What is the difference between premium and limited Subaru?

In Subaru’s lineup, the “Premium” and “Limited” trims represent two common mid-to-upper options. The short version: Premium is a solid mid-tier upgrade over base models, while Limited pushes toward a more premium feel with additional interior comforts, tech, and convenience features. Exact equipment varies by model and year, so check the brochure for the specific model you’re considering.

Where Premium sits in Subaru’s lineup

Premium is typically the next step up from the base trim across Subaru’s SUV and sedan range. It aims to enhance comfort, technology, and everyday usability without entering true luxury territory. The precise list of features can differ by model and year, but Premium generally adds more standard equipment and nicer finishes compared with base trims.

What to expect in a Premium trim commonly includes improved audio/infotainment, more convenient seating options, and some driver-assist tech. It’s designed for buyers who want a more comfortable, well-equipped ride without paying premium prices.

• Upgraded infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and often a larger or faster touchscreen


• Improved interior comfort, typically with nicer materials than base trims


• Additional convenience features such as more flexible seating adjustments and sometimes dual-zone climate control


• All-around convenience and safety basics that move beyond the most basic setup

In summary, Premium broadens liveability and tech without crossing into the luxury-focused features that characterize higher trims.

What Limited typically includes

Limited is generally the next tier above Premium and is aimed at buyers who want a more premium interior, stronger tech, and more convenience features. The exact items vary by model and year, but Limited trims consistently lean toward leather or leather-trim seating, more sophisticated infotainment options, and additional comfort touches.

Key differences you’ll commonly see in Limited versus Premium include richer interior materials and a few upgraded tech or convenience items that elevate the overall feel of the cabin and the driving experience.

• Leather or leather-trim upholstery and usually more premium interior finishes


• Power-adjustable front seats with greater range of adjustment or memory settings on some models


• Upgraded infotainment options, which may include a larger display, navigation, or enhanced audio systems


• Additional convenience features such as keyless access, push-button start, or a dimmable rearview mirror (varies by year/model)

Overall, Limited emphasizes a more luxurious feel, richer materials, and enhanced tech compared with Premium, while still keeping Subaru’s practical, well-rounded package.

Model-specific notes

The exact differences between Premium and Limited can vary by model and year. Here are general expectations for popular Subaru models in recent years, keeping in mind that specifics may shift with new generations or feature packages.

Forester

In Forester lineups, Premium usually covers enhanced connectivity and comfort features over base models, with Limited adding leather, upgraded seating, and a more advanced infotainment setup. EyeSight safety tech and other driver aids are often more comprehensive on Limited.

Outback

The Outback’s Premium trim typically brings extra convenience and tech over base, while Limited adds leather seating, a premium audio option, and broader interior refinements. Navigation and improved driver-assist options are more commonly bundled with Limited.

Crosstrek

Crosstrek Premium generally offers a solid upgrade in comfort and connectivity over base, and Limited moves you into a more refined interior with leather-like seating and enhanced infotainment. Equipment varies by year, with some packages tying limited features to upgraded wheels or safety tech.

Legacy

For the Legacy sedan, Premium is a step up from the base with better interior hardware and tech, while Limited adds leather or leather-trim, a more sophisticated infotainment package, and additional comfort features that elevate daily driving.

How to decide between Premium and Limited

Choosing between Premium and Limited depends on how much you value interior feel, tech depth, and convenience features versus price. If leather seats, a more premium cabin, and extra tech are important, Limited is the sensible choice. If you’re looking for solid comfort and connectivity at a lower price point, Premium often offers the best balance.

Consider test-driving both trims on your model of interest, and compare the model-year brochures to see which features are included or optional in your region. Some features may be bundled in packages rather than hard splits between trims, so verify what’s standard versus optional for the exact vehicle you’re considering.

Summary

Across Subaru’s lineup, Premium serves as a well-equipped mid-trim with added comfort and tech over base models, while Limited goes further with luxury touches like leather seating and enhanced infotainment. The key takeaway is that Premium focuses on value and practicality, and Limited targets buyers seeking a more premium, feature-rich experience. Always check the model-year specifics to understand which features come standard or as options for the vehicle you’re eyeing.

Summary note

For the most accurate comparison, consult the current Subaru brochure or the dealer’s specifications for your exact model and year. Feature availability can shift with redesigns and option packages, so a given year’s Premium may differ from another year’s Premium or Limited.

What is the difference between Subaru Legacy Limited and Premium?

The Subaru Legacy Limited is a more luxurious trim than the Premium, adding features like perforated leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a sunroof, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a power-adjustable passenger seat. The Premium trim includes important upgrades over the base model, such as heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, and a larger infotainment screen, but it lacks the premium materials and many of the comfort and convenience features of the Limited trim. 
This video highlights the key features that differentiate the Premium and Limited trims: 47sBen’s Car ReviewsYouTube · Jul 7, 2024
Subaru Legacy Premium

• Key comfort and convenience: Heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 
• Infotainment: SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen. 
• Exterior: Heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and a single exhaust outlet. 

Subaru Legacy Limited

• Key comfort and convenience: Perforated leather upholstery, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable passenger seat. 
• Infotainment: 12-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system and a 11.6-inch Starlink system. 
• Exterior: 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, and a power moonroof. 
• Safety: Adds Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking. 

Choosing between them

• Choose the Premium if: You want a good balance of added comfort features over the base model without the higher price of the Limited. It still includes important features like heated front seats and a larger infotainment system. 
• Choose the Limited if: You prioritize a more luxurious interior and advanced convenience features. You want features like leather seats, heated rear seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system. 

What year to stay away from a Subaru Outback?

Years to avoid for the Subaru Outback include 2010–2014, which had widespread CVT, oil consumption, and oil leak issues, and 2018, which had recalls and reliability concerns. Additionally, some sources recommend avoiding the 2005–2007 models due to head gasket problems and the 2020 model, which had electrical and windshield issues. 
Years to avoid

• 2010–2014: These models are frequently cited for significant transmission issues (CVT), oil consumption, and general reliability problems. The 2010 model specifically had issues with the torque converter locking up. 
• 2018: This year saw recalls and owner complaints related to oil consumption, exhaust components, and electrical issues. 
• 2005–2007: These models are known for head gasket failures, which can cause coolant and oil leaks. 
• 2020: This model year is associated with a high number of electrical problems, including dead batteries and stalling, as well as issues with the windshield cracking from small chips. 

Other potential problem years

• 2013: Frequently mentioned for oil consumption issues.
• 2015: Some reports list it with electrical and engine problems.
• 2017: Reliability issues were noted. 

What is the difference between Subaru Premium and Limited?

The main differences are that the Subaru Limited trim level adds more luxury and technology features over the Premium, such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a premium sound system, and heated rear seats, while the Premium trim is a mid-range option with popular features like a larger touchscreen and heated front seats. Essentially, the Limited builds upon the Premium's foundation with a more upscale and comfort-oriented experience. 
This video explains the differences between the Subaru Outback Premium and Limited trims: 56sDELLA SubaruYouTube · Sep 21, 2019

Feature	Premium Trim	Limited Trim
Upholstery	Cloth with some orange stitching on the Crosstrek	Leather with orange stitching on the Crosstrek
Front Seats	Manual adjustment	Power adjustment, including driver's seat with memory settings
Rear Seats	Typically not heated	Heated rear outboard seats
Audio	Standard 6-speaker system	Harman Kardon® premium audio system (12 speakers)
Safety	Standard EyeSight® safety features	Adds features like rear automatic braking and a more advanced adaptive cruise control
Other Tech	Wireless smartphone connectivity on an 11.6-inch screen	Built-in navigation, keyless entry/start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror
Exterior	17-inch alloy wheels on Outback	18-inch alloy wheels on Outback
Convenience	Standard	Hands-free power rear gate

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What's the difference between a Subaru Crosstrek Limited and Premium?

The main differences are that the Subaru Crosstrek Limited has a more powerful 2.5L engine, a more premium interior with leather seats and a 10-way power driver's seat, and more advanced safety features like blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking. The Premium trim uses a 2.0L engine and features cloth seats and the standard safety suite, though optional packages can add some features like blind-spot detection. The Limited also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Premium has 17-inch wheels. 
Crosstrek Limited

• Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (182 hp) 
• Interior: Leather-trimmed upholstery, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with orange stitching 
• Safety:
  • Standard blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert 
  • Standard reverse automatic braking 
  • Standard evasive steering assistance 
• Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels 
• Other: Standard all-weather package, wireless charging pad, optional Harman Kardon audio system, and navigation 

You can watch this video to compare the Limited and Premium trims in detail: 53sSubaru of PuyallupYouTube · Jan 22, 2019
Crosstrek Premium

• Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (152 hp)
• Interior: Cloth upholstery, standard front seats
• Safety: Standard adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and lane departure alert; blind-spot detection is optional
• Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels
• Other: Standard push-button ignition and wireless smartphone connections 

This video shows a side-by-side comparison of the Premium and Limited trims: 53sSubaru of PuyallupYouTube · May 19, 2021