Cars

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Review: Off-Road & Daily Driving Test

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Subaru Crosstrek Review: Off-Road & Daily Driving Test

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek arrives with bold promises: improved off-road capability, enhanced daily comfort, and upgraded technology that keeps it competitive in the crowded compact SUV segment. As one of the most popular vehicles in Subaru’s lineup, the Crosstrek continues to attract buyers looking for a rugged yet practical crossover that's ready for weekend adventures and weekday commutes alike. In this comprehensive 2025 Subaru Crosstrek review, we take a deep dive into its performance on and off the pavement, evaluate its interior features, analyze fuel efficiency, and test its real-world usability in both city environments and backcountry trails.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek: Design and Exterior Features

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek sports a refreshed exterior design that builds on its adventurous heritage while integrating more modern styling cues. Up front, a new hexagonal grille with chrome accents gives the vehicle a more upscale appearance, while updated LED headlights and fog lights improve visibility and aesthetics. The signature black cladding remains, reinforcing the Crosstrek’s rugged identity and offering protection from minor scrapes during off-road excursions.

One of the standout design changes for 2025 is the availability of new alloy wheel designs, including a 18-inch option on higher trims. Ground clearance has been slightly increased to 8.7 inches—matching the Wilderness trim’s off-road prowess—making it easier to tackle rough terrain without fear of undercarriage damage. Roof rails are standard across all trims, providing added utility for roof baskets, bike racks, or cargo boxes.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek off-road driving test on mountain trail

The updated front and rear fascias improve aerodynamics and contribute to a quieter ride at highway speeds. Subaru has also introduced two new exterior color options for 2025: Summit White and Forest Green, the latter of which is exclusive to the Wilderness model and blends perfectly with natural landscapes.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, and you’re greeted by a cabin that balances functionality with modern comfort. The design is clean and intuitive, with soft-touch materials used across higher trims. The base model features cloth upholstery, while the Premium, Limited, and Wilderness trims offer options for simulated leather or water-resistant StarTex® upholstery—ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who frequently bring muddy gear or wet pets into the car.

Cabin space remains consistent with previous models, offering ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are now 60/40 split-folding as standard, making it easy to carry longer items like skis or camping equipment. Cargo volume has been slightly improved to 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down—enough room for weekend getaways or grocery runs.

Technology takes a significant leap forward in the 2025 model. The infotainment system now features a standard 8-inch touchscreen running Subaru’s STARLINK 9.0 system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is standard on Limited and Wilderness trims, and a 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen is optional, offering a more tablet-like user experience with quicker response times and better graphics.

Audio quality has also improved, with an available Harman Kardon premium sound system delivering crisp, balanced audio—perfect for long drives or backcountry playlists. Wireless charging, dual USB-C ports in the front, and rear USB ports ensure that all passengers can keep their devices powered, while available Wi-Fi connectivity keeps everyone online even in remote areas.

Performance and Powertrain Options

Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek continues with its familiar yet reliable powertrain options, now tuned for better responsiveness and efficiency. The base model comes with a 2.0-liter BOXER® four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, this engine is paired with a Lineartronic® CVT that delivers smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy.

For those who demand more power, the 2.5-liter BOXER® engine returns on the Limited and Wilderness trims, now producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque—an increase of 7 horsepower over the previous model. This upgrade improves towing capacity to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped, allowing the Crosstrek to haul small trailers, kayaks, or off-road toys with ease.

All 2025 Crosstrek models come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a key selling point that provides superior traction in all weather conditions. The AWD system is engineered to distribute power evenly between the front and rear wheels, ensuring stability on snow-covered roads, loose gravel, or muddy trails.

The updated suspension system on the 2025 model—especially on the Wilderness trim—includes longer-travel shocks and a retuned front strut bar for improved handling over uneven terrain. Steering feel is more direct than in previous years, thanks to revised electric power steering calibration, which enhances confidence during high-speed highway driving and tight trail maneuvers alike.

Off-Road Capability: Real-World Testing

One of the main draws of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, particularly the Wilderness trim, is its off-road capability. To put it to the test, we took the vehicle on a mixed terrain route that included rocky trails, steep inclines, river crossings, and loose dirt paths in the Pacific Northwest.

The combination of 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increased approach and departure angles, and standard X-MODE with Hill Descent Control makes the Crosstrek Wilderness a surprisingly capable off-roader. X-MODE optimizes engine output, transmission behavior, and AWD torque distribution to maintain traction on slippery surfaces. We found it particularly effective when climbing a steep, muddy hill where wheel slip was minimized and forward progress remained steady.

The all-terrain Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires (standard on the Wilderness) provided excellent grip on loose surfaces and performed admirably on wet rocks. While not a full-scale rock crawler, the Crosstrek handles moderate off-road challenges with confidence. Features like underbody protection, a reinforced roof rack with a 700-pound dynamic load capacity, and a standard front skid plate ensure the vehicle is trail-ready out of the box.

We also tested the vehicle’s water fording ability by crossing a shallow stream (approximately 12 inches deep). The Crosstrek handled it without issue, thanks to sealed electrical components and strategically placed air intakes. However, Subaru recommends avoiding deep water crossings, as the vehicle is not designed for serious water traversal.

Daily Driving Experience: City and Highway Performance

While off-road prowess is impressive, most Crosstrek owners will spend the majority of their time on paved roads. In daily driving scenarios, the 2025 model shines with a comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and user-friendly tech features.

In city driving, the Crosstrek’s compact size makes it easy to maneuver through tight streets and park in crowded lots. The standard Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert help with lane changes and reversing in busy areas. Visibility is excellent thanks to large side mirrors and thin A-pillars, reducing blind spots significantly.

On the highway, the CVT performs well, keeping engine revs low and contributing to a serene cabin environment. Wind and road noise have been reduced through additional sound insulation and improved door seals. The 2.5-liter engine in the Limited and Wilderness trims offers noticeably better passing power, making highway merging and overtaking safer and more confident.

Fuel efficiency remains a strong point. The base 2.0-liter model achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The 2.5-liter engine sees a slight dip at 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway—still impressive given the added power and off-road hardware. Real-world testing confirmed these numbers, with mixed driving yielding around 28–30 mpg.

Ride comfort is enhanced with the updated suspension setup, which absorbs bumps and potholes effectively. However, some drivers may notice a slightly firmer ride on the Wilderness trim due to its off-road-oriented tuning. For those prioritizing comfort over trail readiness, the Premium or Limited trims offer a more balanced experience.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety has always been a core pillar of Subaru’s brand, and the 2025 Crosstrek doesn’t disappoint. Every model comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

New for 2025 is the addition of Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centering, available on Limited and Wilderness trims. This system helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane during highway driving, reducing driver fatigue on long trips. It’s not a fully autonomous system, but it offers a high level of semi-automated assistance.

Additional safety features include Automatic Emergency Steering, which can help avoid obstacles if braking alone isn’t enough, and Reverse Automatic Braking to prevent low-speed collisions when backing up. The available 360-degree camera system provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings—ideal for tight parking spots or when navigating narrow trails.

The 2025 Crosstrek has not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but given the strong safety record of previous models and the inclusion of advanced structural reinforcements, it’s expected to earn top safety ratings.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is available in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Wilderness. Pricing starts at $26,995 for the Base model and climbs to $37,895 for the fully loaded Wilderness trim (excluding destination charges).

Optional packages include the Tech Package (panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio) and the Safety Plus Package (360-degree camera, reverse auto braking). The Wilderness trim also offers an Adventure Package that includes a rooftop tent mount system and portable power station compatibility.

Comparison with Competitors

How does the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek stack up against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Mazda CX-5?

The Honda HR-V offers a roomier interior and slightly better fuel economy but lacks standard AWD and real off-road capability. Its front-wheel-drive bias limits its appeal to true outdoor enthusiasts.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is well-equipped and reliable, with a hybrid option that boosts fuel efficiency to 40 mpg. However, its AWD system is less sophisticated, and off-road tuning is minimal. It’s better suited for light weather challenges than trail exploration.

The Mazda CX-5 leads in driving dynamics and interior luxury but comes at a higher price point. It’s more of a premium crossover than an adventure-ready SUV, and its ground clearance is only 8.0 inches—less than the Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek strikes a rare balance: it’s affordable, capable off-road, and packed with standard safety and convenience features. For buyers who want one vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and spontaneous weekend adventures, the Crosstrek stands out as a top choice.

Pros and Cons of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

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