What is the difference between Crosstrek Premium and Base?
In short, the Crosstrek Premium adds more features over the Base trim while leaving the core powertrain unchanged. In other words, Premium gives you more tech, comfort, and convenience, without a basic engine upgrade.
For shoppers weighing between these two trims, this article breaks down exactly what you gain with Premium, how the differences play out in practice, and what to watch for depending on model year and market.
What Premium Typically Adds Over Base
The following categories cover the most common enhancements you’ll see when moving from Base to Premium on recent Crosstrek model years. Availability can vary by year, so check your specific vehicle configuration.
Infotainment and technology
Premium generally expands the in-car tech lineup with a larger display and better smartphone integration.
- Upgraded touchscreen: bigger display (often 8-inch) compared with the smaller Base screen.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility included or enhanced.
- Possible navigation availability depending on year and package.
The overall effect is a more engaging and easier-to-use interface for media, navigation, and apps.
Comfort and convenience
Interior comfort features tend to improve in Premium, enhancing daily usability and ride feel.
- Heated front seats for cold-weather comfort.
- Automatic climate control or dual-zone climate control in some years.
- Power driver's seat (adjustable for better ergonomics) and other cabin upgrades like a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
These upgrades make longer trips more comfortable and give the cabin a more refined feel.
Exterior design and wheels
Visual and accessibility details shift with Premium, including lighting and wheels.
- Fog lights for better visibility in adverse conditions.
- Alloy wheels with a more premium finish versus base wheels.
- Possible gloss or chrome accents on exterior touches.
Exterior enhancements contribute to the Premium’s more polished appearance without altering performance.
Safety and driver aids
Premium often bundles or optimizes driver-assistance features, increasing active safety.
- EyeSight driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, sometimes upgraded or more readily available.
- Pre-collision braking and other safety systems are typically included or better integrated in Premium.
These features can provide added peace of mind and assist with daily driving.
In summary, the Premium trim tends to deliver more tech, comfort, exterior polish, and safety features than Base, with the core engine and drivetrain typically remaining the same.
Powertrain and Basic Trims: What Stays the Same
While Premium adds equipment, the underlying powertrain configuration generally remains unchanged from Base. This section highlights what you won't see changed simply by opting for Premium.
- Engine and performance options are typically the same as Base for a given model year (no engine upgrade from Premium alone).
- All-wheel drive remains standard or widely available across Crosstrek trims.
- Transmission is usually the same (commonly a continuously variable transmission, CVT), with no guaranteed gear-change advantage in Premium over Base.
Always check the exact year’s spec sheet, as Subaru sometimes adjusts trim offerings and feature inclusions.
Summary
The Crosstrek Premium is designed to add a higher level of comfort, technology, and safety features on top of the Base trim, while not changing the fundamental powertrain. For buyers who value an easier-to-use infotainment system, heated seating, automatic climate control, and enhanced safety, Premium is typically the smarter pick. If you’re cost-conscious and mostly need the essentials, Base remains a capable, value-focused option. Verify the exact features for the year you’re considering, as trims shift between model years.
