Parts for your 2020 Subaru Legacy-Gas struts

2020 Subaru Legacy gas struts: what’s actually fitted

For the 2020 Subaru Legacy (7th gen sedan), factory gas struts are not used on either the bonnet or the boot. Subaru’s own technical information backs this up: the Owner’s Manual describes a bonnet stay (prop rod) to hold the bonnet open, and the Body section of the Subaru Service Manual lists a hood stay, bonnet hinges and a latch, but no gas-charged springs. Likewise, the boot lid is counterbalanced by torsion bars and gooseneck hinges rather than lift supports. OEM parts catalogues for this model show a hood stay assembly and boot torsion bars, with no gas struts specified for either end.

Why no gas struts? Subaru’s design choices for a mid-size sedan lean on proven, lightweight mechanisms. Torsion bars and gooseneck hinges for the boot offer consistent assist with minimal packaging complexity, while a simple bonnet prop rod is lighter, cheaper, and extremely reliable over long service lives. Gas struts are common on wagons, hatches and SUVs where larger, heavier liftgates benefit most from damped, self-lifting action. On a sedan like the Legacy, the weight and geometry of the boot lid generally don’t demand them.

There’s also a durability angle. Gas-charged supports slowly lose pressure over years and cycles, eventually needing replacement. A prop rod and torsion bar setup has fewer wear points and no sealed gas to leak, which reduces lifetime costs and the chance of a sudden drop if a strut fails.

Owners who prefer struts can find aftermarket bonnet strut kits designed for the 2020 Legacy, these typically add brackets at existing mounting points. For the boot, retrofitting gas struts is far less common and usually impractical without custom fabrication. Anyone modifying should consider warranty implications and ensure the bonnet or boot closes without fouling panels or seals.

What should be serviced instead? A few simple checks go a long way:

• Bonnet: inspect the prop rod grommet and clip, ensure the rod isn’t bent, and lightly lubricate the hinges and latch with a suitable spray.
• Boot: check hinge fasteners, adjust the rubber stoppers for proper closing effort, and inspect torsion bars and retaining clips for movement or noise.
• General: keep drain channels clear and seals clean so water doesn’t pool around hinges.

This keeps the 2020 Legacy’s bonnet and boot operating smoothly, with the kind of low-fuss reliability Subaru engineered into the car from factory.

Popular questions

Can gas struts be added to the 2020 Subaru Legacy’s bonnet?
Yes, aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist and typically use bolt-on brackets at factory mounting points. Fitment is straightforward for a competent DIYer, but clearances must be checked so the bonnet closes cleanly. As with any modification, consider potential warranty impacts and recheck fasteners after a few drives.

Why did Subaru use torsion bars for the boot instead of gas struts?
Torsion bars are compact, light, and consistently reliable, which suits a sedan boot lid. They reduce parts count and long-term maintenance compared with gas struts that can lose pressure over time. The hinge geometry on a sedan boot also works efficiently with torsion assist, so struts aren’t necessary.

What maintenance keeps the bonnet and boot operating smoothly?
Inspect and lightly lubricate bonnet hinges and the latch, confirm the prop rod clip is secure, and make sure the rod seats properly. At the rear, check boot hinge bolts, torsion bar clips and rubber stoppers, adjusting stoppers to prevent rattles or slamming. Keep seals and channels clean to stop water and grit accelerating wear.