Subaru Forester Premium vs. Limited
The Subaru Forester Premium starts at $29,320, while the Limited is at least $33,000. But the price isn’t the only difference between the two models.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The 2022 Subaru Forester offers SUV-buyers the best of both worlds: the all-wheel drive outdoorsy nature that everyone expects from Subaru, combined with the versatility and practicality of a compact SUV. But with six unique trims available, how can you decide which is best for you?
The Forester Premium trim has a starting MSRP of $29,320, while the Subaru Forester Limited will cost you at least $33,000. But—as you may have guessed—price isn’t the only difference between the two models.
Here with an in-depth comparison between two of the Forester’s most desirable trim levels—the Forester Premium vs. the Forester Limited—is
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Subaru Forester trim levels: Forester Premium vs Forester Limited—which is better?
The 2022 Subaru Forester is offered in six unique trims: the Forester Base, the
Forester Premium
, the Forester Sport, the Forester Limited
, the Forester Wilderness, and the Forester Touring.Of course, the perfect trim for you depends on a variety of factors, including your budget and the features you’re looking for in a compact crossover. To help you out with the decision-making, we’ll take a closer look at the Premium and Limited trims, so you can decide if upgrading is really worth your while.
Price
The first (and perhaps most important) consideration when vehicle shopping is price. The Forester’s base trim starts at $27,070, but upgrading to the Premium trim will cost you a total of $29,320. Next up is the
Subaru Forester Sport
, with a starting price of $30,890. The Limited costs even more with a starting MSRP of $33,000. Keep in mind that this still isn’t the most expensive Forester on the market—the Wilderness trim and Touring trim have starting MSRPs of $33,945 and $36,420, respectively.
MORE: Here’s how to save money on car expenses
Performance specs
When it comes to power and performance, the Premium and Limited models are identical. In fact, all Foresters are equipped with the same exact powertrain, which includes Subaru’s iconic all-wheel-drive system.
You’ll find that the Forester’s ride feels smooth and comfortable, the steering is responsive, and the brakes will allow you to stop on a dime—no matter which trim you choose.
MORE: How to tell if your car is front or rear-wheel drive
Engine and transmission
All 2022 Subaru Foresters are powered by the same 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s iconic standard all-wheel drive.
This engine serves up 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, allowing you to reach 60 mph in 8.0 seconds.
MORE: What’s the difference between horsepower and torque?
Weight and towing
The 2022 Subaru Forester Premium weighs in at 3,528 pounds, while the Limited tips the scales at 3,552 pounds. This slight difference in weight doesn’t affect the vehicle’s drivetrain or power, however—both trims have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Fuel and mileage
Identical powertrains means—you guessed it—identical fuel economy ratings. Both the Premium and the Limited will offer 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, enough to satisfy drivers specifically seeking out fuel efficiency.
Interior and exterior dimensions
In addition to a consistent drivetrain, the Premium and Limited trims boast the same exterior and interior dimensions.
On the outside, your Forester will measure 182.7 inches in length, 71.5 inches in width, and 67.5 inches in height (without the roof rails). Foresters also have an impressive and functional ground clearance of 8.7 inches, solidifying their off-road capabilities.
In terms of passenger space, here’s how things break down on the inside of the vehicle:
- Total passenger volume: 111.6 cubic feet
- Front headroom: 41.2 inches
- Front legroom: 43.3 inches
- Front shoulder room: 58.1 inches
- Front hip room: 54.1 inches
- Rear headroom: 39.6 inches
- Rear legroom: 39.4 inches
- Rear shoulder room: 57.2 inches
- Rear hip room: 53.5 inches
In terms of cargo area, the base model actually gives you the most space—but cargo space drops for higher trims. Both the Premium and the Limited offer 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 69.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
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Subaru tune-up cost
Technology and safety features
Differing tech and safety features begin to set the Premium and Limited trim levels apart.
In terms of infotainment-focused tech, the Premium comes equipped with a touchscreen 6.5-inch display, two USB ports for front-seat riders, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and onboard Wi-Fi via a 4G LTE data connection.
You’ll also get an advanced audio system with two additional speakers, keyless entry, and a keyless push-button start.
Upgrading to the Limited means you’ll get a larger 8.0-inch display and voice-activated controls to operate everything from your navigation system to your sound system, as well as two extra USB ports for rear passengers.
Throughout the vehicle, you’ll also enjoy an added power liftgate, automatically leveling headlights, LED fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, one-touch folding rear seats, and body-color-matching side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Safety-minded tech isn’t lacking in either trim. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the 2022 Forester a perfect five-star safety rating thanks to its suite of standard camera-based safety features and driver-assist technology.
Automatic braking in emergencies, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control come on every single model.
The Premium adds X-Mode, a dual-setting traction control system that assists the driver when passing through snow or loose dirt. In the Limited, you’ll get all this plus automatic emergency steering.
Seating and comfort
As we’ve mentioned, the interior dimensions for the Premium and Limited trims are identical, meaning the vehicle’s five total passengers won’t experience a difference in comfort or space.
However, plenty of other factors significantly affect just how cushy an SUV’s interior feels. The Premium upgrades the base model’s manually adjustable driver’s seat with a 10-way power-adjustable version and adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
You’ll also enjoy heated front seats, reclining rear seats, and fold-down armrests with cup holders. Tinted windows and a panoramic moonroof further enhance the vehicle’s overall ambiance.
The Limited adds some distinctly luxurious cosmetic upgrades and amenities—most notably, leather upholstery. Unfortunately, extremely exclusive features such as a heated steering wheel and heated passenger seats are reserved for even more expensive trim levels, such as the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Subaru Forester Touring.
All of these features make the Limited comparable to the Toyota RAV4 Adventure, which carries a sticker price of $34,530.
How to find cheap car insurance for your Subaru
No matter which Forester you choose, you’ll want to protect it with a grade-A car insurance policy. Fortunately, comparing policies and saving on
Subaru insurance costs
is much easier than comparing trims thanks to Jerry
.It’s this simple: download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top car insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings. The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on car insurance.
“After signing up withJerry, I went from $199/month to $97/month for my car insurance. My 2019 Subaru Forester now has full coverage for a great price!” —Rhonda H.
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