Subaru’s Sun Blaze Pearl is a unique and vibrant exterior paint color option available on select Subaru models. This bright metallic finish features a dynamic blend of gold, orange, and reddish hues that shift in the light. Though difficult to succinctly describe, Sun Blaze Pearl delivers a warm, luminous glow. Let’s take a closer look at the color characteristics and history of this eye-catching Subaru paint offering.
The Origin and Evolution of Sun Blaze Pearl
Subaru first introduced Sun Blaze Pearl in 2020 as a bold new exterior color choice. It replaced the outgoing Blazing Yellow color and joined other vibrant Subaru paint options like Plasma Yellow Pearl and Magentic Bronze Metallic. Sun Blaze Pearl was formulated to make a strong visual impact, drawing inspiration from the bright tones found in sunrise and sunset light.
The pigmentation used to create Sun Blaze Pearl consists of a rich golden mica flake base coat with orange and red pearl layers on top. The mica particles provide a glittery sparkle, while the pearl gives an added layer of depth and dimension. When viewed from different angles, Sun Blaze Pearl shifts between warm goldenrod, fiery orange, and bright coppery shades.
Compared to the outgoing Blazing Yellow, Sun Blaze Pearl has a more dynamic, nuanced finish. While Blazing Yellow was a flat, straight yellow, Sun Blaze Pearl mixes in orange and gold elements for added vibrancy. The color change marked a shift toward more bold, head-turning paint colors in Subaru’s exterior palette.
Sun Blaze Pearl Color Characteristics
So what exactly does Sun Blaze Pearl look like? As a tri-coat pearlescent paint, its appearance varies depending on lighting conditions and viewing angle. Here are some of the color characteristics that define the Sun Blaze Pearl finish:
- Goldenrod and amber base tones
- Orange and reddish pearl flip
- High metallic flake content for shimmering sparkle
- Color shift from copper to orange depending on lighting
- Bright, lively finish
- High-saturation color vibrancy
You’ll notice the golden yellow base hue comes through strongly on bright sunny days. In lower light, the paint takes on deeper copper and burnt orange undertones. From head-on, the finish leans toward tangerine and hot rod red-orange. At sharper viewing angles, green and gold mica flakes become visible, giving off glistening flashes of light.
How Sun Blaze Pearl Compares to Other Subaru Colors
To better understand the unique look of Sun Blaze Pearl, it helps to compare it to other similar Subaru paint colors. Here’s how it stacks up to some comparable vibrant exterior finishes:
| Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Sun Blaze Pearl | Dynamic blend of goldenrod, copper, orange hues with strong metallic flake |
| Plasma Yellow Pearl | Bright yellow with greenish undertones, less color shift |
| Boost Blue Pearl | Medium blue with moderate purple flip in direct sunlight |
| Magentic Bronze Metallic | Reddish brown copper tone, subtle metallic |
Compared to Plasma Yellow Pearl, Sun Blaze Pearl has deeper orange and red undertones, giving it a warmer, more fiery glow. It lacks the greenish hue of Plasma Yellow. Up against Boost Blue Pearl, Sun Blaze Pearl is more overtly vibrant, with stronger color shift. Magnetite Bronze Metallic is darker and more muted than the bright, lively Sun Blaze Pearl finish.
Sun Blaze Pearl in Different Lighting
One of the most notable traits of Sun Blaze Pearl is how drastically its shade shifts from direct sunlight to shade. Here’s an overview of how the color takes on different hues in various lighting conditions:
- Full sun – Strong golden and amber base tones come through, leaning toward yellow and gold
- Open shade – Moves toward orange and copper shades, still vibrant
- Cloudy days – More muted orange and red tones emerge
- Dusk/dawn light – Deep terracotta and burnt orange hues come out
- Artificial light – Loses some vibrancy, more neutral coppery finish
Sun Blaze Pearl contains high amounts of light-reflective mica particles in its formulation. These shimmering flakes help the paint retain its luminous brilliance even in low light conditions where other bright colors may appear muted. The finish stays lively rather than dull.
Availability of Sun Blaze Pearl on Subaru Models
For the 2021 and 2022 model years, Subaru offered Sun Blaze Pearl as an exterior color option on the following vehicles:
- Crosstrek
- Outback
- Legacy
- Impreza
- WRX/WRX STI
- BRZ
It was not available on the larger Ascent or Forester SUV models. Sun Blaze Pearl came as a $395 optional upgrade over standard exterior color choices. For 2023 models, availability has expanded to also include the Forester. It remains a vibrant color selection for those looking to make a bold styling statement.
Owner Impressions of Sun Blaze Pearl
In owner forums and reviews, Subaru enthusiasts widely praise the visual impact of Sun Blaze Pearl. Here’s a summary of common opinions on the eye-catching exterior color:
- Makes the vehicle stand out compared to common white, black, gray colors
- Vibrant shade draws compliments and curiosity from others
- Color-shift effect adds depth and visual interest
- Models look fast and sporty coated in Sun Blaze Pearl
- Some feel it suits the rally-inspired nature of Subaru models
Some owners do note Sun Blaze Pearl can clash with certain interior upholstery colors that aren’t complementary. Red, black, or tan interiors tend to pair best. Overall, the consensus is Sun Blaze Pearl provides a fun, unique styling statement for those who want to differentiate their Subaru.
Is Sun Blaze Pearl Right for You?
Deciding whether to choose Sun Blaze Pearl as your exterior color comes down to personal taste. Here are some factors to consider if you’re debating this paint color for your Subaru:
- It attracts attention – if you don’t want that, may not be the best choice
- Works best on sporty models – good for WRX, BRZ; less fitting for Outback, Legacy
- Requires complementary interior colors like black, red, or tan
- A bold color choice – go for it if you want to stand out
- Pairs well with exterior modifications like black accents
While available on most Subaru models, Sun Blaze Pearl makes the strongest styling statement when paired with performance variants like the WRX STI. Its vibrant personality best matches the rally-inspired character at the core of the Subaru brand. If you’re looking to upgrade from a common white or silver exterior, Sun Blaze Pearl provides an invigorating splash of color.
Conclusion
With its striking blend of orange, copper, and golden tones, Subaru’s Sun Blaze Pearl delivers a truly unique paint finish. This tri-coat pearlescent exterior color provides a lively, head-turning look. Sun Blaze Pearl brings together the best elements of Subaru’s rally heritage in one bright, bold package. If you want your Subaru to stand out from the crowd, few color choices make a more vibrant styling statement.
