Two 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Features You Want But Still Can’t Get

The new 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is on its way for customers, but it's missing two upgrades you want. I'll explain what they are, why you can't get them, and three new model changes.

The new Crosstrek is still missing two upgrades you want.

The newly upgraded 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is arguably the best small SUV you can buy. It offers customers everything they want except two things. I've discussed the missing features in previous reports on the next-generation 2024 Crosstrek, and you are still waiting because they aren't included in the 2025 Crosstrek.  

What you can't get on the 2025 Crosstrek 

The Subaru All-Weather Package with heated side mirrors, heated seats, and heated front windshield wipers is optional on the Premium trim and standard on the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness Crosstrek trims again for 2025. Anyone living in a cold climate wants them. 

You can't get a heated steering wheel on any new 2025 Crosstrek trim level. This is an all-weather feature that I am baffled about because it's still not offered on the best-selling model in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive vehicle lineup. 

Subaru offers a heated steering wheel on the Outback, Forester, Ascent, and Solterra SUVs, but not the Crosstrek. It's a wanted and needed feature that would be easy for Subaru to offer, but it doesn't. 

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid trim was the only trim level with an available heated steering wheel, but Subaru of America has discontinued the plug-in hybrid. Check my report here for more information. 

The Crosstrek is the brand's "go-anywhere" all-weather capable subcompact SUV, the best-selling model in Subaru of America's lineup of vehicles. It's the ideal vehicle for cold-weather climates with standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and sits higher with 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.3 inches on Wilderness). A new generation of customers uses it for off-road activities and winter sports.

It's puzzling to me.

However, the most puzzling thing is that the 2025 Crosstrek models shipped to Canada offer a heated steering wheel. So why do U.S. customers who live in the cold climate not get a feature they've requested? A question I can't answer.

The second feature customers want on the 2025 Crosstrek is a power rear tailgate. Regardless of where it's sold, you cannot get a power rear tailgate on any new Crosstrek trim level. 

The power liftgate is another feature that would make the Crosstrek easier to live with and use in any weather. The Crosstrek's rear gate is lighter than other models, but it's not convenient for shorter customers who have a hard time reaching the handle to pull it down. 

Ok, there are three new things on the 2025 Crosstrek. Two are great, and one is not so good.

If you are a regular reader of my reports, you already know that the Crosstrek Premium has been upgraded with the new 2.5-liter Boxer engine. It's now standard on all Crosstrek trims except the Base trim level.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium gets a more potent 2.5-liter Boxer, producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. That's up from the 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque in the 2.0-liter Boxer it had for the 20254 model year. I think it's a significant improvement by Subaru.

There is another new feature coming on the 2025 Crosstrek. 

The 2025 Crosstrek gets a new color option. The new Crosstrek color is Daybreak Blue Pearl with a metallic undertone, which is lighter in color than the Sapphire Blue Pearl. It's a refreshing addition to the color palette, offering a unique and vibrant look. There will be a $395 uncharge for the premium paint color option. However, it's only available in the Base and Premium trims. 

The Crosstrek Daybreak Blue Pearl joins two other Premium Paint option colors still available on the 2025 Crosstrek: Offshore Blue Metallic and Alpine Green, with a $395 uncharge. 

The third new thing is the 2025 Crosstrek pricing. It is increasing.

• Base - $27,115
• Premium - $28,365
• Sport - $30,915
• Limited - $32,815
• Wilderness - $33,915

How much did the 2025 Crosstrek pricing increase?

• Base - +$575
• Premium +$280
• Sport - (-$20)
• Limited +$375
• Wilderness +$375

The 2025 Crosstrek pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,420). 

Many customers ask, will the Crosstrek ever be offered with a turbocharged engine? 

The answer is no. Subaru Corporation thinks the Crosstrek has plenty of power with the new 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 2.5 liter Boxer. You won't see a Crosstrek with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer that's offered in the Outback. 

The new Crosstrek Hybrid trim level is being designed now. 

However, a new Crosstrek Hybrid (SHEV) is coming likely in 2027. The all-new Forester Hybrid will arrive next year, and the Crosstrek Hybrid will be available in the U.S. shortly after. Check out my Crosstrek Hybrid report here for additional information. 

It's important to note that the Crosstrek 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 U.S.-made Crosstrek may be easier to get initially. 

When will the 2025 Crosstrek be available to purchase?

New 2025 Crosstrek models should arrive at the end of December. You can order them now from your local Subaru retailer with a mid-January delivery. 

What do you think of the 2025 model year grades?

Would you like to see a heated steering wheel in the Crosstrek? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. Before test-driving new vehicles in 2001 as a freelance journalist, I invested 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am also 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 Tucson Subaru