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It's seemingly a constant complaint that Subarus, while generally great, often have relatively lower-grade interior finishes in their class and not-that-good audio/electronics. Subaru must know this. I'm by no means saying they have to switch to premium grade, just something better. Seems obvious. On the other hand, Subarus basically sell out, so I guess it's not a huge priority.
It's relative. Depends on what they are comparing against.
I have '16 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium. During my purchase, I did direct comparison vs '16 Honda CR-V SE.
The interior finishes are no different between the Forester and CRV. Dashboard design appears more modern and sleek on the CRV. Storage areas are similar. Dash instrument on CRV appears electronic (although it is lighted analog), but I prefer Forester's traditional analog instruments.
In terms of electronics/audio, Subaru beats CR-V by a mile. Forester base has 6.2" audio display; Premium has a 7" screen; this is used for audio, controls, backup camera. Plus Forester has small 3" LCD for car computer. CRV base and SE only have 3" LCD for car info and backup camera; that's it. CRV next model up LX has 7" audio display, but that is more expensive trim than Forester Premium.
At least for Subaru Forester, audio/electronics interface is actually much better than direct competition (e.g. CRV). Interior design is more traditional, but grade/material appears similar.
They are certainly much better now than they used to be. But it's just different strokes for different folks. I have no problem with more priority being given to the drivetrain/engineering over creature comforts. Easy enough to add you own fancy touchscreen stereo/, ftermarket seat covers, and what not if you want those things. Prefer that over them just raising the prices higher to do that from the factory and provide a universal "upgraded" system that still likely wouldn't please all folks.
We're renting a Kia Optima this week, and while it's a solid car with a good engine and such, the cabin and infotainment system both seem rather cheap and flimsy compared to our Legacy.
Subaru is offering the complexity and cost of AWD in market segments where FWD is the norm. In order to be price competitive with those FWD cars, something has to give elsewhere.
Really though, their interiors and electronics packages are a lot better now than even a few years ago. My 2007 WRX had an interior which would have been fitting in an 80's GM bucket. My wife's '13 Outback had an interior which was better than some competitors.
Subaru is offering the complexity and cost of AWD in market segments where FWD is the norm. In order to be price competitive with those FWD cars, something has to give elsewhere.
Though their margins right now are a lot better than bigger rivals right now- not much waste in their production system. I think it's more about a smaller company having to prioritize R&D, and I'm willing to take a mediocre infotainment system in exchange for a far better CVT than the competition offers.
Everything in the auto biz is meeting a cost target.
That must explain all the substandard piston rings, pistons and head gaskets
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