What are the trim levels for the Subaru Outback?

The core trim levels you’ll see for the Subaru Outback today are Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness, with occasional limited-edition turbo variants such as Onyx Edition XT appearing in certain years. Availability can vary by model year and market.

This article breaks down the standard trims you’re most likely to encounter, notes on notable special editions, and how the lineup has evolved to balance comfort, technology, and off-road capability. Readers should verify exact offerings for their region and model year when shopping.

Current standard trim levels

Below are the trims that have represented the core Outback lineup in recent model years. The list reflects what most U.S. customers will see in showrooms today, though features and pricing can differ by year and package.

• Base


• Premium


• Limited


• Touring


• Wilderness

In summary, these are the main trims that define the daily-use, comfort-focused, and rugged variants of the Outback. Higher trims typically add more driver-assist tech, premium materials, and convenience features.

Special editions and turbo variants

In addition to the standard lineup, Subaru has periodically offered limited-run or region-specific editions and turbocharged variants that sit outside the core trims. These versions are less common and their availability can be restricted by year and market.

• Onyx Edition XT (limited-edition, turbocharged model with unique styling)


• Outback XT (turbocharged variant used in certain years/markets; engine and features vary by year)

These editions are not always available nationwide and may come with distinctive styling cues and upgraded performance or equipment. Prospective buyers should confirm current availability with a dealer for their specific model year and region.

Summary

The Subaru Outback’s primary trims—Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness—cover a broad spectrum of needs from everyday practicality to off-road-ready capability. Periodic special editions like Onyx Edition XT and turbocharged variants have appeared in various years, but their availability is not guaranteed across all markets or model years. Always check the exact trim lineup, features, and pricing for your region and desired model year when shopping.

Which Subaru Outback trim is the best?

The best Subaru Outback trim depends on your needs: the Touring XT is the most luxurious and tech-filled for comfort, while the Wilderness is the best for off-road capability. For a balance of features and value, the Onyx Edition XT is often cited as a strong option due to its combination of turbocharged performance and useful amenities at a lower price than the top trims. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the differences between Subaru Outback trims: 1mAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Oct 30, 2021
For luxury and technology

• Touring XT: This is the top-tier trim with the most features.
  • Engine: 260-hp turbocharged engine.
  • Luxury: Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
  • Technology: DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, power-folding mirrors, and a 180-degree Front-View Monitor. 

For off-road capability

• Wilderness: This trim is purpose-built for off-road adventures.
  • Engine: 260-hp turbocharged engine.
  • Off-road features: Upgraded suspension, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and dual-function X-MODE®.
  • Durability: All-terrain tires, an aluminum front skid plate, and water-repellent StarTex® upholstery. 

This video discusses the features of the Wilderness trim and its off-road capabilities: 1mBen’s Car ReviewsYouTube · Apr 21, 2023
For the best value

• Onyx Edition XT: Offers a great mix of features for its price point.
  • Engine: 260-hp turbocharged engine.
  • Features: Includes many useful upgrades like the hands-free power rear gate, a power moonroof, and a Harman Kardon® audio system, while being less expensive than the top trims. 

Other trims to consider

• Limited: Provides a leather-trimmed interior and other upgrades over the base and Premium models, making it a more comfortable and well-equipped option. 
• Premium: A great mid-range option that adds convenience features like heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to the base model's essentials. It is considered a strong value by some for those who don't need the turbo engine or high-end luxury. 

What is the order of Subaru trim levels?

Subaru offers five primary trim levels for many of its popular models, including the 2025 Subaru Forester, which has the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. Each trim progressively adds more features and luxury to suit different driver needs in communities like Richmond Heights, Fenton, and Crestwood.

Which is better, a Subaru Outback Premium or Limited?

The Subaru Outback Limited is better if you prioritize comfort and premium features, while the Premium is better if you want a more budget-friendly option with most of the popular features. The Limited adds leather upholstery, a higher-end sound system, and convenience features like keyless entry and a hands-free power rear gate that are not standard on the Premium. Both trims share the same base engine and performance capabilities.
 
Subaru Outback Limited: For enhanced comfort and convenience 

• Leather upholstery: Adds a more luxurious feel to the cabin. 
• Premium audio system: Includes a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system, compared to the standard six-speaker system in the Premium. 
• Keyless entry and push-button start: Makes getting in and starting the car more convenient. 
• Hands-free power rear gate: Allows you to open the liftgate with a wave of your foot, which is useful when your hands are full. 
• 18-inch alloy wheels: Provides a more premium look than the Premium's 17-inch wheels. 
• Additional features: Includes other upgrades like heated rear seats and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. 

Subaru Outback Premium: A strong value 

• Good balance: Offers many popular features for a lower price point, making it a great value. 
• Wireless connectivity: Comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 
• Heated front seats: Ensures comfort for the driver and front passenger. 
• Larger infotainment screen: Includes a larger, 11.6-inch display. 
• Lower cost: Has a lower starting price than the Limited. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the Limited if: You want a more luxurious interior with leather seats and the added convenience of features like a hands-free liftgate and keyless entry, and you don't mind paying a premium for them. 
• Choose the Premium if: You are on a tighter budget, but still want most of the modern amenities, such as a large touchscreen and heated front seats. You can save money or potentially spend less on aftermarket upgrades like leather seat covers if you want that option down the line. 

Why is Subaru discontinuing the Outback?

It's because the lifted models like outback and crosstreks qualify as light trucks and are subject to less stringent fuel efficiency regulations.