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Subaru of America is about to unveil the new 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. The announcement is expected to be made this summer, sparking excitement among car enthusiasts who want to see the new improvements.
Should you wait for the new 2025 Subaru Crosstrek? Let's explore what's coming and whether it's worth the wait.
Subaru gave the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek a complete remodel from the ground up. If Subaru of America follows its usual pattern, the 2025 Crosstrek will likely only receive a few upgrades. Subaru typically makes minimal changes, if any, in the second year of a model's life cycle. This means that if you're considering buying the current model, you won't be missing out on any major updates.
Planet Subaru says, "The 2025 Crosstreks will arrive at Planet in later summer to early autumn of 2024. Subaru completely revised the car last model year, so don't expect any changes this soon, in just the second year of this generation."
If It Ain't Broke, Why Fix It?
Subaru of America's current generation Crosstrek has been a resounding success. The subcompact SUV is in such high demand that Subaru Corporation has decided to shift manufacturing of three trim levels to the Indiana factory: the Crosstrek Sport, Wilderness, and Limited. This success is a testament to the quality and appeal of the current model.
The 2025 model-year upgrades will likely involve option and feature shuffling in some trim levels.
But I can guarantee one thing.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 2025 Crosstrek is expected to come with a small price increase. While it shouldn't be significant, you can anticipate a slight bump in the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP.) This could impact your budget, so it's worth considering if you're planning to buy a new car soon.
So, there will be no benefit for customers wondering if they should wait for the 2025 Crosstrek.
There will be no new engine upgrades. Subaru will keep the 2.0-liter Boxer engine in the Base and Premium trims.
The Crosstrek Sport, Wilderness, and Limited will keep the 2.5-liter Boxer engine with no changes in power.
Will Subaru bring back the Crosstrek manual transmission?
I'm constantly asked about the Crosstrek 5-speed manual transmission. Will Subaru bring back the manual transmission now that they have developed the EyeSight compatibility technology?
It isn't very likely.
Few buyers bought the Crosstrek manual transmission trim, and there weren't enough sales to support Subaru's decision to bring it back. Subaru had to keep the manual transmission in the WRX and BRZ sports cars, but that's a different animal.
You've Heard the Crosstrek Hybrid rumblings?
Yes, an all-new Crosstrek Hybrid is coming. But the question is when? Unfortunately, there will be no Crosstrek Hybrid for the 2025 model year. Subaru Corporation's next Hybrid launch will be the all-new Forester. The new next-generation Forester Hybrid will launch in the U.S. one year from now. You can read my report here.
After the Dust Settles
Subaru will let the Forester Hybrid breathe for a year, and after the dust settles, Subaru will introduce the next Hybrid model, which is likely to be the Crosstrek Hybrid in 2026. However, Subaru has yet to confirm this.
A telltale sign.
However, In a new Subaru video, Tetsuo Fujinuki, Subaru's chief technical officer, explained the new Subaru Hybrid technology.
Based on the camouflaged Subaru Crosstrek prototype displayed alongside the Boxer/Hybrid powertrain during Fujinuki's address, the Subaru Crosstrek could be the next model to get the new technology. Read my report here on the latest Subaru Boxer/Hybrid technology.
The Crosstrek is due for a refresh in 2026, so I expect to see the new Crosstrek hybrid in two years.
Without Them, the 2025 Crosstrek Stalls Twice
These following two upgrades are NOT coming on the 2025 Crosstrek, but I'd like to see them. The Crosstrek is a near miss at being even better.
Heated steering wheel
Subaru sells many all-wheel-drive Crosstrek vehicles in cold-weather Mountain, Pacific, and Northeast states. It's the Japanese automaker's home turf. So why don't they offer a heated steering wheel on any of the Crosstrek trim levels? That's a good question.
Subaru of America should offer it on the new outdoor-themed Crosstrek Wilderness and upper Limited trim levels at the very least. But they don't. It's a feature I would pay extra for; how about you?
Head up display
I have talked to many customers who want a head-up display (HUD) system that projects information onto the windshield. What was once exclusively available in luxury vehicles and head-up displays now come standard on some mainstream brand cars. Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota offer head-up displays.
It's a great convenience feature and offers another level of safety for drivers who want to keep their eyes on the road. So far, Subaru has yet to provide any new model with a HUD, and the 2025 Forester won't either.
Why is a head-up display a critical feature?
A head-up display is more than a luxury feature. It's a needed safety feature because it allows the driver to keep both eyes on the road by directly putting essential information in the driver's sight. Many automakers like Mazda and Hyundai now offer a head-up display on lower trims, and you don't have to buy a luxury car. It's the one feature Subaru should offer on all its SUVs.
Unfortunately, Subaru doesn't offer a HUD on any vehicle in its lineup. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV won't have a head-up display either.
Do you think Subaru Corporation should add a heated steering wheel and HUD display on the 2025 Crosstrek? Click the red Add New Comment link below and join the discussion.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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: Subaru
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