Whats the difference between Crosstrek Premium and Limited?
The Premium is the mid-range Crosstrek trim, offering more comfort and tech than the base model, while the Limited is the top-level trim with leather, a larger touchscreen, and upgraded features. In short, Limited adds interior luxury, larger display options, and extra convenience and safety features over Premium.
The Crosstrek lineup generally shares the same engine and drivetrain across these trims, so the differences come down to interior materials, technology, exterior touches, and available driver-assist options. Exact features can vary by model year and market, so checking the current official brochure is recommended for precise spec.
Interior and Comfort
Below are the typical interior differences you’ll see when comparing Premium to Limited. Note that years and markets may adjust which items are standard or optional.
- Upholstery: Limited commonly uses leather-trimmed seats, while Premium typically uses cloth upholstery.
- Seat adjustments: Limited often adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat (frequently with more range or memory settings); Premium usually provides fewer power adjustments.
- Climate control: Dual-zone automatic climate control is more commonly standard on Limited, with Premium leaning toward a simpler or single-zone setup in some years.
- Trim and comfort touches: Limited tends to include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and additional cabin trim upgrades compared with Premium.
In practice, Limited targets customers who want a more premium cabin experience, while Premium focuses on value with essential comfort features.
Infotainment and Technology
Technology differences between Premium and Limited typically center on display size, navigation options, and audio/connected-services capabilities. The specifics can vary by model year.
- Touchscreen size: Limited generally offers a larger display (often an 8.0-inch screen) versus a smaller (commonly 6.5-inch) screen on Premium.
- Navigation and upgrades: Limited is more likely to include built-in navigation or an upgraded infotainment package, whereas Premium may rely on smartphone connectivity for navigation.
- Connectivity: Both trims support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Limited may include additional features or a higher-quality audio setup in some years.
- Other tech: Limited may feature upgraded speaker systems and/or a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls, depending on year and option packages.
If you prioritize the largest screen, built-in navigation, and premium audio options, the Limited is the stronger choice. If you’re fine with newer smartphone integration and a smaller display, Premium can be more cost-effective.
Exterior and Wheels
Exterior styling and wheel availability are common areas where Limited differs from Premium, offering a more polished look and sometimes different wheel options.
- Wheels: Premium typically rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, while Limited often swaps in 18-inch alloys for a more finished appearance.
- Exterior accents: Limited may feature additional chrome or satin trim, and improved lighting hardware in some years (such as upgraded headlights or fog lamps); Premium usually has more basic external styling.
- Lighting and visibility: Limited commonly includes enhanced lighting accents or LED elements where available, versus more conventional lighting on Premium.
Exterior upgrades in Limited contribute to a more premium look and may affect driving aesthetics, while Premium emphasizes practicality and value.
Safety and Driver-Assistance
Both trims typically benefit from Subaru’s driver-assistance suite, but Limited may offer additional features or options depending on the year and package availability.
- EyeSight: The core driver-assist suite (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, etc.) is commonly available on both, though Limited may include enhanced or additional features depending on package options.
- Rear and blind-spot safety: Limited might include more comprehensive blind-spot or cross-traffic alerts in some configurations, while Premium offers the core set of safety assists.
- Other safety tech: Limited may come with advanced features or package options (like better sensors or upgraded cruise control) that aren’t standard on Premium.
For buyers who prioritize safety tech, the Limited often provides more comprehensive options, but the exact offering varies by model year and region.
Pricing and Value
Price is the most straightforward difference: Limited is typically more expensive than Premium due to the extra comfort, tech, and styling features. The exact gap depends on the model year, market, and chosen packages.
- Cost gap: Generally, Limited commands a higher sticker price than Premium because of the upgrades in interior, tech, and exterior trim.
- What you get for the premium: Leather seating, larger touchscreen, upgraded lighting, and broader comfort and convenience features often justify the higher price for buyers seeking luxury-level touches in a compact crossover.
When evaluating value, balance your budget against the importance of interior quality, display size, and premium features. If those items aren’t essential, Premium offers a robust set of capabilities at a lower price point.
Which Crosstrek trim is right for you?
If you want a more luxurious cabin, a larger infotainment display, and extra comfort features, the Limited is the stronger choice. If you’re looking to save money while still getting a well-equipped crossover, the Premium delivers solid value with most of the essential upgrades over the base model.
Summary
The Crosstrek Premium and Limited share the same drivetrain but diverge in interior quality, technology, exterior finishing, and available safety features. Limited adds leather seating, a bigger display, enhanced lighting, and extra comfort and safety options, while Premium focuses on value with essential comfort and tech. Always verify the exact features for the model year and region you’re considering, as configurations change over time.
