The Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability, safety features, and all-wheel drive capability. When considering the Forester, two of the higher-end trim levels that often come into comparison are the Touring and Limited models. These trims offer a range of premium features, but there are some key differences that set them apart. Understanding these distinctions can help potential buyers make an informed decision based on their preferences and needs.
Both the Touring and Limited trims build upon the base Forester model, offering enhanced comfort, technology, and styling. However, the Touring stands as the top-tier trim, while the Limited sits just below it in the lineup. This positioning is reflected in both the features offered and the pricing structure. Let’s break down the main differences between these two trims to give you a clearer picture of what each has to offer.
| Feature | Forester Limited | Forester Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2025 model) | $35,995 | $39,995 |
| Wheel Size | 18-inch | 19-inch |
| Leather Upholstery | Standard | Standard with Ultrasuede® inserts |
| Front Passenger Seat | 8-way power | 8-way power |
| Heated Rear Seats | Not available | Standard |
| Navigation System | Optional | Standard |
| Audio System | Standard | Harman Kardon® premium |
Exterior Differences
The exterior of the Subaru Forester Touring and Limited models share many similarities, but there are some notable differences that set them apart. Both trims project a sophisticated and rugged appearance, but the Touring adds extra touches of luxury and style.
Starting with the wheels, the Limited trim comes equipped with 18-inch machine-finish alloy wheels. These wheels offer a blend of durability and style, suitable for various driving conditions. In contrast, the Touring trim steps it up with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels featuring a dark gray finish. The larger wheel size and unique finish give the Touring a more premium and sporty look.
Another distinguishing feature is the exterior mirrors. While both trims have power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals, the Touring model adds a satin chrome finish to these mirrors. This small detail contributes to the overall upscale appearance of the Touring trim.
The Touring also boasts low-profile roof rails, which not only enhance the vehicle’s sleek silhouette but also provide functionality for carrying extra cargo when needed. The Limited trim, while still equipped with roof rails, has a more standard design.
Both trims feature LED headlights, but the Touring includes steering responsive headlights. This advanced feature allows the headlights to pivot in the direction of a turn, providing better visibility around corners during nighttime driving.
Lastly, the Touring trim comes with a unique front grille design that sets it apart from the Limited. This grille adds a touch of exclusivity to the Touring’s facade, making it instantly recognizable as the top-tier Forester model.
Interior and Comfort Features
The interior is where the Subaru Forester Touring truly distinguishes itself from the Limited trim, offering a higher level of luxury and comfort. Both trims provide a spacious and well-appointed cabin, but the Touring takes it a step further with additional premium features.
Starting with the seating, both the Limited and Touring trims offer leather-trimmed upholstery. However, the Touring elevates this with the addition of Ultrasuede® inserts, providing a more luxurious look and feel. The Touring also includes a leather-wrapped shifter handle, adding to the upscale ambiance of the interior.
One of the most significant differences is in the heating features. While both trims offer heated front seats, the Touring extends this comfort to the rear passengers with heated rear outboard seats. This feature is particularly appreciated in colder climates, ensuring all passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride.
The Touring trim also includes a heated steering wheel as standard, which is an optional feature on the Limited. This small but significant addition enhances driver comfort during chilly weather conditions.
In terms of seating adjustability, both trims offer an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. However, the Touring adds two-position memory functionality for the driver’s seat and side mirrors. This convenient feature allows multiple drivers to quickly restore their preferred settings.
The Touring trim also includes Subaru’s DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. This advanced technology uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or distraction, enhancing safety on long journeys.
Lastly, the Touring boasts a Harman Kardon® premium audio system with nine speakers, offering superior sound quality compared to the standard audio system in the Limited trim. This feature significantly enhances the in-car entertainment experience, especially for music enthusiasts.
Technology and Infotainment
When it comes to technology and infotainment, both the Subaru Forester Touring and Limited trims are well-equipped, but the Touring edges ahead with some advanced features. These technological differences can significantly impact the driving experience and convenience for tech-savvy users.
At the heart of both systems is Subaru’s STARLINK® Multimedia system. The Limited trim comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system provides access to navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling. However, the Touring trim takes it a step further with the STARLINK® 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system as standard. This larger, tablet-style screen not only offers a more immersive interface but also includes built-in navigation, eliminating the need for smartphone-based navigation apps.
The Touring trim also includes Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows for easier pairing of compatible devices. This feature streamlines the process of connecting your smartphone to the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Another standout feature in the Touring is the 360-Degree Surround View Monitor. This system uses multiple cameras to provide a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces significantly easier. The Limited trim, while equipped with a rearview camera, does not offer this comprehensive view.
Both trims come with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. However, the Touring adds Reverse Automatic Braking to this suite. This feature can detect objects behind the vehicle and automatically apply the brakes to prevent collisions when reversing.
The Touring also includes a smart rearview mirror with auto-dimming functionality. This feature can switch between a standard mirror and a camera view, providing unobstructed rear visibility even when the cargo area is fully loaded.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to performance and handling, the Subaru Forester Touring and Limited trims share many similarities, as they are built on the same platform and use the same powertrain. However, there are subtle differences that can affect the driving experience.
Both trims are equipped with a 2.5-liter BOXER engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The fuel economy ratings are identical for both trims, offering an impressive 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system comes standard on both trims, providing excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. This system continuously adjusts power distribution to the wheels with the best grip, enhancing safety and performance.
One area where the Touring trim differs is in its wheel size. The 19-inch wheels on the Touring, compared to the 18-inch wheels on the Limited, can provide a slightly sportier feel and improved cornering stability. However, this larger wheel size might also result in a marginally firmer ride.
The Touring trim includes X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control as standard, which is designed to enhance the vehicle’s capability in challenging off-road conditions. While this feature is available on the Limited, it’s not standard across all variants.
Both trims offer a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to their well-tuned suspension systems. However, the Touring’s additional features like the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System can contribute to a more refined driving experience, especially on longer journeys.
In terms of towing capacity, both the Touring and Limited trims are capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. This makes them suitable for light towing tasks, such as small trailers or recreational equipment.
FAQs About Subaru Forester Touring And Limited
- Is the Subaru Forester Touring worth the extra cost over the Limited?
The Touring offers additional luxury features and technology, making it worth the cost for those who value premium amenities and advanced tech. - Do the Forester Touring and Limited have different fuel economy?
No, both trims have identical fuel economy ratings of 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. - What are the main interior differences between Touring and Limited?
The Touring adds heated rear seats, a premium audio system, and a larger infotainment screen with built-in navigation. - Are there any performance differences between the two trims?
Both use the same engine and drivetrain, but the Touring’s larger wheels may provide slightly sportier handling. - Which trim is better for off-road driving?
Both are capable, but the Touring includes standard X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control, giving it a slight edge in challenging terrain.