2025 Subaru Crosstrek Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Subaru gave us a new Crosstrek for 2024 and included something we never knew we needed: a trail-ready Wilderness model. The brand's entry-level SUV model returns for 2025 as practical, rugged, and comfortable as ever. Small crossover rivals include the Toyota Corolla Cross and Chevrolet Trailblazer.
What’s New
- Crosstrek Premium model gains 2.5-liter engine and X-Mode off-road mode
- Subtly updated colors and upholstery details
What We Think
Every third-generation Crosstrek delivers good ride comfort and mostly well-controlled body motions, as well as smooth power delivery. Be ready, though—the smaller 2.0-liter engine can feel gutless. Fuel economy is OK but would be better with a hybrid. The enthusiast in us also longs for the lineup's now-discontinued manual transmission.
Subaru build quality is first rate on the Crosstrek, and even though the interior has shrunk a smidge compared to the previous model, it still feels spacious. We like the size of the SUV's upgrade 11.6-inch touchscreen, but that would probably work better if it was oriented like a widescreen rather than a tablet. Its operating system could use simplifying, too. Even though every model has some trail chops, the new Wilderness is irresistible and somewhat unprecedented in the segment.
Performance and MPGs
Every 2025 Crosstrek gets a non-turbo boxer engine, CVT automatic, and all-wheel drive. Lower trims have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can make up to 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. This version returns the best fuel economy at 27/34 mpg city/highway, but is also the slowest—0–60-mph acceleration took 9.1 seconds in our testing.
An available 2.5-liter upgrade engine can develop up to 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This helps reduce 0–60-mph acceleration to a slightly tidier 7.9 seconds. Efficiency suffers just slightly, falling to 27/33 mpg.
The Crosstrek Wilderness has the 2.5-liter engine, but fuel economy and performance fall due to the model’s off-road hardware and modifications. Acceleration to 60 mph in the Crosstrek Wilderness takes 8.3 seconds, and fuel economy comes in at 25/29 mpg.
Crosstrek Hybrid Coming Soon?
When Subaru originally revealed the current Crosstrek in Japan, the small SUV was equipped with a hybrid engine. Is the Crosstrek Hybrid coming to America soon? Signs point to yes. Hybrid powertrains are coming to the Crosstrek and Forester soon, at this point likely later in 2025 or for model year 2026.
Safety Ratings and Features
In its most recent IIHS safety testing, the Crosstrek earned 2023 Top Safety Pick designation, the second-best accolade. The 2025 Crosstrek earns the highest five-star overall crash safety score from NHTSA; the Wilderness model did not receive an overall score but earned five-star scores in frontal and side crash protection.
Automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, curve-adapting headlights, lane centering, and adaptive cruise control are among standard driver assist and active safety features on every 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, emergency evasive steering assist, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and reverse automatic emergency braking are added on higher trims.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
This Crosstrek isn't as big as the previous generation but still provides competitive cargo and passenger space.
Technology
Base Crosstrek models use a dual 7.0-inch screen infotainment interface with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system. Higher-end trims get an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, six speakers, and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless device charging pad and Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system are also available.
Wilderness All the Subarus
The Crosstrek is the third Subaru to receive the brand's Wilderness trail-ready trim level. It arrived first for the 2022 Outback midsize SUV and spread to the same model-year Forester compact crossover.
For the Crosstrek, the Wilderness is standard with an additional 0.6 inch of ground clearance (for 9.3 inches total), an air-cooled transmission fluid heat exchanger for the CVT, all-terrain tires on matte black 17-inch wheels, and model-specific exterior anodized copper cladding and trim. Its cabin features all-weather floor mats and water repellent upholstery. More active safety technology is standard with the Wilderness, too, specifically blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency steering, and reverse automatic emergency braking. It’s a wily little trail beast.
Which Crosstrek Trim Level Is Best?
Our favorite Crosstrek is the Wilderness model, but we wouldn’t recommend this version to anyone who isn’t going to take full advantage of its off-road capabilities. The extra cost and reduced fuel economy aren’t worth it. Otherwise, we’d pick the Crosstrek Premium, the second-lowest model that includes the larger touchscreen, USB-C ports in both rows, keyless entry with push-button start, glove compartment and sun visor mirror illumination—and, this year, the larger 2.5-liter engine. The 2025 Crosstrek Premium starts at about $28,000.
