Exterior Protection

The best exterior protection for a WRX, STI, BRZ, Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, or Tacoma depends on what you are protecting against: window deflectors and rain guards for weather and ventilation, skid plates and rock sliders for underbody impacts, and hood dampers to replace a prop rod. Start by choosing the job, then the exact fitment for your year and model.

Window visors are the largest group, with in-channel and outside-mount designs that let you crack a window in rain. Underbody parts are second: main and transmission skid plates for Subaru crossovers and wagons, and steel and aluminum plates and sliders for Tacoma and 4Runner. Hood dampers are third, listed by vehicle because brackets are model-specific. Check your year and model carefully.

WeatherTech and AVS lead the deflector side. WeatherTech, with 47 listings across two vendor spellings, offers front and rear side window deflectors in Dark Smoke for cars such as the Honda HR-V, Mazda6, and Acura TLX. AVS, with 30 listings, centres on its Ventvisor in in-channel, outside-mount, and low-profile versions, with strong Subaru coverage for Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek.

OLM, with 32 listings, takes a Subaru-first approach: rain guard deflector kits for 15-21 WRX/STI, 08-14 WRX/STI, and BRZ, FR-S, and 86, plus carbon fiber and Kevlar hood dampers for 15-21 WRX/STI and the 2020+ Supra. Rexpeed, the largest vendor here with 41 listings, is mainly a hood damper specialist, with Carbon and Black Series dampers for 02-07 WRX/STI, GT-R R35, Tacoma, and RSX, plus door visors for VA and 22-26 WRX.

LP Aventure, with 26 listings, is the underbody specialist for Subaru: main skid plates and CVT transmission plates for Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, some with oil drain holes named in the title. Most LP Aventure listings here are unpublished, so check availability. Cali Raised LED, named unlinked with 19 listings and no brand collection here, covers Tacoma with steel and aluminum front, transmission, and fuel tank plates, including the front skid plate for 05-23 Tacoma in steel with a powder coat finish, plus step rock sliders. Rival 4x4 adds aluminum plates for Forester, Outback, Tacoma, and 4Runner. Pair these with Mudflaps, and read Going Off-Road: Enhancing Subaru's Off-Roading Capabilities.

What is the difference between in-channel and outside-mount visors?

In-channel deflectors seat inside the window channel for a lower-profile look, while outside-mount versions attach to the door frame, usually with tape. Choose by fit and look, and follow the install instructions.

Do skid plates fit with other underbody parts?

They are listed by vehicle and position, such as main, CVT or transmission, and fuel tank plates, and some note oil drain access. Confirm the plate position before ordering.

Are hood dampers a universal fit?

No. Dampers and struts in this collection are listed for specific cars and years, because bracket shape and strut force have to match the hood. A universal listing is the exception, so do not transfer a kit between models.

Will window deflectors reduce wind noise with the windows cracked?

That is their main purpose, along with fresh air in rain. Results vary by design and speed, and low-profile versions trade some coverage for a sleeker look.