Choose the Outback Premium for the best value and add OP13 only if you want the moonroof, navigation, heated steering wheel, wireless charger and rain-sensing wipers. Choose the Limited for leather, Harman Kardon audio, heated rear seats and a power front-passenger seat. Both use the same 180-hp engine and return the same estimated fuel economy.
Same foundation, different cabin.
| 2026 feature | Premium | Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $34,995 | $41,715 |
| Engine / output | 2.5L / 180 hp | 2.5L / 180 hp |
| EPA estimate | 25 city / 31 highway | 25 city / 31 highway |
| Maximum cargo volume | 80.5 cu. ft. | 80.5 cu. ft. |
| Upholstery | StarTex | Leather-trimmed |
| Audio | Standard system | Harman Kardon |
| Rear seats | Not heated | Heated outboard seats |
| Front passenger seat | Manual | 8-way power |
| Moonroof / nav / heated wheel | Available with OP13 | Standard |
The Premium is unusually complete: 12.1-inch multimedia, 12.3-inch digital cluster, heated front seats, power rear gate, StarTex upholstery, Blind-Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Warning and Reverse Automatic Braking. It does not drive like a cheaper Outback; it mostly feels less luxurious.
Premium OP13 closes the comfort gap.
For $2,270, Premium OP13 adds navigation, a heated steering wheel, moonroof, wireless phone charger and rain-sensing wipers. That brings a Premium to about $37,265 before destination and accessoriesâstill $4,450 below Limited's base MSRP.
Limited's remaining case is material and passenger comfort: leather, Harman Kardon sound, heated rear outboard seats and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. Those features matter on long road trips and in households where both front seats are occupied daily.
What does not change.
Both trims use the 180-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, are rated at 25/31 mpg, provide 8.7 inches of ground clearance and offer 80.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. If stronger acceleration or 3,500-pound towing is the goal, the comparison should move to Limited XT, Touring XT or Wilderness rather than from Premium to Limited.
Premium wins whenâŠ
You want the redesigned Outback's core space, safety and technology without paying for leather and premium audio. OP13 is the strategic upgrade.
Limited wins whenâŠ
Leather, Harman Kardon, rear-seat heat and a power passenger seat are used often enough to justify the $6,720 base-price gap.
Current Carlsbad pricing.
The September 2 inventory snapshot contained 21 Premium and seven Limited Outbacks. Premium market prices ranged from $37,372â$39,783; Limited ranged from $43,697â$44,503. Compare exact factory and port options before assuming the lowest Limited is directly equivalent to the highest Premium.
Frequently asked questions.
Does the Outback Limited have a stronger engine than Premium?
No. Both use the 180-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. Turbo power starts with Limited XT, Touring XT and Wilderness.
What does Outback Premium OP13 add?
Navigation, heated steering wheel, moonroof, wireless phone charger and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Is Limited worth the extra money?
It can be if leather, premium audio, heated rear seats and a power passenger seat are daily-value features. Otherwise Premium OP13 captures most of the comfort upgrade for less.
Sources and method.
Specifications and starting MSRPs come from manufacturer material; California fees come from state agencies; local availability and market-price ranges come from the BuyASubie inventory snapshot dated September 2, 2026. Inventory and incentives can change after publication.