How to Choose Your 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: Engine, Trim, and Feature Options

What the 2025 Crosstrek lineup includes

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek comes in five trim levels — Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Sport Touring — each with different standard features and price points. All models use the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower, paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual transmission. The manual is available only on Base and Premium trims; Sport, Limited, and Sport Touring come with CVT only.

Subaru offers the Crosstrek in two body styles: the standard hatchback and the Crosstrek Wilderness, a more rugged variant with all-wheel drive standard, increased ground clearance, and off-road-focused styling. The Wilderness is available in Base and Premium trims only and does not offer a manual transmission option.

Key Takeaways

All 2025 Crosstrek models have the same 182-horsepower engine, but only Base and Premium trims offer a manual transmission; higher trims use CVT only.
The five trim levels — Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Sport Touring — differ in interior materials, technology features, and safety packages rather than engine power.
The Crosstrek Wilderness variant adds all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and rugged exterior styling, available in Base and Premium trims only.
All-wheel drive is standard on Wilderness models and available on all other trims; front-wheel drive is an option on Base and Premium standard models only.

Transmission choices and what they mean for driving

The manual transmission, available on Base and Premium trims, gives you direct control over gear selection and is generally preferred by drivers who want a more connected driving experience or who plan to tow. The CVT, standard on Sport and higher trims and available on Base and Premium, uses a belt-and-pulley system instead of fixed gears. It delivers smoother acceleration and better fuel economy in most driving conditions, though some drivers find it less engaging.

Subaru's CVT includes a simulated manual mode that lets you hold gears if you want more control without operating a clutch pedal. Real-world fuel economy differences between the two transmissions are small — typically within 1 to 2 miles per gallon — so your choice should depend on whether you prefer the feel of a manual or the convenience of automatic shifting.

Trim-by-trim feature breakdown

Base and Premium trims include standard all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive options, air conditioning, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and Subaru's EyeSight Driver information Technology (adaptive cruise control and pre-collision warning). Premium adds heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Both offer the Crosstrek Wilderness variant.

Sport trim steps up with a CVT-only transmission, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof rails, and a rear spoiler. It drops the front-wheel-drive option — all-wheel drive is standard. Sport does not include the Wilderness variant.

Limited trim adds leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a power liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a power moonroof. It includes Subaru's DriverFocus technology, which monitors driver attention and alerts you if distraction is detected.

Sport Touring trim combines Sport's exterior styling with Limited's interior features: leather seats, heated front and rear seats, the 8-inch touchscreen, moonroof, and DriverFocus. It is the most feature-rich standard configuration.

All-wheel drive versus front-wheel drive

All-wheel drive is standard on Crosstrek Wilderness and Sport trims. On Base and Premium standard models, you can choose between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive reduces weight and improves fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon, making it a practical choice if you live in a region with minimal snow and ice. All-wheel drive provides better traction in wet, snowy, and unpaved conditions and is worth the cost if you encounter those surfaces regularly.

Subaru's all-wheel-drive system uses a symmetrical design that distributes power to all four wheels continuously, rather than engaging only when slipping is detected. This means all-wheel-drive Crosstrek models handle better in curves and on uneven terrain, not just on slippery surfaces.

Technology and safety packages across trims

EyeSight Driver information Technology comes standard on all trims and includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning, and lane-keep information. Higher trims add DriverFocus (Limited and Sport Touring), which uses an interior camera to detect when your attention is drifting and alerts you with a chime and dashboard message.

All trims include a standard backup camera and Subaru's STARLINK infotainment system. Base and Premium use a 6.5-inch or 7-inch screen; Sport and higher use an 8-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on Sport and higher trims and available as an add-on for Base and Premium. Navigation is available on all trims but is not included in the base price.

Crosstrek Wilderness: Off-road focus and rugged styling

The Crosstrek Wilderness is designed for drivers who want a more outdoorsy appearance and slightly better ground clearance without moving to a larger SUV. It sits 0.6 inches higher than the standard Crosstrek, has all-wheel drive as standard, and includes all-terrain tires, roof rails, and skid plates to protect the undercarriage. The exterior features a unique grille, bumper design, and body cladding that give it a more rugged look.

Wilderness is available in Base and Premium trims only, with the same interior features as those trims on the standard model. It does not offer a manual transmission or front-wheel-drive option. If you want Wilderness styling with Premium features like heated seats, you would choose the Premium Wilderness trim.

Color and interior material options

The 2025 Crosstrek is offered in eight exterior colors: Autumn Green Metallic, Autumn Black Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Abyss Blue Pearl, Horizon Blue Pearl, Plasma Yellow Pearl, Venetian Red Pearl, and Crystal White Pearl. All colors are available across all trims and body styles, though some dealers may have limited inventory of certain colors.

Interior upholstery varies by trim: Base and Premium use cloth seats; Sport uses cloth with sport-styled trim; Limited and Sport Touring use leather. All trims offer the same dashboard layout and control placement, so the main difference is material quality and heated seat availability on higher trims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a manual transmission on a Sport or Limited Crosstrek?

No. The manual transmission is available only on Base and Premium trims. Sport, Limited, and Sport Touring models come with the CVT only. If a manual is important to you, you would need to choose Base or Premium and decide whether to add all-wheel drive and other features through dealer options.

What is the difference between Crosstrek and Crosstrek Wilderness?

Wilderness adds 0.6 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, skid plates, roof rails, and a more rugged exterior design. It is available in Base and Premium trims only and does not offer front-wheel drive or manual transmission options. Standard Crosstrek trims offer more flexibility in transmission and drive-type choices.

Does higher trim mean better fuel economy?

No. Fuel economy depends on transmission type (CVT is slightly better than manual), drive type (front-wheel drive is slightly better than all-wheel drive), and driving habits. A Base model with CVT and front-wheel drive will get similar or better fuel economy than a Limited with all-wheel drive, even though Limited costs more.

Is all-wheel drive worth the extra cost?

That depends on your climate and driving conditions. If you encounter snow, ice, or unpaved roads regularly, all-wheel drive improves traction and handling noticeably. If you live in a dry climate with paved roads year-round, front-wheel drive saves money and fuel with minimal practical difference in everyday driving.

Can I add features from higher trims to a lower trim?

Some features are available as dealer-installed options or packages on lower trims, but not all. Heated seats, moonroofs, and upgraded touchscreens may be available as add-ons depending on your dealer and the specific trim. Contact a Subaru dealer with your preferred trim and ask what options they offer for that model year.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.