What are the different types of headlights for Subaru?
Subaru uses several headlight technologies across its lineup, including halogen, HID (xenon), LED, and adaptive LED systems. The exact type you encounter depends on the model and year.
As the company has shifted toward newer lighting tech in recent years, most modern Subarus rely on LED and adaptive lighting on higher trims, while base models and earlier years may still feature halogen or, less commonly today, HID options. This article breaks down each type, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it typically appears in popular Subaru models such as the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Legacy, WRX, and Ascent.
Halogen headlights
Halogen headlights are the traditional, widely used option in many vehicles, including some older or entry-level Subarus. They are inexpensive to replace but generally offer lower brightness and shorter lifespan compared with modern LED systems.
Key characteristics and trade-offs of halogen headlights:
- Brightness and color: Typically warm white light with lower output than newer technologies.
- Cost and replacement: Cheapest upfront and easy to replace, with a broad availability of bulbs.
- Lifespan and reliability: Shorter bulb life and more frequent replacements compared with LEDs/HIDs.
- Maintenance considerations: Simple at-home bulb swaps, but performance can degrade in cold weather or with aging housings.
Halogen headlights are still found on some base-level Subaru models or older years, but LED technology has become more common as the default in newer trims.
HID (Xenon) headlights
Xenon or HID headlights use high-intensity discharge bulbs that emit a brighter, cooler light than halogens and can offer greater visibility at longer distances. They require a ballast and can be more expensive to replace. In recent years, Subaru has largely shifted away from HID in favor of LED in most new vehicles.
Key characteristics and trade-offs of HID headlights:
- Brightness and color: Brighter, with a cooler color temperature that can improve perceived distance.
- Bulbs and ballast: Require ballast and more complex components; replacements can be more specialized.
- Cost and availability: More expensive than halogen; less common on new Subarus today.
- Reliability and maintenance: Ballast failures or misalignment can complicate service; not as long-lasting as LEDs.
HID headlights are less common in current Subaru lineups, with LED-based options offering similar or superior performance with fewer maintenance considerations.
LED headlights
LED headlights have become the standard in most contemporary Subarus. They deliver bright illumination, faster response, longer life, and greater design flexibility, enabling sleeker headlight assemblies and more advanced features.
Key characteristics and trade-offs of LED headlights:
- Brightness and efficiency: High output with excellent energy efficiency; improved night visibility.
- Longevity: Typically long-lasting, often a decade or more under normal use.
- Color temperature: Cool-white light that closely resembles daylight, enhancing contrast and clarity.
- Maintenance: Some LED setups are integrated and not user-replaceable; you may need dealership service for certain components.
LED headlights are now standard on most mid-to-high trim Subaru models, and many lower trims offer LED options as part of package upgrades. Advanced features often accompany LED systems in higher trims.
Adaptive LED headlights
Adaptive LED headlights take LED technology further by adjusting the beam pattern in response to driving conditions. They can dim portions of the beam to reduce glare for oncoming traffic while maintaining brightness ahead, and some designs steer light toward corners as you steer.
Key characteristics and trade-offs of adaptive LED headlights:
- Adaptive illumination: Dynamic beam shaping helps improve visibility in complex or urban environments without dazzling other drivers.
- Cornering and steering: Some systems illuminate curves more effectively by tracking steering input.
- Complexity and cost: Higher-end feature with more intricate hardware and software; typically offered on premium or top trims.
- Availability: Increasingly common on newer Subarus, especially in larger models and higher trims or as part of packages.
Adaptive LED headlights are a hallmark of newer Subaru configurations, usually tied to higher trims or optional packages and often paired with Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite for an integrated approach to visibility and safety.
Model and trim availability across Subaru lineup
Availability of each headlight type varies by model year and market, but the general trend is clear: newer Subarus tend to feature LED headlights on mid-to-high trims, with halogen lighting more common on base configurations and older models. Advanced adaptive lighting is typically reserved for higher trims or optional packages.
- Outback and Forester: LED headlights are common on mid-to-high trims; halogen remains possible on older or base variants.
- Crosstrek: modern trims frequently include LED headlights; older base versions may use halogen.
- Legacy and WRX: LED headlights appear on most trims, with adaptive LED options offered on higher specs.
- Ascent: LED headlights are standard on newer trims; older or base models may have halogen in some markets.
When shopping, verify the exact headlight type and available features for your model and year in the official Subaru brochure or with a dealer.
Summary
Subaru has shifted from halogen to LED across most of its lineup, with adaptive LED lighting appearing on higher trims and newer models. Halogen remains mainly in base configurations or older years, while HID has largely given way to LED in contemporary vehicles. For buyers, the key is to check the specific model and trim year to confirm the headlight type and any advanced lighting features that may accompany it. This ensures you know what you’re getting and what maintenance or upgrades might be required down the road.
