The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most popular subcompact SUVs on the road; in fact, it’s Subaru’s fastest-selling SUV these days, thanks in large part to a redesign last year. Overall, the 2025 Crosstrek is the same as last year’s model since the third generation just launched, and there’s not much need for a major overhaul. There’s one pretty big exception to this, however, which is that the second trim level—the Premium—now has a better standard engine. But otherwise, if you know a lot about the 2024 Crosstrek, then you’ll be quite familiar with everything you see on 2025 models. On the other hand, if you’re interested in a Subaru Crosstrek for sale but you’re not as familiar with this SUV as you’d like to be, then don’t fret because I’m going to take you through what all five trims have to offer.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek: Starting Features and Options
The baseline Subaru Crosstrek is essentially unchanged from last year, which is no surprise since it’s a good starting trim with a lot to offer. This one comes with a 2.0L Subaru Boxer engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque; last year, the Premium trim also came with this engine, but for 2025 it’s only found on the starting trim. You’ll find 17-inch wheels in a dark gray finish on the baseline trim, along with LED headlights. As you would expect, every 2025 Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as well as X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for added stability and performance.
An impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance is standard on the Crosstrek, so you don’t have to worry about speed bumps or driveway entrances tearing up its underside. Every trim comes with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, plus steering-responsive LED headlights for better visibility. Inside the standard model, you’ll find dual-zone automatic climate control, a pair of seven-inch displays for infotainment, and convenience features like keyless entry, Welcome Lighting, and more. You can see this is a good place to start, and it’s a solid foundation for the other trims to build upon.
Crosstrek Premium: Enhanced Performance and Features
If you’re looking for superior performance and a number of upgraded features inside and out, then the Premium is a great place to start with the Subaru Crosstrek. The big change for the 2025 model year is that Subaru has given the Premium an upgraded engine: a 2.5L Boxer engine with 182 hp rather than the starting engine. That’s a fair improvement and well worth considering if you like a vehicle that’s fun to drive; there’s nothing wrong with the standard engine for a subcompact SUV like this, but the upgraded choice is definitely my preference. This engine features a dual-function X-MODE system with selectable settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud to give you better handling in rough or slippery conditions.
Even more impressive than the upgraded engine, however, is the interior of the Premium, which is a notable step up from the baseline model. The Premium features the latest Subaru Starlink system with an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system and a six-speaker sound system (four speakers are standard). You also get support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED fog lights, and more. An optional package is available to add more features, including Blind-Spot Detection with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a power moonroof.
Crosstrek Sport: Upgraded Exterior and Interior
To me, the biggest jump in features happens from the baseline model to the Premium, but there are still plenty of good things to be found on the higher trim levels. Much of what sets the Sport trim apart is its distinct styling and features that give it a more dramatic presence on the road. For one thing, the Sport trim comes with 18-inch wheels in a dark gray finish for a bolder stance and a more aggressive overall feel. It has upgraded headlights with LED turn signals, plus yellow accents on the front, side, and rear panels, along with yellow contrast stitching inside.
Speaking of the interior, the Sport comes with gray cloth seating, simulated carbon fiber trim, and yellow metallic accents inside to create a unique overall look. You’ll also find a wireless phone charger in the Sport trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift lever for an added touch of sophistication. An optional package takes these upgrades even further with added safety features like Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, plus the 10-way power driver’s seat and power moonroof offered for the Premium.
Crosstrek Limited: Enhanced Safety and Styling
If you’re not interested in off-road features, then the Limited is probably the top-end trim that you’ll want to check out. Building on what came before it, the Limited adds enhanced safety systems like Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Blind-Spot Detection without the need for an optional package. It has 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels with body-color side mirrors that include integrated turn signals to let other drivers know what you’re doing more easily. Inside, you’ll find a number of upgrades, such as a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support.
You’ll also find perforated leather-appointed seating in the Limited, with orange contrast stitching throughout. Chrome interior door handles and window switches add to the overall look and sophisticated feel of the Limited trim, along with interior accent lighting to improve your driving experience each day. Two optional packages are available for the Limited: one has a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and power moonroof, while the other includes the enhanced sound system with its 432-watt amplifier and the power moonroof while adding built-in navigation for the Subaru Starlink system.
Crosstrek Wilderness: Rugged and Off-Road Ready
The final option to note is the Wilderness, which is much more than an upgrade to what came before it and transforms the Crosstrek into an impressive outdoor machine. For starters, it increases ground clearance to 9.3 inches for better performance on rough terrain while adding body cladding to help protect it. It also increases the Crosstrek’s tow rating from 1,500 lbs to 3,500 lbs—perfect for a boat or small camper. It’s tuned for better performance at low speeds and on slippery surfaces and has a revised final drive ratio to enhance its climbing abilities.
You’ll find a roof rack on the Crosstrek Wilderness with 700 lbs of static load capacity that makes it ideal for a rooftop tent. The interior features water-resistant Subaru StarTex materials and unique details that set it apart from other trims while delivering a leather-wrapped steering wheel and much more. This trim also has an exclusive suspension along with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires on its 17-inch wheels for enhanced maneuverability and overall performance when you leave the pavement behind. To take things further, an available package adds a 10-way power driver’s seat, power moonroof, and Harman Kardon sound system to create the ultimate version of the Subaru Crosstrek.
Which 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Is Right for You?
As you can see, these five trims give you a great selection of features and options to choose from when shopping for your next small SUV. The base trim is a good place to start, but honestly, the Premium is only slightly more expensive and gives you a much better version of the Crosstrek—it’s the way I would go, personally. If you want enhanced features, the Sport and Limited both bring more to the road, but the additions aren’t nearly as dramatic for the price. The Wilderness is a great pick if you do a lot of camping or enjoy heading into nature with an SUV that you can count on to get you where you want to go, so keep that in mind. Only you can decide which one is right for you, but now you have the information you need to help you find a Crosstrek you’ll love.
