The base has four speakers as opposed to six on the premium and twelve on the limited

 

I was just editing my OP to add that when you typed!

Thanks.

Those tweeters can also be ordered on the base for a pretty small fee. I am considering that.

Limited is definitely out of the question although I am sure those 12 speakers sound great. And yes, Limited also has H/K amplifier.

But I am mainly talking about functionality, not sound quality.

 

I am with you on getting something bear bones stock although I'll be going with the premium without any of the safety additions.

 

If you want the base get the base and get a custom install from an experienced mobile audio specialist if you want the best sound. If you put even part of the thousands you will save with the base towards the custom system you will enjoy it a lot more than a factory system of any level trim.

 

Also, the premium and limited have 2 USB ports in the front, while the base only has 1.

 

cars101 says navigation is needed for the aha application, but I think Joe Spitz is wrong here because Subaru says Aha is available on the base, while nav is not offered as an option on the base.

I think nav used to be required on 2012 and 2013 models because they were the ones with screens. But all the 2015 Outbacks have screens now, so I think the nav requirement doesn't apply any longer.

Anybody know for sure? I could ask the dealer, but so far, by reading the posts here and cars101 I seem to know much more about these cars than the dealers do.

 

I've got the 2015 without NAV and the aha app works fine.

That aside, I can't really comment on any differences with the base since I'd only looked at the premiums, since I wanted a sunroof.

 

most important to us was the 2nd ac power port in the console..... the base does not have this.... therefore if you want to use your garmin, how are you going to charge your phone? what about your kids computer or your kids phones.... need the extra stuff.... according to 101 there are 2 of those outlets in the base, the second one is right by the rear hatch door on the lower left, nicely covered by all of your luggage when you are traveling... i was in your dilemma 5 days ago, i opted for the premium and i sure have enjoyed talking to my car and using the blue tooth... deal with them the best you can, and get what you want....

 

I absolutely want the hands free for my phone and text message display.

I already have a subscription to Sirius so that was a no-brainer.

The HK speakers and Aha and Pandora will be a good thing too.... looking fwd to seeing if I can get sports talk radio from my hometown on Aha.

 

The Outback base is a great car and is by no means bare bones. I shopped all three models and ended up ordering a Limited.

I ordered mine without the moon roof and navigation, two options that almost all of the dealership models have, that provide me with no value.

I wanted the new 18" wheels and the new Harmon Kardon 12 speaker system. The Limited came with leather and some other goodies, but those are the primary reasons I ordered it.

If you don't need all the extra goodies, by all means get the 2.5i. It is a great car with loads of luxury features.

 

I'm with you Brian. I ordered limited with zero options. Almost all cars coming in to dealer had moon roof and nav. I will use neither. Sales staff seemed kind of surprised that I didn't want any options. I might regret it, doubtful though. The limited has everything I 'need', and then some.

 

Yeah. For under $25K, including dealer fees and registration (but not tax), it's an incredible value!

 

I'm with you (OP).

I found with my research that I was better off getting a base and purchasing specific I items I wanted separately be them Subaru OEM or aftermarket.

Everyone has their own opinion/needs but for me the primary reason to have upgraded to another model would have been for the 3.6 engine if I needed it, but for me it was a non-issue.

 

do you think you ca get rear set vents added as well?