6 Reasons to Buy a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek! (What's New?)

While Subaru makes confusing decisions with cars, their crossovers continue to impress. For 2025, the Crosstrek is made better by one simple move.

Other cars to consider include the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross and whatever other small crossovers were released this week.

Thank you, Royal on the Eastside, for letting me test out different Crosstreks over the years!

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00:00 2025 Update & Pricing
01:06 Ride & Handling
02:41 2.5L Engine
04:14 Great AWD System
05:17 Wilderness Trim
06:08 Practical Interior
08:14 Value & Reliability
10:06 Drawbacks
10:41 Final Thoughts

[b.c.french]

I am biased in favor of these right now because a few days ago I got hit head-on by a distracted driver in a 45 mph zone and walked away with a cut on my foot and injuries you’ll only get from the seat belt and plentiful air bags. I’m sore but I have no permanent damage. My champion protector, a 2024 Crosstrek Basic trim, was totaled but I am going to be okay. Came here to see what was new with the 2025 models. May look at the Premium.

[billiamnotbob]

I traded in my 23 Crosstrek Sport for a '25 Crosstrek Sport. In many ways it's much improved over the 2 model years. I'm getting used to the steering responsive head lights and the infotainment screen. I do and don't miss the mechanical hand-brake. I do like not having it press into my thigh/knee on long trips. The seats are also quite comfortable. Mechanically, I've never had an issue with Subaru's. I've been a customer since 2009 and have no plans on changing. They've been reliable and efficient. No, they're not flashy but they ARE solid and that's more important to me.

[Unchainedmaple]

Subaru just revealed a very compelling strong hybrid Crosstrek in Japan which has around 200 HP and 500-600 miles of range using Toyota hybrid tech...but for whatever reason Subaru of America is debuting a Forester hybrid here instead even though most of us want a Crosstrek. The new Forester is more bland than untoasted bread...

[WOOF]

Great review as always. Happy New Year and I look forward to your reviews in 2025!

[elestromusicgamesfun]

I live in northern Sweden with 5-6 months of snow a year and this is a very popular car here.

[kenhoward]

Thanks for the well-balanced review. The Crosstrek does a lot of things really well. Still, I'm left feeling uninspired (I'm being polite) by the design, every time I see one, compared to other (i.e., Mazda, Honda) products. I liked the first-generation exterior, and I like the mechanical Wilderness upgrades, but not the extra, silly stuff they stick on it. Where I live in the PNW, Subarus are everywhere, but, as a company, Subaru just doesn't do it for me.

[paulgemperlein]

I have a 2019 Crosstrek and love it but the lack of physical controls or at least a good touchscreen is a dealbreaker in these new ones. Indeed, fingers crossed that Subaru is aware of it and improves it soon.

[richardbrown]

I bought a 2023 Crosstrek Limited (2.5 liter engine). It’s my first Subaru and I really like it. Mine was the last year to get the physical HVAC knobs and buttons BUT it also just missed out on the more comfortable seats in the 2024 model. All in all, a really fun/practical AWD vehicle in a great smaller size. I’d definitely buy another one, when it’s time to swap the one I currently have.

[DonathanXVI]

even if their tech is outdated, i admire how subaru sticks to what they’ve already got and gradually improves on it rather than implementing risky new stuff

[sirdan]

The Premium is one I'm considering for sure, along with the CX-30 and Civic Hybrid if I decide to go with a smaller car.

[ErictheRN]

Your bang on about the spark plug replacement (driver side); it's just a pain in the butt to reach to them.

[normaninsandiego]

It would be awesome to have the Turbo Boxer engine in the Crosstrek. Excellent video, Tyler, as always. I'm trying to decide on a 2025 Crosstrek base or a Corolla LE.

[rick]

A lot of owners report the same thing…a glitchy, laggy, slow to respond infotainment screen. You figure a faster chip should fix that, ? Maybe in 2026

[Unchainedmaple]

Honestly I'm waiting for a Crosstrek Hybrid or a Crosstrek WRX and a return of physical climate buttons because the current laggy touchscreen is just unacceptable, an absolute deal breaker. Imagine how bad it's going to get five years down the line and the touchscreen becomes even more laggy. Just enjoying my CX-30 for now but that needs a hybrid badly as well.

[jparker]

I think most people should steeraway from the wilderness unless they seriously intend to take it offroad often. I had a loaner for a week. It doesn't handle as well as other trims on road, is notably louder, and got only 28-29mpg on the highway with an average speed of 60. The Sport is really nice, just sad it lost the Startex interior.

[Hi-how-are-you-today.]

Imagine a wilderness Impreza 😂 (since this is just a lifted version of the sedan)

[WXGPS]

I commend you mentioning the on the Thermal Control Valve, I have the 2l and happy after hearing this I got a 2024 Premium. One tech issue I have had with my 2024 Corsstrek Premium was the radio locked up full volume with digital sound and even the power down holding button did not work and I have to pull. over and shut car off and get out of it for a few minutes and it shut off and the issue has not come back, but it was startling. Cars been great after 18K

[dariuschicic]

The ability to soak up bumps is an underrated feature, especially while being able to handle well. Usually, it's one or the other, or neither. Many buyers only think they want a sporty feeling suspension because it's often sold as a higher feature. Add that the Crosstrek's seats are comfy and a lumbar support can be added makes this a good choice in regards to spending lots of time in the car.

Hopefully Subaru is investing in a new tactile HVAC system that can move to all models ASAP. Keep the HVAC controls low and then for the new screen, tilt it a little more vertically so the light from the sunroof or side windows doesn't reflect directly to the driver's face. If those things were changed, I could more easily accept that the rest of the interior is a little less stylish than the CX-30 or HR-V.

[Kopernicus]

I have the same infotainment in my '23 WRX, and I don't agree with all the complaints. I just don't feel the need or want to ever touch it. With Apple Car Play I get a GoogleMaps that fills the whole display in full satellite image mode. (competitors give you the letterbox version), completely controllable by Siri. My music is all streaming services and my Apple account, all through Siri and the buttons on the steering wheel.

The only reason I did not consider a Crosstrek for myself and my wife shared the same viewpoint shopping for her last car, the power. 182 hp just doesn't cut it with the full-time AWD, the CVT, and the cushy tires. The car needs a 225 hp option and a hybrid (which is coming). Mazda offers a turbo, and you can get 220 hp out of a RAV hybrid. Great cars, and good review!

[MugatuJag]

Great review as always, I don't know why I've never liked the crosstrek, granted I have not driven the newer ones but they've always been quite loud and cheap feeling. I know they have a improved that a lot, I would go with the new Taos. They are very Germanic, great gas mileage, they feel big inside, they look elegant for being volkswagens. Even if they are made in Mexico. Plus they get better gas mileage, and they are faster