Which is the best value 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trim level? This question arises due to the significant changes introduced in the 2025 model, which brought about a new best-value trim and a trim to avoid.
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The 2025 Crosstrek has a new best-value trim level.
Subaru of America announced pricing and upgrades for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV. Read my report here for complete details. It's the top-selling SOA model, and the small SUV now has a trim level that will be the one for customers to check out first because it received all the 2025 model change upgrades.
I will explain the most significant improvement, the best trim level now, 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. The new Crosstrek pricing I've included below includes destination and delivery fees ($1,420). I'll explain why the least expensive isn't always the best.
2025 Crosstrek pricing
- Base - $27,115
- Premium - $28,365
- Sport - $30,915
- Limited - $32,815
- Wilderness - $33,915
How much did the 2025 Crosstrek increase in price?
- Base - +$575
- Premium +$280
- Sport - (-$20)
- Limited +$375
- Wilderness +$375
Destination and delivery fees increased by $75.
Did you notice that the 2025 Crosstrek Sport trim decreased its price by $20? Typically, no model ever drops in price, but Subaru wanted to bring the Sport trim pricing in line with the other trim levels. The Sport is still a good value, but another trim level that didn't exist last year is more intriguing.
The Crosstrek is in year two of next-generation model change, and typically, the year after a remodel, there are no upgrades. But Subaru Corp. is not standing pat with one Crosstrek trim.
The Premium trim level is the best value now.
The Crosstrek Premium, with its two new upgrades, has improved drastically. SOA announced that the Crosstrek Premium trim level gets significant upgrades for the 2025 model year, enhancing its performance and 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."
This 2.5-liter engine upgrade significantly enhances the Crosstrek Premium's performance, making it a more compelling choice for potential buyers. Especially at its price point of $28,365.
What changed for 2025?
The previous 2024 Crosstrek Premium had the 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 small $280 price increase.
The Premium trim got lost in the lineup last year.
Last year, few buyers chose the Premium trim because it didn't have the more powerful 2.5-liter Boxer engine. The Sport, Limited, and new Wilderness models did have the engine upgrade.
The previous 2024 Premium trim did not have Subaru's best severe weather and off-road features. For the 2024 model year, Crosstrek Premium had the standard X-Mode system but not dual-function X-Mode.
The 2025 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. Now, customers can go deeper off-road and get off the grid with the Premium trim. Find out more about dual-function X-Mode in my report here.
There is one trim level customers should avoid.
Subaru Corporation still offers the 2025 Crosstrek Base trim level in the lineup, priced attractively at $27,115. However, the least expensive model is not a good value.
With the Premium now coming with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine, I will be surprised if anyone buys the Base trim level with a few upgrades customers want. First, it has a smaller 2.0-liter Boxer engine.
But there's more that customers need to know.
I wrote recently that the Crosstrek Base trim fails to meet customers' high standards for this subcompact SUV. Twenty-three features are missing on the Base, which you'll find on the Premium and other trims.
The extensive list is the same for the 2025 model year, so my report is still applicable. You can read the full details in my report here for more information on why you want to avoid the 2025 Crosstrek Base trim.
There's more.
Additionally, I have uncovered new information from the EPA that reveals Subaru made some changes to the 2.5-liter Boxer engine in the 2025 Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and now new Premium 2.5-liter trim levels. Fuel mileage improved by one MPG. Check out my report here for more information.
Conclusion:
The Crosstrek Premium is now one of the best values for small SUV shoppers, offering a compelling combination of features, performance and fuel efficiency. However, customers need to know that the Premium trim is manufactured in Gunma, Japan, while the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine are manufactured in Lafayette, Indiana.
The 2025 Premium trim with the 2.5-liter engine may be harder to find now unless your local Subaru dealer orders enough of the new trim level. Remember that you can order the exact color and options if you are willing to wait. If you order one, it will take longer to arrive from Japan. This is the only downside I can see.
The 2025 Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness will remain the easiest for customers to find. However, with the Premium receiving significant engine and performance upgrades, it now offers the best value for small SUV buyers.
When will the 2025 Crosstrek be available for U.S. customers?
All 2025 Crosstrek models will begin arriving at Subaru retailers across America later this year.
It's Your Turn.
Which new 2025 Crosstrek trim level are you most interested in? We want to hear your thoughts on the Crosstrek Premium upgrades. Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know.
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 Subaru USA
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