2025 Subaru Crosstrek Expert Review: Drive, Performance & Specs Tested

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek keeps carving out its niche as a super versatile, adventure-ready subcompact crossover. Seriously, it’s got off-road skills that outshine a lot of its rivals. After taking some time to get familiar with the vehicle across different trims and terrains, it’s clear there’s a solid mix of practicality, capability, and value that speaks to a wide range of folks.

So, this year, there’s a big upgrade: the peppy 2.5-liter engine is now standard on almost all trims, except for the base one. This is a big deal because, let’s be honest, many buyers were tired of having to fork out more cash for extra power in past models. With this engine now more widely available, the Crosstrek is definitely a stronger contender in the ever-busy subcompact crossover scene.

If we stack the Crosstrek against its main competitors, it shines in a few important ways. Take the Mazda CX-30, for instance. It’s got a fancier interior and a sportier feel, but the Crosstrek is all about practicality and off-road fun. The Mazda might be great for driving dynamics and interior finesse, but it can’t compete with the Crosstrek when it comes to ground clearance or outdoor versatility. Then there’s the Honda HR-V, which is practical with a flexible interior, but it doesn’t have the power or all-wheel-drive skills that the Crosstrek offers. And let’s not forget the Volkswagen Taos — it brings some European flair, sure, but it falls short on the off-road front compared to the Crosstrek.

Oh, and we can’t overlook the newcomers like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Chevrolet Trax, both making waves in this segment. The Corolla Cross comes with Toyota’s solid reputation for reliability and some hybrid options, but its plain styling and more road-focused design just don’t hold a candle to the Crosstrek’s adventure-ready vibe. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Trax is now the top-selling subcompact crossover based on our tests, offering great value for under $30,000. However, its front-wheel-drive setup can’t compete with the Crosstrek’s all-weather capabilities.

Now, while the Crosstrek might be marketed as being more adventure-ready than it really is, it still packs a punch in terms of genuine capability. With up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance in the Wilderness trim, standard all-wheel drive throughout the lineup, and X-Mode for tackling tricky terrains, this crossover can handle light off-road trails and nasty weather better than many of its competitors.

For 2025, Subaru hasn’t strayed too far from the formula after the redesign last year. They’ve focused on making that more powerful engine available rather than going for major design changes. This cautious approach totally makes sense, considering how popular the model is and its established presence in the market. The Crosstrek continues to be the go-to choice for anyone in the market for a small crossover that can actually handle some outdoor adventures.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek has two different powertrain options, and one major highlight this year is that the more powerful 2.5-liter engine is now available in more trims than before. So, let’s start with the base trim, which comes with a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (or boxer) four-cylinder engine. This one cranks out 152 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Now, while it gets you from point A to B just fine, it can feel a bit sluggish when you’re trying to merge onto the highway or overtake someone. In our tests, this engine took about 9.5 seconds to hit 60 mph—yeah, that’s on the slow side nowadays.

If you step up to the other trims—Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness—you’ll find they all come with the peppier 2.5-liter boxer engine. This baby puts out 182 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 178 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 RPM. Trust me, you can feel the difference in your daily drives. The 2.5-liter Crosstrek can do 0-60 mph in a much more respectable 8.1 seconds in our testing with the Limited trim. The Wilderness model, equipped with its rugged all-terrain tires and a bit more ride height, took 8.6 seconds. Sure, it won’t break any speed records, but it’s got enough oomph for everyday situations.

When it comes to the transmission, all 2025 Crosstrek models come with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) since Subaru has decided to drop the manual option that used to be around. Honestly, the CVT does a decent job of mimicking regular automatic shifts, especially if you opt for the paddle shifters found in the higher trims. During our trials, we found it generally responsive—though you still get that typical rubber-band feel when you really push it. If you hit the SI-Drive button on the steering wheel, you can switch to Sport mode, which tweaks the throttle response and shift points for a bit more excitement while driving.

Subaru’s famous symmetrical all-wheel-drive system—this comes standard on all Crosstrek models and sends power to all four wheels all the time. It’s designed with equal-length driveshafts, which helps with balanced handling and cuts down on torque steer. Plus, it gives you great traction in tricky conditions. The X-Mode terrain management system is also included in all trims and gets even better in the Premium and up for 2025, optimizing the AWD for tougher terrains. We took it off-road a bit and found it did a solid job distributing power and handling braking on uneven trails and slight inclines.

Now, if you’re eyeing the Wilderness trim, it brings some extra tweaks for those who are serious about off-roading. A more aggressive final drive ratio (4.11:1 compared to 3.70:1 in the other trims) helps with low-speed crawling. Plus, the added transmission oil cooler bumps up towing capacity to 3,500 pounds—impressive for a subcompact crossover! Other Crosstrek models are capped at 1,500 pounds for towing. While it might not be a hardcore off-roader like more specialized SUVs, the Crosstrek Wilderness strikes a solid balance between being practical for daily use and ready for weekend adventures.

About fuel economy—if you’re worried about going with that more powerful 2.5-liter engine, the difference isn’t huge. The EPA ratings for the 2.0-liter stand at 27 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. Meanwhile, the 2.5-liter engine gives you 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. During our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the 2.0-liter managed to pull off 36 mpg, with the 2.5-liter not far behind at 35 mpg. The only model that took a noticeable hit was the Wilderness one, thanks to its all-terrain tires and less aerodynamic shape, which came in at 27 mpg.

So, let’s talk about the braking system on the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. It features 12.4-inch ventilated discs up front and 11.2-inch ventilated discs in the rear, and this setup is the same across all the different trim levels. Now, after putting it through some thorough testing, we found the braking performance to be, well, adequate, but not really standing out in the crowded subcompact crossover market. For instance, the Limited model we drove needed 175 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph. The base model with the 2.0-liter engine? It took 176 feet. Just for some context, a lot of competitors can manage that in about 120 feet or so, which puts the Crosstrek a bit behind the curve.

One thing that stands out about the Crosstrek’s braking system is the feel of the pedal. It’s got this relatively soft feel to it—almost a spongy sensation—that takes a little getting used to, especially if you’re coming from cars with a firmer brake response. Now, this softer feel might actually be designed for smoother braking when you’re off the beaten path, but honestly, it can feel a bit less precise when you’re just driving around town. The good news is, after we spent more time with it, the braking started to feel more predictable as we got used to it.

Then there’s the Wilderness trim. Even though it has these more aggressive all-terrain tires—which usually mess with braking performance—it managed to stop from 70 mph in 175 feet during our tests. That’s consistent across the different trims, which speaks volumes about the braking hardware, even when the tires change. But we did notice a bit more ABS intervention on loose surfaces with the Wilderness, probably because of those different tire traits.

As for the features, every Crosstrek comes with an electronic parking brake, which is pretty neat. It also has this Auto Vehicle Hold function that lets you keep the car still at stoplights without having to ride the brake pedal constantly. Super handy for all that stop-and-go traffic, right? The system works smoothly—no jerky movements like you might find in some rivals.

We can’t forget about Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite, which is standard on all models. It includes pre-collision braking that can spot obstacles and apply the brakes on its own to help avoid or lessen the impact of a collision. During our testing, it generally did a good job, though, like many systems out there, it sometimes got a bit too eager when it detected things near the roadside. If you go for the higher trim levels, you also get Reverse Automatic Braking, which is a nice touch—especially since the Crosstrek has, let’s say, a bit of limited visibility out back.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek impresses with its steering and suspension setup that manages to balance comfort on the road while still being capable off-road. They’ve introduced this electric power-assist steering with a dual-pinion design in the latest model, which helps get rid of that vague feeling you might remember from older versions. When we took it out for a spin, we found the steering to be just right—well-weighted and precise enough to give good feedback for a car in this category. The steering ratio hits a sweet spot; it’s got enough heft to feel substantial without wearing you out on those long drives.

One thing that stood out was how responsive the steering is, even when you’re cruising at higher speeds. A few testers mentioned that when you’re hitting around 80 mph on the interstate, it can feel a tad too sensitive, which means you’ve got to pay a bit more attention to keep it straight. But hey, that same responsiveness makes the Crosstrek feel nimble in city driving and on winding roads, where its quick adjustments give you a lot of confidence. Now, if you’re looking at the Wilderness model, it does have a taller stance and all-terrain tires, which means you might notice a tiny bit more vagueness in the steering compared to the other trims, but really, it’s not a huge deal.

As for the suspension, it’s got MacPherson struts in the front and a double-wishbone setup in the back, plus stabilizer bars at both ends. This combo gives you a surprisingly comfy ride, even when the roads get bumpy. We found that the Crosstrek does a great job of soaking up those imperfections that might throw other cars off, but it still feels firm enough to keep body roll in check when you’re taking corners. The way it’s tuned leans a bit more towards comfort than sportiness, which fits perfectly with what this vehicle is all about—adventure-ready practicality.

Now, let’s talk about ground clearance—definitely one of the Crosstrek’s strong suits. Most models offer 8.7 inches of clearance, which is way more than what you’d find in your typical subcompact crossover. If you go for the Wilderness trim, you get even more—9.3 inches—which boosts off-road capability without messing with how it handles on the road. When we took it over some light off-road stuff, like rutted dirt roads and trails, the suspension showed enough flexibility to keep all four wheels on the ground, and that enhanced X-Mode system did a solid job of managing power distribution to keep things moving.

About the Sport trim—despite its name, it doesn’t bring any significant suspension upgrades compared to the Premium model. You’re looking at the same ride height and suspension tuning; the “sporty” feel comes more from some visual tweaks and a slightly different SI-Drive throttle mapping. The Limited and Premium versions we tested felt almost identical in terms of ride and handling, which suggests that Subaru has kept the suspension tuning pretty consistent across the board.

Sure, you’ll notice some body roll when you push the Crosstrek through corners, but honestly, it’s well-controlled for a crossover of this height. It might not handle quite like the CX-30 with its more car-like dynamics, but for a vehicle that’s meant to switch between city streets and rugged trails, it strikes a nice balance. Plus, that low center of gravity from the boxer engine helps a ton with stability, giving the Crosstrek an edge over many of the taller crossovers in its class.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek has a bunch of different tire options across its various trims, each one designed to match the unique vibe and purpose of the vehicle. Starting with the base model, it rolls out with 17-inch steel wheels and 225/60R17 all-season tires. Sure, they get the job done and grip well enough in different weather, but honestly, those steel wheels aren’t winning any style awards compared to the snazzier alloy options in the higher trims. When we tested these base tires, they were comfy and quiet, but let’s be real—they didn’t really shine in any specific performance area.

If you step up to the Premium trim, you get 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels paired with Yokohama Geolander G91 all-season tires, still in that 225/60R17 size. These tires offer a bit more grip than the base ones while keeping a similar comfort level. When it rained, we found that the Premium’s tires handled predictably and had a nice, progressive breakaway when pushed. Plus, those alloy wheels cut down on unsprung weight, which helps a little with ride quality and responsiveness.

Then there are the Sport and Limited trims, which upgrade to 18-inch wheels with 225/55R18 all-season tires. The Sport has these cool dark gray aluminum alloys, while the Limited gets a fancier machine-finished look. The lower-profile tires here give you a bit sharper handling, but, yeah, it does make the ride a touch firmer. In our tests, the 18-inch setup was pretty compliant over bumpy roads and felt more precise when cornering. Road noise? Not a problem, even at highway speeds.

About the Wilderness trim—it’s got its own distinct style with 17-inch matte black aluminum alloy wheels and Yokohama Geolander A/T G015 all-terrain tires, also in a 225/60R17 size. These bad boys sport a more aggressive tread pattern and noticeable shoulder blocks for better off-road traction. In our testing, the Wilderness really shined on loose surfaces like gravel and snow, outperforming the other Crosstrek models on unpaved roads and light trails. And hey, those tires even have the 3-peak mountain snowflake rating, so they’re legit for tough snow conditions.

Something cool we noticed? The Wilderness’ all-terrain tires have white letter sidewall detailing, which just amps up that rugged look. They also turned out to be surprisingly durable in long-term tests, with some owners reporting 40,000 to 60,000 miles before needing a swap. The trade-off? On-road performance takes a hit; those all-terrain tires can be a bit noisier and might slightly lower fuel economy. In our 75-mph highway tests, the Wilderness got around 27 mpg, while other models with all-season tires were hitting 35-36 mpg.

Just a quick heads up—every Crosstrek model comes with a tire pressure monitoring system as standard. It’s pretty handy since it alerts you if your tire pressure dips, which is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. Also, all trims come with a temporary spare tire instead of just a repair kit, which is a big plus if you end up somewhere out of reach of roadside help.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek has an interior that focuses on being functional and tough rather than trying to be luxurious. It’s designed for those who love adventure, and you can see that right when you step inside. What is the first thing you notice? The layout is super straightforward—everything is easy to reach. The dashboard has a nice horizontal, symmetrical look, prioritizing usability over flashy designs. The materials used inside are more about lasting a long time than feeling plush; you’ll find lots of hard plastics, especially in the lower trim levels.

Now, if you look at the materials, they change quite a bit depending on the trim. The base model and the Premium version come with cloth upholstery in different patterns. The Premium trim does have slightly nicer textures, though. If you opt for the Sport trim, you’ll get this cool StarTex water-repellent upholstery with yellow stitching that really ties in with its exterior look, giving it a fresh, outdoorsy vibe. Then there’s the Limited model, which steps it up with leather seats, although, let’s be honest, they don’t quite match the quality you’d find in more high-end competitors like the Mazda CX-30. The Wilderness trim also has StarTex upholstery like the Sport, but with copper-colored stitching that syncs nicely with its exterior.

The star of the show in most Crosstrek interiors is the big 11.6-inch touchscreen, which is standard on everything except the base model— that one gets a pair of 7-inch screens instead. This tablet-style screen takes up space in the center stack and controls everything from infotainment to climate settings. It looks impressive, but we noticed that it can wash out pretty badly in direct sunlight, and the response time feels a bit slow compared to the top systems out there. Luckily, the physical volume and tuning knobs on either side of the screen are a nice touch, making it easy to adjust things without having to mess around with touch menus.

When it comes to the instrument panel, there’s not much variation between trims. You’ve got your analog gauges next to a 4.2-inch multifunction display in the middle. The gauges are designed for easy reading with white markings against a black background. The Sport trim adds some gold accents around the gauges for a unique touch, while the Wilderness model opts for copper accents. It works fine, but it’s a bit behind the curve since most competitors now offer fully digital displays, even at similar price points.

The steering wheel follows Subaru’s usual design style, and if you go for the Premium trim or higher, it comes wrapped in leather. The buttons are laid out logically, with infotainment controls on the left and driver assistance on the right. If you’re into manual control, the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness models have paddle shifters for the CVT’s simulated gear ratios. Overall, the steering wheel is more about function than flash, but it has a nice thick rim that feels good to grip.

Storage inside the Crosstrek is well thought out. The center console bin is roomy enough for bigger items, and higher trims even include a wireless charging pad. The door pockets are a decent size, too. But, here’s a downside—the glovebox is on the smaller side and doesn’t have a lock, even on the top Limited trim. And we noticed there’s no above-glove-box storage as you get in the bigger Outback model. As for materials around the shifter area, they vary by trim; the Sport has this carbon-fiber-look plastic that adds some flair without pretending to be real carbon fiber.

As for lighting, it’s pretty basic, with mostly incandescent bulbs instead of the trendy LED ambient lighting that’s popping up in a lot of other vehicles these days. The headliner is just a simple black or gray fabric, depending on the trim. All in all, the interior vibe across all trims shows that Subaru is focused on durability and practicality, steering clear of any fancy frills or dramatic design choices.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek keeps that rugged, adventure-ready vibe that’s been its hallmark since day one. It’s got some nice tweaks here and there to keep it looking fresh, but it doesn’t stray from what fans love about it. When you stand in front of it, you can’t help but notice its raised stance—like, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (or 9.3 for the Wilderness version) gives it that purposeful, off-road look that sets it apart from those more city-focused rides. Plus, the body cladding around the wheel arches and lower panels isn’t just for show; it’s there to protect the paint when you’re dabbling in light off-roading.

Now, let’s talk about the front. It has Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille, and those sleek, angular LED headlights come standard on all trims! And what’s cool is that these headlights can actually swivel based on how you’re steering, which helps light up those curves better—not something you usually see in this price range. The way the headlights blend into the front fenders gives it a more polished look than older models. Down below, the fog light housings (on Premium trims and up) are surrounded by tougher-looking cladding, and if you go for the Sport or Wilderness trims, you get some eye-catching accent colors—yellow for Sport and a nice copper/bronze for Wilderness.

Swing around to the side, and the elevated hatchback shape really stands out. The windows are big, giving you great visibility, and those roof rails (standard on Premium and above) just scream adventure. The black cladding runs along the rocker panels and around the wheel arches, which makes the car look even taller. Door handles on Premium and higher trims match the body color, while the base models get stuck with matte black ones. And the side mirrors? Yeah, they change depending on the trim: base gets matte black, Premium and Limited use dark gray or gloss black, Sport rolls with gloss black, and Wilderness has this cool satin black finish.

Wheels are another area where things mix up a bit. The base model has 17-inch steel wheels, but then you get to the Premium trim, and it steps up to 17-inch machine-finished alloys. The Sport and Limited trims go even bigger with 18-inch aluminum alloys, while the Wilderness model goes back to 17-inch matte black alloys, ready for those aggressive all-terrain tires. Those Wilderness wheels, paired with a slightly higher ride height and those unique copper-colored recovery points, definitely give it a more rugged look compared to its siblings.

At the back, the LED taillights add a nice modern touch, though they skip out on LED turn signals or reverse lights. The tailgate has badging specific to each trim, and the Wilderness model features the embossed “Subaru” lettering in the lower black cladding for that extra rugged flair. All models have a single exhaust outlet, but it’s tucked away instead of being front and center. The rear bumper keeps with the black cladding theme, and on the Wilderness, it’s designed more aggressively to help with off-road angles.

As for color options, you’ll see the understated Ice Silver Metallic on a lot of models, but then there are some standout colors like Alpine Green, Oasis Blue, and Wilderness-only Geyser Blue. Overall, the raised stance, protective cladding, and those carefully considered design details create a vehicle that looks tough without being too over-the-top—totally fitting for a practical crossover that’s ready to tackle off-road challenges better than most in its class.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek brings a nice mix of comfort and convenience features to the table, making the whole ownership experience enjoyable. However, it’s worth noting that the amenities can differ quite a bit depending on the trim you choose.

Let’s talk about seating first. The front seats? Well, they’re actually designed pretty well across the board, offering solid support for those longer journeys. For the base and Premium trims, you get these manually adjustable cloth seats. They’re pretty basic but still manage to provide decent comfort. Now, if you move up to the Sport trim, you’ll find water-resistant StarTex upholstery, which is a nice touch. Then there are the Limited and Wilderness trims—those come with a 10-way power driver’s seat that has 2-way adjustable lumbar support, which is fantastic for anyone dealing with back issues.

When it comes to heated front seats, these only show up starting with the Sport trim. And we’ve gotta say, we were really impressed with how well they work. During our cold-weather tests, the heated seats in the Crosstrek cranked out a ton of warmth—definitely more intense than what you’d find in many other vehicles. Pair that with the dual-zone automatic climate control that comes standard across all trims, and you’ve got a comfy environment no matter what’s going on outside. Honestly, having that dual-zone climate control is a generous perk at this price; a lot of competitors only offer it at higher trims.

Now, we really have to highlight the driving position in the Crosstrek. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, giving it a surprisingly good range of motion—especially the telescoping part. This means even taller folks can find a comfy spot, which is kinda rare in the subcompact crossover category. The way the steering wheel adjusts, combined with how the seats move, makes it a comfy ride for all sorts of body types.

Visibility? It’s top-notch from the driver’s seat. Thanks to the Crosstrek’s upright design and big windows, you can see well in all directions. The A-pillars are nicely slim, which cuts down on those pesky forward blind spots, and the back windows give you better sightlines than many competitors. Plus, the Wilderness model has a slightly higher ride height, which also helps with forward visibility. This great outward view makes driving easier, whether you’re in the city or hitting the trails.

Getting in and out of the Crosstrek is a breeze, especially with doors that swing wide open—especially in the back, where they almost open to 90 degrees. This makes it super easy to install child seats or load up bulky items. The seating position is also elevated just enough to give you that commanding view that lots of crossover buyers want, but not so high that it’s a struggle for folks with mobility issues.

Now, the convenience features do change depending on the trim level. The Premium trim adds some nice everyday usability with things like keyless entry, push-button start, and a cargo cover. Higher trims kick it up a notch with extras like a power moonroof (which is optional on Premium and above), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a HomeLink transmitter, and blind-spot detection. It’s a bit of a letdown that there’s no power liftgate available on any Crosstrek trim—you still have to do it manually, which is kinda surprising for this class.

When it comes to tech, the integration is pretty solid for daily use. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all but the base trim, which still has wired connectivity. The wireless charging pad on Sport trims and above is spacious and works like a charm. USB connectivity is well thought out too, with both USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and extra ports for backseat passengers starting from the Premium trim. The infotainment screen, which is 11.6 inches, can be a bit slow at times, but it generally puts most functions within easy reach. That said, we found it a little less intuitive to control climate functions through the touchscreen instead of having physical knobs.

The X-Mode terrain management system? It’s definitely one of the standout features of the Crosstrek. You get it across all trim levels, which is pretty neat. Basically, X-Mode fine-tunes the all-wheel-drive system, engine performance, transmission behavior, and stability control to tackle tough conditions. For the 2025 model year, if you’re looking at the Premium trim or higher, you’ll find this dual-function X-Mode that adds specific settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. We took it for a spin on some light off-road trails, and let us tell you, those modes made a noticeable difference in traction and control, especially when we were climbing those slippery hills. Plus, it comes with Hill Descent Control, which automatically keeps your speed in check when you’re going downhill so you can just focus on steering.

About the Wilderness trim – It’s got some cool features aimed at boosting off-road performance. First off, it’s got a ground clearance of 9.3 inches compared to just 8.7 inches in the other trims—that’s a nice little bump! There’s also a new final drive ratio (4.11:1 vs. 3.70:1) that helps when you’re crawling at low speeds or tackling steep inclines. And guess what? They added a transmission oil cooler, which ups the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds—more than double compared to the 1,500-pound limit on other Crosstrek models. The bumpers are designed to improve approach and departure angles, and the water-resistant StarTex upholstery? Way better for muddy adventures than regular cloth or leather.

When it comes to everyday convenience, the Crosstrek doesn’t disappoint. There’s a wireless charging pad on the Sport trims and above that can handle larger smartphones efficiently. The SI-Drive system is another great feature; you can adjust how the throttle responds using controls right on the steering wheel. If you go for the higher trims, you’ll also get a Harman Kardon audio system with 10 speakers, which steps up the sound quality compared to the standard 6-speaker setup. The auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and a compass—available on upper trims—makes things easier for garage door opening and finding your way.

Also, the MySubaru mobile app is a great touch. It lets you do things like check your location, start your car remotely, pre-condition the climate, and even check on vehicle health. During our testing, this was super handy in cold weather: starting and warming up the car from my phone while keeping the climate settings just right. Huge plus! It also throws in maintenance alerts and helps you find your car in packed parking lots. Sure, it might not have as many bells and whistles as some high-end vehicle apps, but it gets the job done and works reliably.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek stands out with its impressive array of safety and security features available across all its trim levels. This shows Subaru’s long history of prioritizing passenger safety. At the heart of Crosstrek’s safety reputation is its Global Platform architecture, which has been shown to hold up really well in crash tests. The previous model even snagged the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Just a heads up, though—the 2025 version hasn’t yet reached the Top Safety Pick+ status that some rivals have managed to achieve with the latest testing standards.

Every Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite as standard. It utilizes dual front cameras to bring a whole bunch of active safety features into play, like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane centering. In our tests, we generally found the system to work quite well, though it can feel a bit more intrusive than some other brands with its warning sounds. The adaptive cruise control does its job of keeping safe distances, but it’s a little jarring when it brakes suddenly if traffic ahead slows down. As for the lane-keeping assist, it offers gentle steering adjustments instead of the more forceful corrections you might find in some systems, which a lot of drivers might actually appreciate.

When it comes to passive safety, the Crosstrek doesn’t hold back. Every trim level has standard front, side, and curtain airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag and a passenger seat cushion airbag—pretty rare for this class. All the models also come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, child safety locks, and LATCH anchors to securely install child seats. And those rear doors? They open nearly 90 degrees, which we found made getting child seats in and out way easier compared to many rivals with tighter openings.

As you step up in trims, the advanced safety features only get better. For instance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on the Limited trim, but you can get it as an option on the Premium and Sport models. It’s not even available on the base trim. The reverse automatic braking feature, which helps detect obstacles when you’re backing up and applies the brakes if needed, is also exclusive to the Limited and Wilderness trims. We found that feature particularly handy, especially since rear visibility can be a bit tricky when you’re trying to park in tight spots.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the Crosstrek’s headlights—they’re worth a shout-out. Unlike a lot of competitors that save the best lighting tech for higher trims, every single Crosstrek model comes with steering-responsive LED headlights. These lights are great at lighting up the road, plus they swivel based on how you’re steering, which is super helpful on curvy roads. There’s also automatic high-beam control that switches between high and low beams depending on incoming traffic. And for those tougher driving conditions, the LED fog lights available on the Premium trim and above are a nice bonus.

On the security side of things, all trims except for the base model come with an engine immobilizer system and keyless entry with an alarm. One feature we really liked during our testing was the PIN-Code Access system. It lets you unlock and start your vehicle using a code you set up, which you enter through buttons on the trunk lid. This can be a lifesaver if you accidentally lock your keys inside, or if you want to hit the beach without lugging around your key fob. Sure, it might not be as high-tech as the digital key systems in some luxury cars, but it’s a smart touch that makes everyday use a lot easier.

So, getting behind the wheel of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, we noticed that it offers a solid driving experience. You know, it handles well, rides comfortably, and actually shows real capability when the roads get rough. Now, you might think that with its taller stance and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (or 9.3 inches if you go for the Wilderness trim), the Crosstrek would handle poorly on pavement, right? But that’s not quite how it is. Because of the low center of gravity, thanks to the boxer engine and a well-tuned suspension, it actually feels more like a car than you’d expect from something so high off the ground. Sure, there’s some noticeable body roll when you take corners a bit too quickly, but it’s well-controlled. And the steering? Yeah, it’s precise and feels just right, though it’s not as sharp as sportier models like the Mazda CX-30.

Now, let’s talk about acceleration, which can vary with the two engines available. The base 2.0-liter engine puts out 152 horsepower, but honestly, it struggles a bit when you need to speed up or pass someone on the highway. In our tests, it clocked in at a leisurely 9.5 seconds for 0-60 mph, which is kind of on the slower side for this segment. On the flip side, the 2.5-liter engine, which is now standard on the other trims, gives you a more satisfying 182 horsepower and cuts that 0-60 time down to 8.1 seconds (or 8.6 seconds for the Wilderness with its all-terrain tires). Okay, it’s not breaking any speed records, but it’s got enough oomph for most everyday situations, especially in those critical 30-50 mph and 50-70 mph ranges where you really need to feel that power.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the only game in town for all trims, and it generally does its job well with both engines. Subaru has designed it to mimic traditional gear changes, which helps eliminate that annoying rubber-band feeling that often comes with CVTs. If you opt for the Sport or higher trims, you get paddle shifters that let you control those simulated shifts, which is super handy when you’re driving up a hill and want to keep the engine at a certain speed. When you switch to Sport mode using the SI-Drive system, the transmission changes its game—holding revs higher and responding quicker to your foot on the gas, although it does sacrifice a bit of smoothness in the process.

One of the standout features of the Crosstrek is definitely its ride quality. The suspension is tuned just right, balancing comfort with control, and absorbing bumps without feeling like you’re floating or bobbing around too much. Even when the road gets rough, the cabin keeps things nice and quiet, isolating you from harsh impacts. This smoothness carries over to light off-road driving too. The suspension can flex and adapt well to uneven ground, so during our time testing on rutted dirt paths and light trails, the Crosstrek showed it could handle more than just city streets.

The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system comes standard on all trims. It gives you confidence no matter the weather. Unlike some competitors that might only offer all-wheel drive as an option or rely on systems that mainly drive the front wheels, Subaru’s setup sends power to all four wheels all the time. This means you won’t experience that frustrating delay when you suddenly need traction. When things get slippery, the Crosstrek feels stable and trustworthy, and if you activate the X-Mode feature, it really helps out by optimizing power distribution and giving you hill descent control when you’re on tricky surfaces.

Now, we should mention that road and wind noise is a bit more noticeable compared to some rivals, especially when you hit highway speeds. The Wilderness model, with its all-terrain tires, does tend to generate a bit more road noise, but nothing too bothersome. We measured sound levels in the cabin at about 60 decibels at 55 mph, which puts it on the louder side in its class. You can still have a chat without shouting, but if you’re after a quieter ride, you might want to check out alternatives like the Mazda CX-30 or Buick Encore GX.

Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent in all directions, with relatively slim pillars and large windows providing a commanding view of the surroundings. This clear sightlines enhance confidence in tight urban environments and off-road scenarios alike. The standard backup camera offers decent resolution, though it lacks the dynamic guidelines found in some competitors. Higher trims with blind-spot monitoring compensate for the slight over-the-shoulder blind spots created by the rear pillars, while the Wilderness model’s slightly elevated seating position further enhances forward visibility.

The driving experience overall feels honest and purposeful, with a focus on capability and comfort rather than sportiness or luxury. The Crosstrek doesn’t pretend to be a performance vehicle, instead delivering a balanced, confident driving experience that aligns perfectly with its adventurous positioning. Whether navigating city streets, cruising highways, or exploring unpaved backroads, the Crosstrek provides a composed, capable driving experience that exceeds what most subcompact crossovers can offer when the pavement ends.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek surprises you with how spacious its back seats are, especially for a subcompact crossover. As soon as we slid into those rear seats, we could tell right away—plenty of headroom and legroom. That’s a big deal, you know? It sets the Crosstrek apart from some of the tighter competitors out there. To give you some specifics, it boasts about 36.5 inches of legroom in the back, which felt just fine for adults during our thorough testing. For instance, if you’re sitting behind a driver who’s around 5’11”, a similarly tall passenger in the back still has a comfy 4-5 inches of space for their knees. Great for those longer trips, right?

Now, let’s talk about how easy it is to get in and out. The rear doors swing open nearly 90 degrees—much wider than a lot of rivals. This makes getting in and out a breeze, especially handy for parents wrestling with child seats or helping out older folks. Plus, that slightly raised seating position? It gives a nice view out of those big side windows, which helps with that cramped feeling some smaller cars can give. And headroom? It’s generous at about 38 inches; even taller passengers can sit up straight without feeling like they’re folding themselves in half. Just keep in mind that if you opt for the moonroof, it might take a smidge away from that height.

The rear bench is set up with a 60/40 split, and while the cushions are a bit on the firm side, they’re supportive enough for long drives. Unlike Subaru’s Forester and Outback, the Crosstrek’s back seats don’t recline, which some folks might miss on those extended journeys. But hey, you can fold the seatbacks flat with handy pull tabs near the headrests, which opens up a lot more cargo space if needed. When those seats are down, you get a nearly flat load floor—just a tiny step up from the cargo area—making it easier to haul longer items.

About the center seat: it does have a bit of a bump from the transmission tunnel, a result of the all-wheel drive system. This means there’s not a lot of foot space for anyone sitting in the middle, so yeah, three people in the back is probably only good for quick trips or if the passengers are smaller. For two passengers, there’s a fold-down armrest with a couple of cup holders, but we noticed they’re not really big enough for those popular larger water bottles, like the Stanley tumblers.

As for the rear passenger amenities, they depend on the trim level. All Crosstrek models come with bottle holders in the door pockets, but they’re pretty narrow—better for smaller bottles. If you go for the Premium trim or higher, you get rear USB charging ports—one USB-A and one USB-C—right on the back of the center console, which is super convenient. This setup is great for both newer devices and older ones; no adapters are needed! However, a little downside is that none of the trims come with rear HVAC vents, which could be a bummer in extreme weather. During our hot-weather testing, we found the climate system took a bit longer to cool down the back seats—definitely something to keep in mind.

The materials used in the back match what you find up front: cloth upholstery in the Base and Premium trims, StarTex water-resistant material in the Sport and Wilderness models, and leather in the Limited. The door panels use the same materials and design style as in the front, though the controls are simplified, just for window functions. The Wilderness trim especially shines with its dirt-resistant StarTex upholstery, perfect for anyone who loves outdoor adventures and might bring a bit of mud and moisture into the cabin.

The cargo area is designed to fit well with the vehicle’s adventurous vibe. When you pop open the manually operated liftgate (which is the same on all trims), you’ll find about 19.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Now, that puts the Crosstrek in a solid spot among subcompact crossovers, though it doesn’t quite take the top spot. For example, some competitors like the Honda HR-V give you a bit more room, while others, like the Mazda CX-30, have less.

The shape of the cargo area is quite practical too. You’ve got a wide opening and a low lift-over height, which makes it easier to load bigger items. When we measured it, the width between the wheel wells was around 32 inches, and the overall width at its widest was about 39 inches. The length from the back of the rear seats to the liftgate is around 32 inches, but when you fold those seats down, it stretches to about 66 inches. And the height? Roughly 29 inches when the retractable cargo cover is in place. So, you can definitely fit several suitcases, some camping gear, or even the spoils from a big shopping trip in there.

If you fold down those 60/40-split rear seats, you really open things up, boosting the cargo capacity to a sizable 54.7 cubic feet. This creates a nearly flat load floor, which is great for larger items or all your adventure gear. The seatbacks fold down easily with pulls near the headrests, but they don’t recline like some competitors, such as the Subaru Forester. When those seats are down, you can fit items up to 66 inches long—pretty good for most outdoor gear, aside from full-sized adult bikes (unless you take off the front wheel).

There are some nice features that make the cargo area even more functional across the different trims. For instance, the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims come with a retractable cargo cover as standard, which helps keep your valuables out of sight. All models have cargo area lighting—though it’s just a regular incandescent bulb, not the snazzier LED lights that some rivals use. Plus, there are four tie-down anchors in the cargo floor, so you can secure your stuff with nets or straps to stop it from sliding around while you drive. And for the Wilderness trim, there’s a water-resistant cargo mat with cool Wilderness logos—perfect after a muddy day out.

Now, underneath the cargo floor, you’ll find a spare tire in all Crosstrek models—a temporary space-saver in most trims. This is becoming a bit of a rare find these days since many competitors have ditched spare tires in favor of tire inflation kits. But having a spare is crucial for a vehicle built for off-road adventures, where you might end up with a flat far from help. The spare tire well also has basic tire-changing tools, all neatly organized in a foam holder.

Oh, and there’s a neat feature we really liked: molded recesses on either side of the cargo area that are perfect for dog water bowls—a thoughtful addition for pet owners. One thing we did notice, though, is that there’s no option for a power liftgate across any of the trims. That’s becoming a more common convenience feature in this segment. The manual liftgate isn’t too heavy and has gas struts to help with opening it, but having a power option would definitely make things easier, especially when you’re juggling a bunch of stuff in your hands.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek stands out in the busy subcompact crossover market, and it’s got some solid upgrades this year that make it even more appealing. The biggest change? Well, they’ve made the 2.5-liter engine standard on all trims except the base model. This addresses a common complaint from previous versions without jacking up the price too much. So, with this boost in power and the Crosstrek’s reputation for handling all kinds of weather and rough terrains, it’s a much stronger option overall.

Now, when we look at the pricing, it’s key to figure out what each trim level brings to the table for what you pay. The base model kicks off at $27,115, which is average for this segment. Sure, it has essential Subaru features like all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and the EyeSight safety suite. But honestly, the 2.0-liter engine doesn’t pack much punch, so it’s kinda hard to recommend, even though the price is tempting. On the other hand, the Premium trim starts at $28,365, and honestly, it’s a way better deal with the new standard 2.5-liter engine, an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, and dual-function X-Mode. That extra $1,250? Totally worth it.

Then there’s the Sport trim at $30,915. It brings some unique styling with yellow accents, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and cool 18-inch wheels. It looks great and has nice touches like heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. But, really, it doesn’t offer enough functional upgrades over the Premium to justify the higher price—especially if you’re focused on getting the most bang for your buck. The Limited trim, priced at $32,815, takes things up a notch with leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, blind-spot detection, and automatic braking when reversing. But at this level, it starts to face off with tougher competitors like the Mazda CX-30 Turbo and the Toyota RAV4, which might give you a bit more power or space.

If you’re into off-roading, the Wilderness model, at $33,915, is something special. It’s built for adventure with improved off-road capabilities, higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a unique look. For those who plan to use these features, the price makes sense, especially since it can tow up to 3,500 pounds—a lot more than most larger crossovers can handle. However, if you’re mostly driving on the road, you might be better off with the Premium or Limited trims, as the Wilderness does sacrifice a bit in terms of comfort and fuel efficiency for those off-road perks.

When you stack the Crosstrek against its rivals, there are a few things to think about. Compared to the Mazda CX-30, the Crosstrek shines in all-weather and off-road capabilities, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark when it comes to the Mazda’s interior quality or driving feel. Against the Honda HR-V, the Crosstrek delivers way more power (especially with the 2.5-liter engine) and better performance in tough weather, though the Honda does have a bit more cargo space flexibility. The Toyota Corolla Cross is reliable and offers hybrid options, but it’s not as rugged as the Crosstrek. While the Chevrolet Trax has a lower starting price, it just can’t compete with the Crosstrek’s overall capability or build quality.

Looking at long-term ownership costs, the Crosstrek holds up well. Subaru vehicles have great resale values—around 63% of the original price after five years—which makes owning one a lot more affordable compared to others that lose value faster. Plus, the fuel economy isn’t bad at all. The 2.5-liter engine gets a combined 29 mpg, which is competitive, even against many front-wheel-drive vehicles. Subaru’s warranty isn’t the best out there—3 years/36,000 miles for basic and 5 years/60,000 miles for powertrain—but the brand is known for its reliability and sturdy engines.

After really digging into it, we think the 2025 Crosstrek, especially in the Premium trim, offers fantastic value for anyone looking for a capable, practical ride that can handle all kinds of weather and light off-roading. The availability of that more powerful engine really ups the ante across most of the trims, making for a more enjoyable ownership experience without major price hikes. For those who live an adventurous lifestyle and appreciate the practical features and materials of the Crosstrek, it’s definitely money well spent in a crossover market that can feel pretty samey.