What is the best fuel-efficient small SUV for under $25,000? Consumer Reports says it's the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. I'll explain which trim is best, how much you'll save, and why you should wait two more months.
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The Subaru Crosstrek prices are dropping further, but you may want to wait.
Now could be the best time to buy a new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek because prices are falling, but waiting may be better. An updated report from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the Crosstrek Premium trim pricing is the best small fuel-efficient SUV selling under MSRP. In this report, I'll give you pricing information and explain why you may want to wait two more months for the 2025 models to arrive.
CR says, "We ranked the vehicles by how good a deal they are, relative to the manufacturer's suggested retail price, by using the percentage of savings from the sticker price."
What does Consumer Reports say about current pricing?
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Price Range: $25,195 - $32,195
- CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Highway 41 mpg
- CR ranks the Crosstrek #1 of 11 Subcompact SUVs
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim level is the best value now and is selling under the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
- MSRP: $26,345
- Average spent under MSRP: $456
- Average transaction price: $25,889
Buyers who recently purchased the Crosstrek Premium have enjoyed substantial savings, with an average of nearly $500 off the manufacturer's suggested retail price. This represents a significant discount on Subaru's top-selling model.
CR says, "To help CR members, we reviewed the latest transaction data reflecting what people actually paid for 2024 model-year cars in the past month."
Why should you wait two more months to buy the Crosstrek Premium trim?
Subaru of America announced pricing and new upgrades for the 2025 Crosstrek subcompact SUV. You can read my 2025 model guide report here. I will explain the most significant improvement, but first, here is the new 2025 Crosstrek pricing across all trims.
Despite the price increases in the new 2025 model year, the Crosstrek Base and Premium trims remain affordable, both available for under $30,000 MSRP. The new Crosstrek pricing I've included below includes destination and delivery fees ($1,420).
The 2025 Crosstrek pricing for its five trim levels.
- Base - $27,115
- Premium - $28,365
- Sport - $30,915
- Limited - $32,815
- Wilderness - $33,915
How much did the 2025 model change pricing increase?
- Base - +$575
- Premium +$280
- Sport - (-$20)
- Limited +$375
- Wilderness +$375
Destination and delivery fees increased by $75.
There are two surprises for the 2025 Crosstrek.
- 1. Typically, prices go up, and I was surprised to see the 2025 Crosstrek Sport trim decrease in price. $20 isn't much, but every little bit counts.
- 2. Also, in year two of the next-generation model change and the year after a remodel, typically, there are no upgrades. Subaru Corporation did not stand pat with the popular Crosstrek.
Subaru of America has announced two significant upgrades for the 2025 Crosstrek Premium trim, making it a more compelling choice for potential buyers.
Subaru says, "This year, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium adds a more potent 2.5-liter, 182-horsepower Boxer engine and dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control."
1. The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a 2.0-liter Boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the 2025 Premium trim now comes with 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement that justifies the slight price increase.
This 2.5-liter engine upgrade significantly enhances the Crosstrek Premium's performance, making it a more compelling choice for potential buyers.
2. Another significant upgrade is the new Premium trim, which now comes with dual-function X-Mode.
The Premium's new dual-function X-Mode tech includes selectable Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings to optimize all-wheel drive performance in difficult weather or adverse road conditions. For the 2024 model year, Crosstrek Premium had the standard X-Mode system but not dual-function X-Mode.
The 2025 Crosstrek Premium with the new 2.5-liter Boxer engine is now the best value for small SUV shoppers.
There's still more if you wait for the 2025 Crosstrek Premium trim
I've uncovered more new 2025 Crosstrek details.
The Crosstrek Premium, Sport, and Limited trims have improved fuel mileage for the 2025 model year.
Previously, the 2024 Crosstrek 2.5-liter Sport and Limited achieved an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.
The 2025 Crosstrek 2.5-liter gets a one mpg increase over the 2024 models.
The new 2025 Crosstrek 2.5-liter Sport, Limited, and Premium trim levels achieve a recalibrated EPA-estimated 27/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.
The 2025 Crosstrek Base trim level with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine fuel mileage stays the same as the 2024 models. It gets an EPA-estimated 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.
You can get 30 more horsepower with the 2.5-liter Crosstrek trims with very little difference in fuel mileage.
The 2025 2.5-liter engine gets nearly the same fuel mileage. It has one mpg less in city driving and the same for highway and combined mpg.
The question on your mind now is, will Subaru of America still offer great pricing on the 2025 Crosstrek models?
Inventory is increasing, making it a buyer's market right now. Read my report here for more information.
I would say that you can still get below-MSRP pricing on the 2025 Crosstrek Premium trim. The 2025 Crosstrek Premium's price increased by a reasonable $280, and Subaru of America retailers now have a more plentiful supply of the new models.
Conclusion:
With the prices of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek currently dropping, the outgoing model still offers significant value, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
However, the 2025 Crosstrek Premium trim level receives significant engine and performance upgrades, with a modest price increase; I think it offers the best value for small SUV buyers if you can wait.
When will the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek arrive?
Subaru of America says the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek will be available for U.S. customers later this year, so you'll only have to wait two more months.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Competition Subaru
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