The move to framed windows by Subaru comes after the launch of the Tribeca. Since the Tribeca is a larger car, the doors are also much larger and it would have been difficult to do such large windows without frames.

The reason you’re starting to see frames on the smaller cars is to “fix” a longtime complaint of Subaru owners: road noise. With frames on the windows it significantly reduces interior noise levels at speed.

fixitfixitstop:

Window frames don’t really contribute to the strength of the cabin. The doors’ locking post, internal crash bar(s), hinges and outward slope at the rockers are with give the doors side-impact strength. The roof’s crush resistance relies on the pillars and the roof’s internal reinforcements.
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Show me a car that relies on the window frames for crashworthiness, and I’ll show you a car I’ll never ride in.

fixitfixitstop, just wanted to point out that Subarus haven’t really been hurting in the safty department. Cheers!

window frames suck

Not having window frames encourages thieves. Even if they don’t intend to take the car, if there’s something they value inside, cars without frames are VERY vulnerable. Just wedge something in really quick (some cars don’t even require a tool to do this much), get the fingertips behind and freaking pull. once the window is pulled out, drop the arm and unlock the door.
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That’s why window frames make a big difference, at least in areas with criminal activity. Yes, theieves can break windows, but if they get caught on the street with a glass breaker or hammer it would be a dead giveaway, besides they’re heavy, yada yada.
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I used to work in Philly for a decade and near Camden NJ for another 11 years. Had a Cherokee stolen. Fortunately I live and work now in better areas.

I’m no engineer, but my money is on the side which believes window frames aid safety in both rollovers and side-impacts.