The Subaru Crosstrek has steadily become one of the most popular subcompact SUVs in the USA, appealing to drivers who want a versatile vehicle that can handle both city streets and weekend adventures. Known for its rugged design, standard all-wheel drive, and impressive safety features, the Crosstrek blends the practicality of a compact SUV with the capability of a light off-roader.
For 2025, Subaru continues to refine the Subaru Crosstrek formula with updated technology, enhanced comfort, and a wide variety of trims that appeal to both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking a premium experience. This detailed review covers everything you need to know about the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, including pricing, performance, design, technology, and real-world ownership impressions.
Overview of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV built on Subaru’s Global Platform, offering a blend of durability, fuel efficiency, and all-weather capability. Designed with active lifestyles in mind, it comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and a raised ride height that makes it capable of tackling dirt roads, snow, and light trails with ease.
In 2025, the Crosstrek gets subtle updates to its interior materials, additional driver-assistance features, and minor styling tweaks that keep it fresh in a competitive segment. It remains a go-to choice for American drivers who prioritize safety, versatility, and value.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Price and Trim Levels in the USA
The 2025 Crosstrek lineup offers multiple trims to fit different needs and budgets. Below is the USA pricing breakdown:
| Trim Level | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Crosstrek Base | $25,500 |
| Crosstrek Premium | $27,900 |
| Crosstrek Sport | $29,500 |
| Crosstrek Limited | $31,900 |
| Crosstrek Wilderness | $33,500 |
Prices may vary slightly depending on dealership location, optional packages, and destination charges. The Base trim is ideal for those seeking an affordable entry point, while the Wilderness trim caters to outdoor enthusiasts who want extra off-road capability.
Exterior Design
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek maintains its signature adventurous look, featuring rugged cladding, bold wheel designs, and an athletic stance. Subaru has made slight adjustments to the front grille and headlight design for a fresher appearance.
Key exterior highlights include:
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.3 inches for the Wilderness trim)
- LED headlights and daytime running lights
- Roof rails for carrying bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes
- Available 18-inch alloy wheels on higher trims
- Optional power moonroof for an airy cabin feel
The Crosstrek Wilderness trim stands out with unique bumpers, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and exclusive color options that emphasize its outdoor-ready personality.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, the 2025 Crosstrek offers a well-thought-out cabin with a focus on comfort, visibility, and durability. Subaru has improved seat cushioning for longer drives and introduced new upholstery options, including water-repellent StarTex material on the Wilderness trim.
Interior features include:
- Seating for five adults
- 100.9 cubic feet of passenger volume
- 54.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with rear seats folded
- Wide-opening rear doors for easy access
- Available leather-trimmed upholstery on Limited trim
The rear seats offer generous legroom for a subcompact SUV, making it a comfortable choice for passengers on longer trips. Cargo space is versatile, with split-folding rear seats to accommodate bulky items.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2025 Crosstrek is equipped with Subaru’s latest Starlink infotainment system, which delivers quick response times and an intuitive interface.
Technology highlights include:
- Standard 7-inch touchscreen on Base and Premium trims
- Available 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen on Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming
- USB-A and USB-C ports for front and rear passengers
- Available Harman Kardon premium audio system for an immersive sound experience
Navigation is available on upper trims, and voice command functionality allows for hands-free control of key features.
Performance and Engine Options
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers two engine options to suit different driving needs:
- Base, Premium, and Limited: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- Sport and Wilderness: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for smooth, efficient power delivery. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard across the lineup, ensuring stability and traction in all conditions.
Fuel economy estimates:
- 2.0L engine: 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined
- 2.5L engine: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined
The Wilderness trim features revised gearing for better low-speed control and increased capability on steep trails, along with skid plates and all-terrain tires.
Safety Features
The 2025 Crosstrek continues Subaru’s tradition of strong safety ratings, with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite included as standard on all trims.
Standard safety features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Pre-Collision Braking System
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Automatic Emergency Steering (new for 2025 on most trims)
Available safety upgrades:
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
The Crosstrek has consistently earned high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it one of the safest choices in the subcompact SUV segment.
Driving Experience
The Crosstrek delivers a comfortable, composed ride with excellent road isolation. Its suspension absorbs bumps without feeling too soft, and its steering offers a good balance of lightness for city driving and stability for highway cruising.
Owners often praise:
- Confident all-weather performance
- High seating position for excellent visibility
- Smooth CVT operation
- Quiet cabin at highway speeds
The Wilderness trim takes the Crosstrek’s capability a step further, offering more ground clearance, advanced X-Mode settings for snow, mud, and deep ruts, and a roof rack with increased load capacity for gear-heavy trips.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is one of the Crosstrek’s strong points, especially for an AWD vehicle. The 2.0-liter engine delivers excellent mileage for daily commuting, while the 2.5-liter engine strikes a balance between power and efficiency.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Subaru’s reputation for building long-lasting vehicles extends to the Crosstrek. Many owners report trouble-free ownership experiences well past 150,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Estimated annual maintenance costs range from $400 to $550, making it affordable to keep on the road. Resale values remain strong thanks to Subaru’s loyal customer base and the Crosstrek’s desirability in both urban and rural markets.
Expert Opinions
Automotive experts in the USA consistently highlight the Crosstrek’s:
- Standard AWD at all trim levels
- Comfortable ride and spacious cabin for its size
- Excellent off-road capability in the Wilderness trim
- High safety ratings and standard driver-assist features
Some reviewers note that the base engine is adequate rather than exciting, but the 2.5-liter upgrade addresses this for those seeking more spirited performance.
Real Customer Reviews
American Crosstrek owners often describe it as the perfect balance between an everyday commuter and a weekend adventure vehicle.
Positive owner feedback includes:
- “Handles snow like a champ”
- “Perfect size for city parking but roomy enough for camping trips”
- “Great fuel economy for an AWD SUV”
- “Feels safe and solid in all conditions”
Some wish for a hybrid or plug-in version with better fuel economy, though Subaru has hinted at electrification plans for the future.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek?
If you’re looking for a subcompact SUV that offers year-round confidence, excellent safety features, and the ability to tackle light off-road trails, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is an outstanding choice. Its range of trims means there’s a model for every budget, from the affordable Base trim to the adventure-ready Wilderness.
For American drivers who want versatility, comfort, and long-term reliability, the Crosstrek continues to be one of the most compelling options in its class.
