2017 Subaru Outback: Touring Vs. Limited
Hey guys, let's dive deep into the 2017 Subaru Outback lineup and figure out which trim level reigns supreme: the Touring or the Limited. Picking the right trim can be a game-changer, and with these two, you're looking at some seriously good options that offer a fantastic blend of comfort, capability, and value. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's break down what makes each of these trims tick. We'll cover everything from the nitty-gritty features to the overall driving experience, helping you make an informed decision that you won't regret.
Understanding the 2017 Subaru Outback Lineup
Before we get too deep into the Touring and Limited, it's important to get a lay of the land for the 2017 Outback. Subaru is known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, standard on all Outbacks, which is a massive win for anyone who deals with inclement weather or enjoys a bit of adventure off the beaten path. The 2017 model year brought some nice updates, including revised styling, improved fuel economy, and the addition of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on certain trims. The Outback is essentially a lifted wagon, offering more cargo space and a higher driving position than a traditional sedan, making it a super versatile vehicle for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and pretty much anyone who needs a practical yet stylish ride. We're talking about a vehicle that can handle your daily commute just as easily as it can haul your camping gear or take you on a weekend road trip. The interior is designed with comfort and practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and user-friendly controls. The infotainment system is generally well-received, offering standard features like Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen display, with higher trims getting more advanced options. Safety is also a huge priority for Subaru, and the Outback consistently earns top safety ratings, especially when equipped with the available EyeSight system, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. This means you can drive with added peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is designed to help protect you and your passengers.
Diving into the 2017 Subaru Outback Limited
The 2017 Subaru Outback Limited is where things start to get seriously premium. It's the trim that offers a substantial step up in features and refinement from the base models, striking a fantastic balance for those who want a comfortable and well-equipped vehicle without going all out on the top-tier option. When you opt for the Limited, you're getting a suite of upgrades that enhance both the interior and exterior appeal, as well as the overall driving experience. On the outside, you'll notice 18-inch alloy wheels, which give the Outback a more robust and upscale stance. It also typically comes with fog lights, adding both to the aesthetics and functionality, especially during poor visibility conditions. Inside, the Limited trim truly shines. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, a major upgrade from the cloth found on lower trims, offering a more luxurious feel. The front seats are heated, and for added comfort, the driver's seat is power-adjustable with lumbar support, ensuring you can find the perfect driving position for long journeys. Convenience features are also abundant. You'll find a power liftgate, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze, especially when your hands are full. The climate control system is upgraded to a dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures independently. Infotainment gets a boost too, with a larger touchscreen display, usually 7 inches, and enhanced audio system, often with more speakers for a richer sound experience. For those who value safety and advanced tech, the Limited trim often comes standard with or makes it easier to add Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist, is a massive selling point and adds a significant layer of confidence on the road. The engine options typically include both the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the more powerful 3.6-liter six-cylinder, giving you a choice based on your performance needs. The ride quality is refined, with the suspension tuned to provide a comfortable experience for both city driving and highway cruising. It's a trim that feels significantly more upscale than the lower trims, offering a great package of comfort, technology, and safety that appeals to a wide range of buyers looking for a well-rounded SUV alternative. The attention to detail in the Limited trim is noticeable, from the soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors to the overall quietness of the cabin, making it a very pleasant place to spend time. It’s a smart choice for those who want a premium feel without the absolute top-end price tag.
Exploring the 2017 Subaru Outback Touring
The 2017 Subaru Outback Touring is the pinnacle of the Outback lineup, representing the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and advanced features for this generation. If you're looking for the absolute best that Subaru offered in the 2017 Outback, the Touring is likely your destination. It builds upon the already impressive Limited trim and adds exclusive touches that elevate the entire ownership experience. One of the most immediate and noticeable upgrades on the Touring is its unique styling cues. You'll often find specific badging, unique wheel designs, and sometimes even chrome exterior accents that set it apart from other trims, giving it a more sophisticated and premium appearance. Step inside, and the luxury really comes into play. The leather upholstery is often enhanced, perhaps with different stitching or a unique color palette, and sometimes features water-repellent surfaces – a nod to the Outback's adventurous spirit. The front seats are not only heated but also ventilated, providing exceptional comfort in a wider range of climates. The steering wheel is also heated, a fantastic feature for those cold winter mornings. The driver's seat usually boasts even more power adjustments, including thigh support, ensuring maximum comfort for any driver. Beyond comfort, the Touring trim is packed with cutting-edge technology and convenience. It typically comes standard with the largest infotainment screen available, often 7 or even 8 inches, featuring Subaru's STARLINK system with navigation, smartphone integration (like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, depending on the specific package), and an upgraded sound system, often a Harman Kardon setup, delivering a truly immersive audio experience. The power liftgate is standard, of course, and often includes memory height settings. Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is almost always standard on the Touring trim, ensuring you have access to all the advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Touring often receives additional sound-deadening materials, making the cabin exceptionally quiet and serene, even at highway speeds. This attention to NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) isolation creates a more premium and relaxing driving environment. The engine choices are usually the same as the Limited (2.5L and 3.6L), but the driving experience is often further refined with suspension tuning that prioritizes comfort and stability. For those who truly want the most luxurious and feature-rich Outback experience in 2017, the Touring trim delivers in spades. It's designed for buyers who appreciate the finer details, the latest technology, and an elevated level of comfort, making every drive, whether it's a daily commute or an epic road trip, an absolute pleasure. It’s the top-of-the-line option for a reason, offering a comprehensive package of everything Subaru had to offer.
Key Differences: Touring vs. Limited
Alright guys, let's cut to the chase and highlight the key differences that set the 2017 Subaru Outback Touring apart from the Limited. While both are fantastic trims offering a premium experience, the Touring is designed to be the absolute best of the best. The most significant distinctions usually lie in the interior comfort and technology. While the Limited boasts leather seats and heated front seats, the Touring takes it up a notch with ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which are absolute game-changers for year-round comfort. The infotainment system in the Touring is typically more advanced, often featuring a larger screen, built-in navigation, and a premium audio system (like Harman Kardon) as standard, whereas these might be optional or not available on the Limited. The exterior styling also gets a subtle but distinct upgrade on the Touring, with unique badging and sometimes different wheel designs, signaling its top-tier status. Safety features are generally robust on both, but the Touring usually ensures that Subaru's most advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite is standard, offering the most comprehensive safety net possible. Think of the Limited as the highly-equipped, very comfortable option, and the Touring as that same option, but with all the bells and whistles, the plushest appointments, and the most advanced tech available. The Touring also often has enhanced noise insulation, making it the quieter cabin of the two. So, if you're looking for the ultimate luxury and tech package in a 2017 Outback, the Touring is where you'll find it. The Limited is still an excellent choice if you want most of these features but are willing to forgo a few of the absolute top-end luxuries to potentially save some money.
Which One is Right for You?
So, the big question remains: which 2017 Subaru Outback trim is the right fit for you – the Touring or the Limited? This really boils down to your priorities and your budget, guys. If you're looking for a highly comfortable, well-equipped, and safe vehicle that offers a significant upgrade over base models, the Limited is an absolutely stellar choice. It provides a premium interior with leather, heated seats, a power liftgate, and often comes with the excellent EyeSight system. It strikes a fantastic balance between luxury and practicality, offering a lot of value for the money. It’s the trim that feels special without breaking the bank. Now, if you're someone who demands the absolute best, wants the most cutting-edge technology, the plushest comfort features, and the most refined driving experience, then the Touring is your ultimate destination. The ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, premium audio, and potentially more advanced infotainment with navigation are features that really set it apart. It's for the discerning buyer who wants every available luxury and convenience Subaru had to offer in 2017. Consider your daily drive and your typical use cases. Do you often drive in very hot or very cold weather? Then the ventilated and heated seats/steering wheel of the Touring might be worth the extra investment. Are you a serious audiophile? The upgraded sound system in the Touring could be a deciding factor. However, if you're happy with excellent leather, comfortable heated seats, and a great sound system that's still a big step up from the basics, the Limited will likely satisfy your needs perfectly. Ultimately, the Limited offers a fantastic premium experience, while the Touring elevates that experience with the highest level of luxury, comfort, and technology available. Test driving both is highly recommended to truly feel the differences and decide which one aligns best with your personal preferences and financial comfort zone. Both are incredible vehicles that embody the spirit of adventure and comfort that the Outback is known for.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 2017 Subaru Outback Limited and Touring trims represent the upper echelon of what the Outback offered that year, providing a superior experience compared to lower trims. The Limited trim is a fantastic choice for those seeking a substantial upgrade in comfort, technology, and premium materials, offering a well-rounded package that delivers excellent value. It’s the smart pick for a refined daily driver with ample capability. The Touring, on the other hand, is the undisputed king of the 2017 Outback lineup. It takes everything great about the Limited and enhances it with exclusive luxury appointments, advanced convenience features like ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel, and a more sophisticated technological suite. If you're aiming for the pinnacle of comfort and refinement in a 2017 Outback, the Touring is the trim you'll want. Your final decision should hinge on your specific needs, desires for luxury and tech, and, of course, your budget. Happy driving, guys!
