[Masovak]

It does, however, get very hot if the AC isn't cranked on a hot day.

I’ve noticed that in mine. Even when driving for 20 min with the AC blasting, the seat is still warm. It’s not horrible. I just wish I had the option to get cloth seats in the Wilderness instead of pleather. 🤣

 

[SubiJeffrey]

I’ve noticed that in mine. Even when driving for 20 min with the AC blasting, the seat is still warm. It’s not horrible. I just wish I had the option to get cloth seats in the Wilderness instead of pleather. 🤣

I don’t think I’d ever get cloth seats again unless I put seat covers on them from the start. My Mother-in-law had covers on her 2021 Forester Premium seats and they looked brand new when she handed in the car.

 

[OB-Adventure]

Startex is fantastic, it's the material used on my Wilderness edition. Waterproof, WAY softer and comfier than leather, doesn't get as hot in the summer. Only downside is that you can't get cooling seat options with vehicles that have Startex.

 

[MackDaddy1962]

Just took delivery of my 2025 Wilderness last week. I must say, I like the Startex seat look, feel and piece of mind for ease of cleaning. But, they're not as comfortable as my 2022 Premium cloth seats were. At least for now. Car only has ~ 300 miles on it so they may need a bit of "break in" time. Nonetheless, I like them, they look fantastic. Super nice to now have power passenger seat too. Wife's going to like that for sure.

 

[kevinonyxxt]

Does the plastic smell ever go away? I thought my wife's premium smelled a lot like plastic, but now I find the smell of her car pleasant compared to the Startex.

 

[wtumrd0]

Does the plastic smell ever go away?

Yes

 

[MackDaddy1962]

I've now got a little over 600 miles on the new OBW with Startex seats. They're (well, at least the driver seat) starting to break in. Still a bit stiffer than my cloth were in the 22 Premium, but they're getting there. I love the look of the interior no doubt. I'm sure they'll work out fine in the long run. Would be SUPER cool if Subaru would add the driver seat thigh extension for the OBW/Onyx trims. Never had that in any car, but I'd like it. Nonetheless super happy with it as is.

 

[MackDaddy1962]

More drive time yesterday. We're now at ~ 640 miles on the "driver seat time." Getting better! Seems like it just takes a while for the seat to break in for the booty & back.

 

[2021Outback_XT Owner]

I've now got a little over 600 miles on the new OBW with Startex seats. They're (well, at least the driver seat) starting to break in. Still a bit stiffer than my cloth were in the 22 Premium, but they're getting there. I love the look of the interior no doubt. I'm sure they'll work out fine in the long run. Would be SUPER cool if Subaru would add the driver seat thigh extension for the OBW/Onyx trims. Never had that in any car, but I'd like it. Nonetheless super happy with it as is.

You don't want the seat extension. I wish it wasn't on my wife's '21 OB XT Limited. Her driver's seat cover was replaced twice due to tearing in the front left corner of the seat where the extension begins. The seat tore there a third time shortly after the second replacement. The split in the seat due to the extension creates a major stress point for the seat in that area. Just the normal act of getting out of the car pulls that area apart.

I love the seats in my OBW. I find my outback to be way more comfortable than my wife's OB XT.

 

[MackDaddy1962]

As much as I appreciate the insight on the leather interior with the thigh extension being a PITA, "gonna have issues" setup, I'd still like to have it. On the Startex seat. Would be a really nice feature!

And, after ~2k miles on my OBW, the driver seat is getting better as we go. I've got health issues and lost a bunch of weight over the last few years, so I'm in need of serious comfort while driving. In conjunction with my sheepskin seat pieces (not a full cover) it works.

 

[packout2]

Does the plastic smell ever go away? I thought my wife's premium smelled a lot like plastic, but now I find the smell of her car pleasant compared to the Startex.

My wife and I do not notice any smell from our 2022 OUtback Onyx XT with startex. It never smelled from day one.

 

[kevinonyxxt]

My wife and I do not notice any smell from our 2022 OUtback Onyx XT with startex. It never smelled from day one.

Six months later my car still smells like plastic. It isn't quite as strong as when it was new.

 

[wtumrd0]

My wife and I do not notice any smell from our 2022 OUtback Onyx XT with startex. It never smelled from day one.

Same.

 

[MackDaddy1962]

My wife and I do not notice any smell from our 2022 OUtback Onyx XT with startex. It never smelled from day one.

Agreed, same. I've never had any smell of plastic.

 

[beautber]

I'm getting pretty interested in the 2020 OB Onyx edition, but I've never heard of StarTex and Googling didn't yield much in the way of information. Does anyone have any real-world experience with this upholstery? Comfort, Durability and Wear issues spring to mind.

Still seriously considering a '19 3.6 as well... I'm still driving the 2001 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 5.4L Lariat I bought new in 8/2001, so yeah, this will be a big change for me.

I've had my 2024 OB Wilderness for two years now . I have the star trek seats and they are holding up perfectly . No rips no tears (unlike my 06 ) stitching still perfect also . It is on all seats in the car BTW not just the front. Very comfortable and easy to clean .

 

[Subasonic]

I've had six Subies with cloth and my wife has had one with leather. My seventh (2025 Onyx) has the StarTex and I really like it. I wanted leather but not Subie leather as I'm planning on keeping this car. My wife's driver's seat leather wore very poorly (replaced twice) and I was excited to try StarTex in the Onyx.

It seems to wear well and is comfortable. Accidentally had a ballpoint pen in my back pocket and was relieved that there was no damage. Mud and coffee have cleaned up easily. I agree that it is warmer (I turned off the display the other night and my wife has asked if i turned her seat heater on) than the cloth (and leather) which is nice in winter but a con in summer. I got this vehicle in November and the "new car smell" didn't last long.