Subaru Outback Vs Premium: The Ultimate Comparison Guide For Adventure-seekers

The Subaru Outback and Premium stand as two prominent contenders in the realm of adventure-ready vehicles, captivating the hearts of drivers who crave exploration and versatility. With their rugged capabilities, spacious interiors, and advanced technologies, these vehicles promise an exhilarating driving experience that transcends the ordinary. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of the Subaru Outback vs Premium debate, unveiling their distinct features, strengths, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique automotive aspirations.

Performance and Capability: Unleashing Power and Control

1. Engine Performance: Both the Outback and Premium boast robust engines that deliver ample power for navigating challenging terrains and everyday commutes alike. The Outback’s standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Premium, on the other hand, offers a more potent 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, ensuring exhilarating acceleration and effortless overtaking maneuvers.

2. All-Wheel Drive Prowess: Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system reigns supreme in both the Outback and Premium, granting them exceptional traction and stability in diverse road conditions. This advanced drivetrain seamlessly distributes power to all four wheels, enabling confident handling on slippery surfaces, rough terrain, and even during adverse weather events.

3. X-Mode and Hill Descent Control: For those seeking enhanced off-road capability, the Outback and Premium offer the X-Mode system, which optimizes the vehicle’s performance for various terrains, including snow, dirt, and mud. Additionally, the Hill Descent Control feature provides controlled descents on steep slopes, ensuring a safe and composed driving experience.

Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Haven of Refinement and Practicality

1. Spaciousness and Versatility: Both vehicles provide ample interior space for passengers and cargo, making them ideal for road trips, family adventures, and outdoor excursions. The Outback’s cavernous cargo area offers 35.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, expanding to an impressive 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Premium, while slightly smaller, still offers a generous 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

2. Comfort and Amenities: The Outback and Premium prioritize passenger comfort with supportive seats, ample legroom, and headroom. Both vehicles feature user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and premium audio systems. Additionally, they offer a range of comfort-enhancing features such as heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control.

3. Safety Features: Subaru’s commitment to safety shines through in both the Outback and Premium, with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies. These include EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which provides features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, both vehicles boast a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Design and Aesthetics: A Matter of Personal Preference

1. Exterior Styling: The Outback and Premium exude distinct personalities in terms of exterior design. The Outback’s rugged and adventurous appearance, characterized by its raised suspension, prominent grille, and protective cladding, appeals to those who value off-road capability and a commanding presence. In contrast, the Premium’s sleek and sophisticated design, with its sporty lines, chrome accents, and lower stance, caters to those who prioritize urban style and everyday practicality.

2. Interior Ambiance: The Outback’s interior embraces a rugged yet refined aesthetic, with durable materials, contrasting stitching, and a focus on functionality. The Premium, on the other hand, offers a more upscale ambiance with premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and an emphasis on comfort and luxury.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact: Striking a Balance

1. Fuel Economy: The Outback and Premium deliver respectable fuel economy figures, considering their size and capabilities. The Outback’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings stand at 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for the base 2.5-liter engine, while the Premium’s 2.4-liter turbocharged engine achieves 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

2. Environmental Considerations: Both vehicles incorporate various eco-friendly technologies to minimize their environmental impact. These include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that optimizes fuel efficiency, an auto stop-start system that reduces emissions at idle, and the use of recycled materials in the interior.

Pricing and Value: Weighing the Financial Implications

1. Base Prices: The Outback and Premium occupy different price ranges, reflecting their varying features and capabilities. The Outback’s base price starts at around $26,645, while the Premium’s base price begins at approximately $29,645.

2. Trim Levels and Options: Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and optional packages that allow buyers to customize their vehicles to their specific preferences and budget. The Outback offers the Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness trims, while the Premium is available in Base, Premium, Limited, and Sport trims.

Which Subaru Reigns Supreme? Making the Ultimate Choice

The choice between the Subaru Outback and Premium ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize ruggedness, off-road capability, and maximum cargo space, the Outback emerges as the clear winner. However, if you seek a more refined driving experience, enhanced performance, and a touch of luxury, the Premium stands as the ideal choice.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Additional Considerations

1. Towing and Payload Capacity: The Outback offers a towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,300 pounds, while the Premium provides a towing capacity of up to 2,200 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,200 pounds.

2. Ground Clearance: The Outback boasts a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Premium offers a ground clearance of 8.2 inches.

3. Warranty Coverage: Both vehicles come with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty.

What People Want to Know

1. Q: Which vehicle offers better fuel economy, the Outback or the Premium?
A: The Outback offers slightly better fuel economy than the Premium, with EPA-estimated ratings of 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for the base 2.5-liter engine, compared to the Premium’s 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway ratings for the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.

2. Q: Does the Outback have more cargo space than the Premium?
A: Yes, the Outback offers more cargo space than the Premium. With the rear seats up, the Outback provides 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Premium’s 30.5 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the Outback expands to an impressive 75.7 cubic feet, while the Premium offers 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

3. Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity, the Outback or the Premium?
A: The Outback offers a higher towing capacity than the Premium, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds compared to the Premium’s 2,200 pounds.