What does premium mean in a Subaru Outback?
The premium trim in a Subaru Outback is the mid-range choice that adds more safety technology and comfort features than the base model, while staying below the top-tier Limited or Touring trims. Exact equipment varies by model year and market, so always check the window sticker or with a dealer for the specific year you’re considering.
Understanding the Premium trim in the lineup
In practice, the Premium trim is designed to balance value with convenience. It typically bundles a step up in safety, comfort, and technology compared with Base, without reaching the luxury polish of Limited or Touring. The following items reflect what buyers commonly see on recent Premium Outbacks.
Below is a snapshot of features commonly found on Premium Outbacks in recent years:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (including pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist) as a core safety suite
- Heated front seats and often heated exterior mirrors for colder climates
- Power driver's seat (often with multiple-way adjustment) and dual-zone automatic climate control
- Upgraded infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Rugged, practical features such as roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels
- Remote keyless entry and, depending on year, push-button start
Note: Feature availability can shift from year to year, and some amenities may be part of optional packages rather than standard. Always verify the exact contents on your target model.
How Premium compares to Base and Limited
Understanding where Premium sits in the spectrum helps buyers gauge value. Here’s how it typically stacks up against the adjacent trims.
Below is a concise comparison of typical inclusions and distinctions:
- Base vs Premium: Premium usually adds the EyeSight safety suite, heated seating, a more comfortable climate setup, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, upgraded infotainment, and larger wheels compared with Base.
- Premium vs Limited: Limited typically offers leather seating and more high-end interior materials, additional luxury touches, and sometimes a larger touchscreen or navigation options. Premium excludes some of those top-tier interior refinements, aiming for a strong feature set at a lower price point.
Market years vary, and some features may be bundled differently or offered as optional packages. Always compare a model year’s window sticker to confirm exact content.
Engine options and performance in Premium
All Outbacks come with Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive, and the Premium trim is commonly paired with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In higher trims (such as XT variants), a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is available for more horsepower and torque. If you’re curious about performance specifics for a given year, check the official specs for that model year.
What to consider when shopping for Premium
When evaluating a Premium Outback, consider how the features align with your priorities (safety tech, comfort, infotainment, and potential packages) and how much you value the difference versus Base and Limited. The availability of certain features can depend on the model year and whether you select optional packages.
Notes for buyers:
- Verify EyeSight features for your year, as some safety options may vary by model year or market
- Check whether heated steering wheel, leather seating, or navigation are included or available via packages
- Confirm the engine and drivetrain details for the specific year (2.5L vs turbo 2.4L and corresponding trims)
- Compare wheel sizes, upholstery, and infotainment screens across model years to understand what’s truly included
In practice, the Premium trim is a strong mid-range option that offers a solid balance of safety features, comfort, and everyday practicality without entering the more expensive or more luxurious tiers.
Summary
Premium in a Subaru Outback denotes the mid-range trim that adds meaningful safety technology and comfort enhancements over Base, while staying below Limited and Touring in terms of interior refinement. Features and exact contents vary by model year, so prospective buyers should review the specific window sticker or dealer listing for the year they’re interested in to understand precisely what’s included and which optional packages are available.
