Crossover SUVs have steadily supplanted the sedans, wagons, and minivans that once ruled the road, and it's easy to see why the segment has enjoyed such rapid growth over the last decade. Combining the efficiency and comfort of sedans with the added utility, cargo, and passenger space of SUVs, crossovers represent an important evolution in the world of personal transportation. Despite all of their inherent advantages, the crossovers might still be a little intimidating for those who are new to the segment, but it all depends on which model you choose. Just take the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, for example.
Based on the brand's popular Impreza compact car, the Crosstrek leverages improved ground clearance and a hardy all-wheel drive system while still providing the sort of fuel economy that'll keep your visits to the pump few and far between. This winning combination of features makes a crossover an obvious choice, and it has led more than a few drivers to seek a Subaru Crosstrek for sale near Millbrook. So is the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek a good SUV for first-time buyers? Read on as we explore five features that make the Crosstrek such an obvious choice for SUV newcomers and learn how Subaru's reputation for reliability makes this subcompact crossover such an enticing option.
#1 - Balances Power and Efficiency
Crafting a well-rounded SUV can be a tricky task. Drivers obviously expect a sports utility vehicle to prioritize both performance and utility, but in order to succeed as a daily driver, efficiency and comfort can't be treated as afterthoughts. Subaru has managed to avoid some common pitfalls when it comes to designing the 2025 Crosstrek, and the result is sure to satisfy those who are new to the segment.
With a 2.0-liter base engine that produces up to 152 hp and, on all other trims, a 2.5-liter version that ups the output to 182 hp and allows the SUV to tow up to 3,500 lbs, the 2025 Crosstrek provides plenty of power while offering an exceptionally stable ride. This smoothness can largely be credited to the Boxer engine, which employs a unique design with horizontally opposed cylinders that drastically reduce vibrations when you're cruising down Route 44, running errands around town, or venturing off the beaten path. If you're looking to minimize distractions behind the wheel, the Boxer engine offers some distinct advantages over the standard inline-four, V6, or V8 approach.
All Crosstrek trims are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that allows this crossover to make the most of its potent Boxer engine. By nixing set gears in favor of a belt-and-pulley design, the CVT delivers smooth acceleration, reduces weight, and maximizes efficiency. The CVT will earn its keep every time you pull up to the pump, enabling the Crosstrek to achieve an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
Those figures give the Crosstrek roughly 481 miles of total range and an average annual fuel cost of just around $1,700, which can be an important consideration if you're not accustomed to budgeting for gas. The off-road-focused Wilderness trim lags behind the rest of the lineup thanks to its all-terrain tires and improved ground clearance, but it's a small price to pay for the sort of fun that rugged trim can provide.
#2 - Industry-Leading Reliability
Subaru has long been a standout in terms of dependability, but the company recently solidified that reputation when it landed the top spot in Consumer Reports' rankings of the most reliable new car brands on the market. Subaru dethroned longtime leaders Toyota and Lexus with a stellar 68/100 score, which should instill confidence in any buyer looking to save a little cash—and more than a few headaches—over their vehicle's service life.
Consumer Reports credited Subaru with using high-quality components that could be shared across a wide range of models to reduce repair costs and downtime. "This commonality means that when Subaru redesigns a vehicle, it can make fewer incremental changes by carrying over dependable systems. This reduces the risk of new problems," says Steven Elek of Consumer Reports.
While it's a little early to see how the 2025 Crosstrek holds up over time, other third-gen models have won rave reviews from the likes of RepairPal.com, which gave the Crosstrek a 4.5-star rating that ranks it higher than all compact SUVs currently on the market. The Crosstrek boasts an average annual repair cost of just $492 and a repair frequency of 0.1 against the segment average of 0.4. If something does go wrong, the repairs tend to be relatively minor, with the Crosstrek earning a severity rating of 7% versus 11% for the segment as a whole. If you're looking for a trustworthy SUV that is going to spend less time at the shop and more time exploring, the 2025 Crosstrek is hard to ignore.
#3 - Adventure-Ready Standard AWD
Off-road ability has always been an integral part of the Subaru brand, and the Crosstrek is no different. Like every Subaru (with the exception of the BRZ sports car), the Crosstrek comes standard with a robust Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that allows it to tackle tough conditions while also providing a comfortable, efficient on-road experience.
The AWD system should go a long way toward upping a driver's confidence when the going gets rough, especially for first-time buyers who might have a little less experience behind the wheel. The Crosstrek is also a standout in its segment when it comes to ground clearance. With the base trim clearing the road by 8.7 inches, you'll never have to worry about bottoming out en route to remote put-ins as you explore Dutchess Valley by kayak.
Subaru has also included a generous array of advanced driving tech designed to address some common scenarios a new driver might face when tackling the road less traveled. The Crosstrek's X-Mode system includes specific settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, but it's the Hill Descent Control (HDC) feature that really deserves a closer look. HDC automatically adjusts the SUV's drivetrain, traction control, and anti-lock brake system to help drivers maintain a steady speed when descending a steep incline, which can make all the difference by preventing the wheels from suddenly locking up when traveling at speeds of less than 12 mph.
The 2025 Crosstrek also provides drivers with a handy Hill Start Assist (HSA) function that'll come in clutch whenever you're stopped on a hill. By briefly applying the brakes after the brake pedal is released, HSA prevents the vehicle from rolling down an incline by giving drivers a little extra time to get their foot on the accelerator.
#4 - A Robust Trim for Off-Roading
Those seeking a ready-made adventure vehicle need look no further than the 2025 Crosstrek's Wilderness trim. While every version of the Crosstrek is ready for a little off-the-grid fun, the Wilderness trim significantly ups the arsenal with improved ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and more. The upgraded 2.5-liter Boxer engine provides 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Crosstrek to overcome a wide range of off-road obstacles, while a set of protective body panels protects the vehicle from the bumps, dents, and bruises that come with the territory.
The interior is treated to Subaru's StarTex upholstery, which is durable, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and, most importantly, water resistant. Subaru has also packed the Crosstrek Wilderness with a few advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) intended to elevate the on-road experience, including evasive steering assist and a blind-spot warning feature with rear cross-traffic alert.
#5 - Cargo Space Meets Comfort
The Crosstrek's subcompact designation doesn't mean that it's short on space. In fact, with 54.7 cu.ft. of cargo capacity, the Crosstrek easily places toward the top of the subcompact segment to provide a spacious alternative to competitors like the Chevy Trax (54.1 cu.ft.), Hyundai Kona N (45.8 cu.ft.), and Mazda CX-3 (42.7 cu.ft.).
With comfortable seating for five passengers, plenty of clever cargo solutions, and a largely weatherproof interior with a rear cargo tray that can withstand its fair share of spills, soggy sports equipment, and the muddy boots that come with an early-morning walk at Innisfree Garden, the Crosstrek's Base trim embraces a utilitarian design that still manages to provide plenty of premium touches and modern amenities such as dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and plenty of charging ports.
Upper trims raise the bar from a tech and convenience perspective with an 11.6-inch infotainment display, hands-free keyless entry, push-button engine start, wireless phone charging pad, and heated exterior mirrors, front seats, and windshield, but the Limited trim is where the Crosstrek really gets the chance to flex its premium credentials.
Chrome interior accents, a heated and power-adjustable driver's seat, and leather upholstery with orange stitching lend the Limited a distinctive look, while advanced ADAS tech like blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, evasive steering assistance, and rear automatic braking provide an important safety net. If you're looking to set your Crosstrek Limited apart, Subaru provides plenty of optional add-ons like a sunroof, navigation system, and premium Harman Kardon sound system.
Get the 2025 Crosstrek in Millbrook
Between its brilliant Boxer engine, built-in off-road ability, dedicated Wilderness trim, and feature-packed interior, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is making the subcompact SUV segment more accessible than ever. If you're accustomed to traditional sedans but are looking to take on more challenging terrain without sacrificing the comfort and fuel economy that you've been enjoying, the Crosstrek represents a satisfying crossover alternative that's sure to meet all your needs.
When you're ready to discover more about the 2025 Crosstrek or explore the rest of Subaru's adventure-ready lineup, Ruge's Subaru is here to help. We've learned a lot about the unique needs of Dutchess County drivers over the last 90 years, and we believe that Subaru models like the Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester are particularly well suited for our little corner of the Empire State. Stop by today and learn how Ruge's Subaru can help get you into that new crossover SUV you've been dreaming of.