Subaru offers various trim levels for their vehicles, with Premium and Limited being two popular options. These trims provide different features and amenities, catering to diverse customer preferences and budgets. Understanding the distinctions between Subaru Limited and Premium trims is crucial for potential buyers to make an informed decision.
The main differences between Subaru Limited and Premium trims lie in their interior features, exterior styling, technology offerings, and overall luxury level. While both trims offer excellent value, the Limited trim generally provides more upscale features and a higher level of refinement compared to the Premium trim.
| Feature | Premium | Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstery | Cloth | Leather |
| Wheels | 17-inch or 18-inch | 18-inch or 20-inch |
| Audio System | Standard | Premium (e.g., Harman Kardon) |
| Infotainment Screen | Smaller (e.g., 6.5-inch) | Larger (e.g., 11.6-inch) |
Interior Features and Comfort
The interior is where the differences between Subaru Limited and Premium trims become most apparent. The Limited trim offers a more luxurious and refined cabin experience compared to the Premium trim. One of the most noticeable distinctions is the upholstery material. Premium trims typically feature high-quality cloth seats, while Limited trims boast leather-trimmed upholstery, providing a more upscale look and feel.
Seating comfort is another area where the Limited trim excels. While both trims often offer heated front seats, the Limited trim may include additional features such as power-adjustable seats with memory functions for the driver. In some Subaru models, like the Outback or Forester, the Limited trim also provides heated rear outboard seats, enhancing comfort for all passengers.
The Limited trim usually incorporates more premium materials throughout the cabin, including soft-touch surfaces and higher-quality trim pieces. This attention to detail creates a more refined and sophisticated interior ambiance. Additionally, the Limited trim may feature upgraded interior lighting, including LED mood lighting or illuminated door sills, further enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Climate control is another area where the Limited trim often surpasses the Premium. While Premium trims typically offer dual-zone automatic climate control, Limited trims may include additional features like rear air vents or even tri-zone climate control in larger models like the Ascent.
Exterior Styling and Features
Exterior differences between Subaru Limited and Premium trims are subtle but noticeable. The Limited trim often features more chrome accents and polished finishes, giving the vehicle a more upscale appearance. This may include chrome door handles, window trim, and grille accents.
One of the most visible exterior differences is the wheel design and size. Premium trims typically come with 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model. Limited trims, however, often feature larger 18-inch or even 20-inch wheels with a more sophisticated design, enhancing both the vehicle’s appearance and handling characteristics.
Lighting is another area where the Limited trim stands out. While both trims usually offer LED headlights, the Limited trim may include additional features such as steering-responsive headlights that turn with the steering wheel, improving visibility around corners. Limited trims may also feature LED fog lights and more advanced daytime running lights.
The Limited trim often includes a power liftgate or tailgate, which is either not available or an optional extra on Premium trims. This feature adds convenience for loading and unloading cargo, especially when your hands are full.
Technology and Infotainment
Technology is a significant differentiator between Subaru Limited and Premium trims. The Limited trim typically offers a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display. For example, while a Premium trim might feature a 6.5-inch or 8-inch display, the Limited trim often boasts a larger 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen.
The Limited trim usually includes Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia Plus system, which offers enhanced connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as built-in navigation. Premium trims may have a more basic version of the STARLINK system without some of these advanced features.
Audio systems also differ between the two trims. While Premium trims offer a quality sound system, Limited trims often feature a premium audio setup, such as a Harman Kardon system with more speakers and enhanced sound quality.
Safety technology is a priority for Subaru across all trim levels, but the Limited trim may offer additional advanced features. For instance, the Limited trim might include a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which uses facial recognition technology to alert drivers if they appear distracted or drowsy.
Performance and Drivetrain
In terms of performance, the differences between Subaru Limited and Premium trims are less pronounced, as both often share the same engine options. However, there can be some variations depending on the specific model and year.
For example, in some Subaru models, the Limited trim may offer an optional more powerful engine that’s not available on the Premium trim. This is the case with the Outback, where the Limited trim can be equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, providing significantly more power than the standard 2.5-liter engine found in the Premium trim.
Both trims typically feature Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, ensuring excellent traction and handling in various driving conditions. However, the Limited trim may include additional drive modes or more advanced traction management systems, enhancing the vehicle’s capabilities in challenging terrain or weather conditions.
Price Considerations
As expected, the additional features and refinements of the Limited trim come at a higher price point compared to the Premium trim. The price difference can vary depending on the specific Subaru model, but it typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.
When considering the price difference, it’s important to evaluate which features are most important to you as a buyer. If leather seats, advanced technology features, and a more luxurious interior are priorities, the Limited trim may be worth the additional cost. However, if you’re satisfied with a well-equipped vehicle without some of the premium amenities, the Premium trim offers excellent value and still provides many of Subaru’s core features and capabilities.
It’s also worth noting that some features available standard on the Limited trim may be offered as optional extras on the Premium trim. This allows buyers to customize their vehicle to some extent, potentially bridging the gap between the two trim levels without committing to the full price of the Limited trim.
FAQs About Subaru Limited vs Premium
- Which trim level offers better fuel economy?
Fuel economy is generally similar between Limited and Premium trims, as they often share the same engine options. - Are safety features different between Limited and Premium trims?
Both trims offer comprehensive safety features, but Limited may include additional advanced driver assistance technologies. - Does the Limited trim have better resale value than Premium?
Limited trims often retain slightly higher resale value due to their additional features and higher initial cost. - Can I add Limited features to a Premium trim?
Some Limited features may be available as options on Premium trims, but not all can be added. - Is the Limited trim worth the extra cost over Premium?
The value depends on personal preferences for luxury features, technology, and comfort amenities.