Subaru Outback Limited, Onyx, Wilderness & More

On 2020–2025 models, Premium is the comfort-and-convenience step above the base trim, with a larger screen and added cabin amenities that vary by year. For 2026, the base trim is gone and Premium becomes the starting model, with large screens, StarTex upholstery, and a power rear gate.

On newer Outbacks, Limited shifts the focus toward comfort. It adds leather upholstery, premium audio, built-in navigation, a moonroof, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Premium stays more utility-focused, with easier-clean StarTex upholstery on the newest generation.

On the newest Outback, Touring builds on the non-turbo Limited with softer Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, power-folding mirrors, and more advanced highway-driving assistance. Both keep the regular 2.5-liter engine.

Both use the 260-hp turbo engine and tow up to 3,500 pounds in the newest lineup. Touring XT adds the richer Touring cabin, including Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, power-folding mirrors, and more advanced highway-driving assistance.

On newer models, Touring and Touring XT share the same comfort-first cabin and advanced convenience features. Touring uses the regular 2.5-liter engine, while Touring XT adds the 260-hp turbo engine and a 3,500-pound towing rating.

When both appear in the lineup, Onyx Edition uses the regular 2.5-liter engine, while Onyx Edition XT adds a 260-hp turbo engine, stronger towing, and a front-view camera. Both emphasize black exterior trim, water-repellent StarTex seats, and extra traction modes.

In the 2022–2025 era, Onyx is mainly the dark-styled, easy-clean adventure trim. Wilderness goes further with a raised suspension, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a front skid plate, trail-focused tuning, and standard turbo power.

Both use turbo power and tow up to 3,500 pounds in the newest lineup, but they serve different needs. Limited XT favors leather, navigation, premium audio, and a moonroof. Wilderness favors extra ground clearance, underbody protection, trail tuning, and water-repellent seats.

On modern Outbacks, XT identifies a trim with the stronger 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. Depending on the year, the badge appears on Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, or Touring XT. Much older 2.5 XT models used a different turbo engine.

Wilderness is the trail-focused trim from 2022 onward. It pairs turbo power with more ground clearance, dedicated off-road traction settings, a front skid plate, and durable StarTex upholstery. It remains practical for commuting and cargo duty.

In recent lineups, the turbo XT trims and Wilderness are the towing-focused versions, rated up to 3,500 pounds. The newest non-turbo trims are rated up to 2,700 pounds. Some older 3.6R models were rated up to 3,000 pounds.

StarTex water-repellent upholstery is the material to look for. It appears in 2020–2025 Onyx models and in Wilderness models from their 2022 debut. On the redesigned 2026 Outback, Premium and Wilderness use StarTex.

The main difference is the engine. A 2.5i uses the regular four-cylinder and focuses on everyday efficiency and practicality. A 3.6R uses a stronger six-cylinder for easier passing, hauling, and towing. Premium, Limited, and Touring names then indicate equipment level.

Premium is the practical starting point for many families because it focuses on useful comfort, cargo access, and all-weather features without the luxury emphasis of upper trims. Limited is the step up for shoppers who value leather, premium audio, and more rear-seat comfort.