What is the difference between 2024 Ascent Limited and Touring?
In the 2024 Subaru Ascent lineup, Touring sits above Limited as the more premium choice. The main differences are in interior comfort, technology, and exterior refinements, with Touring typically wrapping in more luxury features and convenience items. This article breaks down those distinctions to help shoppers decide which trim fits their priorities and budget.
Both trims share the same powertrain and overall SUV footprint, but Touring bundles a higher level of equipment that appeals to buyers who want a more upscale feel and enhanced tech. The following sections outline the practical gaps between Limited and Touring across interior comfort, technology and safety, and overall value.
Interior and comfort
The following list highlights features commonly found on Touring that elevate the cabin experience relative to Limited. Note that exact configurations can vary by region or dealer option, so always verify the spec sheet for your market.
- Premium interior materials, often including leather seating surfaces and upgraded trim accents
- Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel for colder climates
- Driver-seat memory with power adjustments (and sometimes memory for the passenger seat, depending on market)
- Panoramic sunroof or larger sun/moonroof to brighten the cabin
- Second-row seating configuration that commonly favors captain’s chairs (7-passenger layout) versus a bench in some Limited configurations
- Enhanced convenience features such as a power-adjustable driver seat and more sophisticated seat fabrics
Overall, Touring tends to deliver a more upscale and comfortable front-to-back experience, with materials and seating arrangements aimed at premium SUV buyers.
Technology and safety features
On the technology and safety front, Touring typically includes upgrades over Limited, particularly in infotainment and audio, navigation, and some convenience-oriented safety aids. The exact feature set can vary by market, so check the local spec sheet.
- Larger or higher-resolution infotainment display, often with built-in navigation
- Premium audio system (such as a Harman Kardon setup) versus a standard/system in Limited
- Standard or enhanced navigation capabilities specific to Touring
- Power liftgate with hands-free operation and possibly a customizable tailgate height
- Additional driver-assistance features or refinements that complement EyeSight, depending on package availability
In practice, Touring users usually gain a more polished multimedia experience and more convenient tech touchpoints, with safety tech aligned with Subaru’s EyeSight suite.
Exterior and practicality
The Touring trim often carries exterior touches and practical upgrades that set it apart from Limited. Again, specifics may vary by market and package.
- Exclusive or upgraded alloy wheels (often around 20 inches) versus smaller wheel options on Limited
- Distinct exterior styling cues and trim details that signal the higher trim level
- Roof rails and stronger cargo-carrying practicality paired with a more premium overall look
These exterior enhancements contribute to Touring’s premium appearance and can improve the perceived value of the vehicle.
Performance, practicality, and value
Performance and core drivetrain are generally the same across Limited and Touring for the 2024 Ascent; both trims share Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with all-wheel drive and the same CVT. The practical differences lie in equipment and perceived value rather than power or efficiency.
- Powertrain and towing capabilities are consistent between Limited and Touring
- Seating arrangements and cargo flexibility can differ based on second-row configuration (captain’s chairs vs bench)
- Pricing typically places Touring above Limited due to the added features, so budget and priority for luxury tech drive the decision
From a value perspective, Limited provides a strong feature set at a lower price, while Touring targets buyers who prioritize premium interior, tech, and convenience items in a mid-size SUV.
Which trim to choose and why
Choosing between the 2024 Ascent Limited and Touring comes down to how much you value interior luxury, advanced tech, and convenience features versus price. If you want the most upscale cabin, enhanced audio and navigation, and convenience upgrades, Touring is the natural pick. If you’re seeking a well-equipped SUV with many comforts but at a lower starting price, Limited remains a solid choice, with the option to add packages to tailor the experience.
Bottom line: Touring is the more premium, feature-rich variant of the 2024 Ascent, while Limited offers a strong balance of comfort and capability at a more accessible price point.
Summary
The 2024 Subaru Ascent Limited and Touring share core performance and space but diverge in interior material quality, seating configurations, technology depth, and exterior refinements. Touring stacks up features that appeal to buyers seeking luxury and convenience, whereas Limited delivers a robust, value-oriented package with many key capabilities intact. Prospective buyers should compare the dealer-spec sheets for their region to confirm exact inclusions and pricing.
What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?
Common Subaru Ascent cons include poor fuel economy, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that can feel disconnected and noisy, and brake issues like premature wear and juddering. Other drawbacks cited by owners are limited interior cabin width, inconsistent technology and infotainment, and engine noise, particularly under acceleration. Some owners also report issues with electrical systems, and despite a decent engine, some feel it is underpowered for the vehicle's size, particularly with its CVT.
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems and weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Performance and powertrain
- Poor fuel economy: Some owners report fuel economy that is worse than advertised.
- Underpowered engine: The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is often considered underpowered for the Ascent's heavy weight.
- Noisy CVT: The CVT can cause a "droning" noise and a disconnected feeling, while competitors use more traditional automatic transmissions.
- Inconsistent throttle: Some drivers find the throttle too touchy at low speeds or sluggish at higher speeds.
Brakes
- Premature wear: Owners report premature wearing of brake pads and rotors.
- Vibration and noise: Complaints include pulsating or vibrating brakes and squeaking noises.
Interior and technology
- Limited interior width: Despite being a large SUV, the cabin is narrower than many competitors, reducing usable space for passengers.
- Frustrating technology: Some owners find the technology and infotainment systems frustrating to use.
- Driver assist system issues: In some conditions, such as heavy rain, the EyeSight driver assist system can shut down.
Other issues
- Engine and transmission problems: In addition to the CVT, other engine and transmission-related issues have been reported by owners.
- Electrical system issues: Reports include problems with interior lights and other electrical components.
- Repairs: Some owners report that repairs for certain issues, like replacing a windshield, can be expensive and trigger other cascading problems.
This video discusses several issues with the Subaru Ascent, including the CVT, brake problems, and electrical system: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 4, 2025
What is the difference between Subaru Touring and Limited?
The Subaru Touring is a higher-end trim that adds luxury features and technology to the already well-equipped Limited trim. Key differences include the Touring's use of premium Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, a front-view camera, and advanced safety/convenience features like the DriverFocus® system and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between Subaru Outback Limited and Touring trims: 59sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Aug 11, 2023
Interior and comfort
| Feature | Limited | Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstery | Leather-trimmed | Nappa leather-trimmed |
| Front Seats | Heated | Heated and ventilated |
| Driver's Seat Memory | No | Yes (for two drivers) |
| Heated Steering Wheel | No | Yes |
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Technology and convenience
| Feature | Limited | Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Front-View Camera | No | Yes (180-degree) |
| Rearview Mirror | Standard auto-dimming | Smart auto-dimming with a camera (Rearview Camera Mirror) |
| Power-Folding Mirrors | No | Yes (with satin chrome finish) |
| Navigation System | Optional | Standard |
| Stereo System | Optional Harman Kardon | Standard Harman Kardon |
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Exterior
| Feature | Limited | Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Mirrors | Standard | Power-folding with satin chrome finish |
| Roof Rails | Standard | Low-profile with silver finish |
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Safety
| Feature | Limited | Touring |
|---|---|---|
| DriverFocus® System | No | Yes |
| Third EyeSight Camera | No | Yes |
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Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Limited if: You want a comfortable and well-equipped vehicle but are trying to save money. It already offers many premium features like leather seats and heated front and rear seats.
- Choose the Touring if: You are willing to pay more for the highest level of luxury and technology. You'll get the most premium materials, extra comfort features like ventilated seats, and advanced driver aids.
What is the best trim package for a Subaru Ascent?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent Touring trim is the top option, offering the ultimate in luxury and style. It adds 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels and monochromatic exterior accents for a sleek, upscale look, building on the features of the Limited trim.
What is the difference between the Ascent Touring and Limited?
The Subaru Ascent Touring builds upon the Limited trim by adding higher-end features like ventilated Nappa leather seats, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a Surround View Monitor, along with monochromatic exterior accents and larger black alloy wheels for a more luxurious and high-tech look. The Limited trim already includes key luxury features such as leather upholstery, a power driver's seat with memory, and heated second-row seats.
You can watch this video to learn more about the key differences between the Limited and Touring trims, including the sound system and interior features: 58sBuild Your OwnYouTube · Apr 7, 2023
Ascent Limited
- Interior: Leather-trimmed upholstery, heated second-row seats, power-adjustable driver's seat with memory.
- Exterior: 20-inch alloy wheels, integrated turn signals in side mirrors, chrome trim.
- Technology: Power rear liftgate, reverse automatic braking, dual third-row USB-A charging ports.
Ascent Touring
- Interior:
- Seats: Ventilated front seats and Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery.
- Audio: Harman Kardon premium audio system.
- Technology: Surround View Monitor (180-degree front-view camera), Cabin Connect, smart auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink, and a 120V AC power outlet.
- Other: Panoramic moonroof.
- Exterior:
- 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels.
- Monochromatic exterior accents.
- Available chrome Bumper Under Guard.
This video shows a detailed review of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring, highlighting its features and design: 59sSubaruYouTube · May 18, 2021
