down the seats periodically to keep them clean. 
• Avoid direct sun: Limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent cracking. 
• Use appropriate cleaning products: Use a damp cloth for cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the material. 

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. 

How do I tell if my seats are leather or vinyl?

You can tell if car seats are leather or vinyl by performing a finger-press test: genuine leather will wrinkle like skin, while vinyl will remain taut or create a "spider web" of wrinkles. You can also check the backside of the material where it's folded over an edge or frame; leather has a soft, suede-like backing, whereas vinyl will have a fabric or plastic backing. Other indicators include a slight difference in feel (leather is softer and warmer, vinyl feels colder and stiffer) and looking for a more natural, inconsistent grain on leather versus uniform pores on vinyl.
 
This video demonstrates how to identify leather vs vinyl based on the material's texture and backing: 1mTheSeatShopYouTube · Apr 16, 2021
Look at the backing

• Leather: If you can lift an edge or find a seam with a small tear, the underside of genuine leather will look and feel like a rough, suede-like surface. 
• Vinyl: Vinyl will have a fabric or plastic backing, sometimes white or "fuzzy," that looks like it's glued to the material. 

Perform a finger-press test 

• Leather: When you press your finger into the seat, the material will wrinkle or "spider web" in a way that mimics skin. 
• Vinyl: The surface of vinyl will remain taut and smooth without wrinkling. 

Feel the texture and temperature 

• Leather: Feels softer, warmer, and more natural to the touch.
• Vinyl: Feels colder, stiffer, and more artificial or plastic-like. 

Examine the grain 

• Leather: The pores and grain patterns will be inconsistent and have natural variations. 
• Vinyl: The grain will be a repeating, uniform pattern that looks more manufactured. 

Do Subaru Outbacks have real leather seats?

Interior Comfort & Convenience
This Subaru SUV comes outfitted with cloth seating materials. The Outback Limited adds the leather-trimmed upholstery while the Outback Touring includes the Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery.