[emdelmar]

Hello,

Coming from an 03 WRX, about to join the Outback family in a few days. Trying to decide between a Base 2.5i, and a Premium, protection option package 11, No eyesight package. Negotiated price difference is about $1800.

If you have a base, what annoys you that you don't have?
If you have a premium, what features could you not live without? What don't you use at all?

I am in foggy coastal CA, yet never use my WRX fog lights (but i like them cosmetically vs. black plastic filler). Don't need heated seats here. Looking at premium mainly for tinted windows, and the protection package but could do those aftermarket (with risk of poor quality and hassle...and probably cut savings to 1K).

Mainly wondering about infotainment system/screen, stereo quality, other things I didn't notice.

I actually think I like the simple climate system and tangible radio buttons of the base, but maybe I'm missing something about the "dual zone" I didn't notice a big difference in seat comfort with lumbar support of premium.

Appreciate your thoughts!

 

[emdelmar]

Ok let me ask this differently:

What's everyone's favorite feature of the Premium trim and why?

 

[z28dug]

On the '15 OB, I can't point to any one particular feature of the premium trim that is "my favorite".

I find the total package more to my liking than the base model.

I actually wanted the limited trim but it was impossible to find one without leather or a big hole cut in the roof.

My wife had a '14 base model Forester. She traded last year for a '17 premium Forester. Her favorite feature is the heated seats.

 

[dat2109]

The radio / infotainment systems are new for 2018 so I cant comment on the differences there, overall 'entertainment tech' isn't something that matters much to me so I dont think it would be an issue. For us it was two things that dont seem to matter to you, the cold weather options (heated seats and windshield deicer) and optional eye-sight. I would miss both of these over any other option. Heated seats to keep my wife happy, eye-sight because it is an amazingly slick system now.

 

[KansasMatthew]

Not sure about the current models and trim lines (I have a '13 2.5 Premium): We got the cold weather package, and the heated seats (bun warmers) are worth that upgrade.

 

[GeoffD]

I was ambivalent about Eyesight when I accepted a 3.6R that rolled off the truck as a mistake. It's now a must-have feature. It really eases driver fatigue on long drives. I think Premium + Eyesight (package #14) is the sweet spot for the Outback. That also gives you a couple other essential features. Blind spot warnings in your side mirrors and rear traffic crossing alert that beeps to warn about crossing traffic as you're backing out of a blind parking spot in the shopping center. That package also tosses in the power liftgate which is useful but not essential.

I did Husky mats and an aftermarket 2" receiver hitch. In hindsight, I should have gotten the EcoHitch. The U Haul one (Curt, I think) is already rusted from all the road salt.

I have picked up a lot of door dings over 2 1/2 years. In hindsight, the wheel arch moldings and door protectors would have been a good idea even though I don't like the look.

 

[emdelmar]

Y'all convinced me. Went with the Premium + eyesight package. Glad I did.

 

[Kevin]

I think for pure value, Package 14 is the best Outback you can get.

 

[OnTheHill]

I bought the base model in 2015, it has and does everything that I need. I looked at the premium options when I bought and really didn't see anything that I cared enough about to spend more....no regrets here.

OnTheHill.

 

[russellpat]

We thought about the premium but went with the 2017 Limited model with eyesight/navigation, side moldings, and door edge guards. Sunroof is only thing I do not care for. Wife likes it so...

 

[Brucey]

Eye sight. Once you drive with it you'll never go back.

 

[Stormtrooper1]

I have a premium. Wish it had leather and the moon roof. My dog is very fuzzy and her hair embeds itself in the cloth seats.
After having one as a loaner, I'd add the push button start to my list of wants for next time.

Had nav in my former crosstrek, never really used it. But it's nice for a quick map view of where you are.

Eyesight, and a powerlift gate were things that I was not looking for. But were equipped on my car. Both are nice features to have as well.