Whats the difference between a Crosstrek and a Crosstrek premium?
The Crosstrek Premium is the higher-trim version and adds more equipment over the base Crosstrek, while preserving the same core engine and driving dynamics. In short, Premium bumps up tech, comfort, and safety features without changing the fundamental drivetrain.
This article explains what typically changes when moving from a Crosstrek to a Crosstrek Premium, and notes that exact features can vary by model year and market. Always check the current Subaru brochure or dealer build sheet for your year.
What stays the same
The Crosstrek Premium and base Crosstrek share the same fundamental platform: chassis tuning, overall driving dynamics, and the core powertrain setup (including the available all-wheel-drive system). The Premium does not usually change the fundamental engine or drivetrain, except when a hybrid version is considered separately.
Powertrain and platform consistency
Across most model years, both trims use the same basic engine and transmission pairing and maintain Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive character. The primary differences lie in features, not core performance.
Key differences in features
Before listing the differences, note that features can vary by model year and market; the Premium typically adds more technology, comfort, and safety gear over the base model.
- Infotainment and connectivity: Premium generally includes a larger touchscreen (often around 8.0 inches) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the base may use a smaller screen in some years.
- Climate control and comfort: Premium commonly adds dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, which may not be standard on the base.
- Safety and driver assistance: Premium often includes more comprehensive or standard EyeSight Driver Assist features and may bring additional aids like Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Terrain Alert as standard equipment in more years.
- Wheels and exterior styling: Premium typically comes with alloy wheels (often 17 inches) and can include fog lights and other exterior refinements not always present on the base.
- Convenience features: Premium may include features such as keyless entry with push-button start and, depending on the year, remote start, whereas the base model may offer fewer of these conveniences by default.
Because Subaru sometimes adjusts equipment year by year and by market, always compare the exact spec sheets for the model year you’re considering to confirm which items are standard or optional.
Impact on daily life and value
The Premium trim’s additional equipment generally enhances daily usability—better infotainment, more climate comfort, and stronger safety/driver-assist features—but it also raises the purchase price. If those upgrades are important to you, Premium often represents a worthwhile step up; if you’re prioritizing a lower starting price and you’re comfortable with the basics, the base Crosstrek remains a compelling option.
Summary
The Crosstrek Premium is the feature-rich upgrade over the base Crosstrek, delivering enhanced infotainment, comfort, and safety features while keeping the same core drive and chassis. For many buyers, Premium provides noticeable daily-use benefits without altering how the vehicle drives off-road or on pavement. Always verify year-specific specs to know exactly which features come standard and which are optional.
