Overview
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek looks more adventure-ready than it actually is but it still offers more off-road capability than many SUVs that it competes against in the subcompact class. It boasts up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. The base model’s 2.0-liter mill makes a tepid 152 horsepower, while all other trims get a 2.5-liter with 182 ponies. Neither engine provides eager forward momentum; however, casual drivers will find them suitable for commuting and road-tripping. The Crosstrek’s workmanlike handling complements its comfortable and practical interior. If you’re someone seeking the finer things—and if responsive handling is on your wish list—you’d be better off shopping other offerings such as the Mazda CX-30 or Volkswagen Taos.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
#7 in Best Subcompact SUVs
1 Chevrolet Trax STARTING AT: $21,495
2 Mazda CX-30 STARTING AT: $26,415
3 Buick Envista STARTING AT: $24,795
4 Volkswagen Taos STARTING AT: $26,420
5 Kia Niro Hybrid STARTING AT: $28,365
7 Subaru Crosstrek STARTING AT: $27,115
What’s New for 2025?
After undergoing a full redesign for the 2024 model year, the Crosstrek rolls into 2025 with few changes. The uprated 182-hp four-cylinder engine is now standard on all but the base model Crosstrek, but that’s the only change reported for the popular SUV’s lineup this year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $27,115 and goes up to $33,915 depending on the trim and options. We’d recommend the Premium trim. Its nominal upcharge unlocks the more powerful four-cylinder engine, the larger 11.6-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, along with roof rail cross bars.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Crosstrek comes with a 152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder as standard; however, all other models, except for the base model, feature a more powerful 182-hp 2.5-liter four. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the only option. All-wheel drive is standard, maintaining Subaru’s reputation for practical all-weather driving capabilities.
The Crosstrek handles well for a soft-riding crossover—it can probably perform better off-road compared to many rivals, offering at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance and features like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. Moreover, the Wilderness trim provides even greater ground clearance. Initial test drives on light off-road trails in places like Joshua Tree National Park reveal that the Crosstrek does just fine in those conditions.
0–60-MPH Times
A Limited model featuring the 182-hp engine recorded an 8.1-second time to 60 mph. The Wilderness model needed half a second more to reach the same speed, while the 152-hp version clocked in with a 9.5-second time—a performance that many might consider somewhat slow in today’s marketplace.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the Crosstrek is rated for up to 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway depending on the configuration. On a 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the base engine managed an impressive 36 mpg, and the more powerful variant achieved 35 mpg, demonstrating minimal fuel economy penalties for opting for higher performance. The Wilderness model, however, managed only 27 mpg during the same test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Crosstrek is spacious and cargo-friendly, featuring comfortable front seats and ample sound-deadening materials to mitigate noise. While overtly utilitarian in design, it offers practical features like deep door pockets and a cargo area boasting 20 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, and 55 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Buyers seeking a designer look may find this straightforward style lacking.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Crosstrek runs on an 11.6-inch infotainment display found in other Subaru models, although the base model includes a smaller 7.0-inch screen. Both screens provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring users can connect their smartphones seamlessly.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Crosstrek offers Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver-assistance feature bundle as standard. Significant safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Subaru’s warranty coverage is competitive and includes:
- Limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $33,540/$35,810
Options: Option package (Harman/Kardon audio system, power moonroof, 10-way power driver’s seat), $2270
ENGINE
DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 152 in3, 2498 cm3
Power: 182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 104.9 in
Length: 176.4 in
Width: 71.7 in
Height: 63.6 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/4 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 55/20 ft3
Curb Weight: 3447 lb
