The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek continues to shine as one of the most Affordable Crossovers on the market, blending practicality, off-road capability, and everyday comfort. With a starting price under $27,115, the Crosstrek offers all-wheel drive as standard across all trims, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking adventure.
The Crosstrek is available with two engine options. The base model features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission. While not a powerhouse, this engine provides adequate performance for daily driving. For those seeking more spirited performance, Subaru offers a more potent 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, now standard on the Premium trim and above, boasting 182 horsepower. This upgrade significantly improves the Crosstrek’s responsiveness, especially on inclines and when loaded.
One of the key selling points of the Crosstrek remains its impressive value proposition. The base model, even with the smaller engine, offers a comfortable interior, ample cargo space for skis and bikes, and confident handling in various conditions, including snow and light off-road trails. Stepping up to the Premium trim for an additional $1,250 not only unlocks the more powerful engine but also adds an upgraded 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
For the adventurous, the Crosstrek Wilderness trim, starting at $33,915, takes capability to the next level. With 9.3 inches of ground clearance, a lower final drive ratio for improved climbing prowess, Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and an upgraded transmission oil cooler boosting towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, the Wilderness is ready for serious off-roading. The trade-off for this ruggedness is a slight decrease in fuel economy to 27 mpg combined, compared to 29 mpg for other trims.
The Crosstrek faces competition from other affordable crossovers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda HR-V offers a more refined interior but lacks the Crosstrek’s off-road prowess. The Jeep Renegade provides superior off-road capability and a wider range of trims but comes at a higher price point. The Kia Seltos, while similarly sized and priced, doesn’t offer all-wheel drive as standard.
Ultimately, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek stands out as a compelling choice among affordable crossovers. Its standard all-wheel drive, capable engines, versatile cargo space, and available off-road-focused Wilderness trim make it a well-rounded option for a wide range of drivers. Whether navigating city streets or exploring rugged trails, the Crosstrek delivers a blend of practicality and adventure at a price that’s hard to beat.
