The 9 Best SUVs Under $25K - Subaru Crosstrek Now Scores 2nd Overall

We reported on Kelly Blue Book's (KBB) 12 Best Family Cars of 2022, and the Outback is the best 2-Row SUV, but you don't need to spend $30,000 to $40,000 to get the utility of a midsize SUV. What are the best small SUVs priced under $25,000? KBB says the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek ranks the second-best new model and offers impressive cargo space, versatility, and excellent safety features.

KBB's new list of the 10 Best Family Cars Under $25,000 includes nine new 2022 model year subcompact SUVs and has a starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) below $25,000.

photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

Ranked from first to last, KBB's top picks are the Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Soul, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Rogue Sport, and Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The vehicles also earned excellent safety ratings, and nearly every model is an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+.

KBB says, "If your family wants to visit the great outdoors, there may be no vehicle that makes it easier than the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It's available with X-Mode with hill descent control and StarTex water-repellent upholstery, so cleanup isn't much of an issue, even if you bring your pets along for the ride."

photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

Also Check Out: Consumer Reports Says Avoid The VW Taos, Buy A Subaru Crosstrek Instead

How much cargo space does the Crosstrek have?

Crosstrek comes with 100.9 cubic feet of space for passengers, with 20.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. The maximum cargo volume is 55.3 cubic feet, with the rear seats lowered.

What is the price of all Subaru Crosstrek trim levels?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek comes in five trim levels for customers. The base trim is priced from $23,570, Premium ($24,720), Sport ($27,920), Limited ($29,420) and Crosstrek Hybrid ($37,895). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

What are the 2022 Crosstrek safety scores?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), has been a Top Safety Pick winner for 11 consecutive years. The Crosstrek Hybrid earns the highest Top Safety Pick + award.

2022 Crosstrek trims with the CVT automatic transmission come standard with Subaru's EyeSight safety technology. EyeSight includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with complete stop, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, rear vehicle detection, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert.

What is the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek's fuel mileage?

You can have an all-wheel-drive SUV and still get good fuel efficiency. The Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Limited trim levels have a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine and get 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The standard 2.0-liter engine gets 28/33 mpg and 30 combined mpg with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic.

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid gets the best fuel mileage. In Consumer Reports testing, the plug-in hybrid gets 38/45 city/highway MPGe and 42 combined MPGe. Note that the Crosstrek Hybrid is not available in all states.

KBB says, "These (fuel mileage) numbers are especially impressive considering this is an all-wheel-drive-only SUV."

Our take

Which trim level is the best value? The Premium Crosstrek trim hits the sweet spot and comes with the standard features most customers want. We would pick the Sport trim with the 2.5-liter engine for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a dual-function X-Mode for severe weather and extreme all-terrain ability.

KBB says the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek ranks the second-best new small SUV pick under $25,000 and offers impressive cargo space, versatility, and excellent safety features.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Schumacher Subaru