2025 Subaru Crosstrek Trims Breakdown: Which One Should You Actually Buy?

So, you’ve decided on the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. Great choice. It’s a capable, safe, and efficient crossover. But now you’re facing the tough part: trying to figure out the trim levels.

What’s the real difference between the Premium and the Sport? Is the Wilderness just an appearance package? It can be confusing.

This 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trims breakdown is different. We’re not just going to list specs. As an automotive editor, I’m here to explain what those specs feel like on the road and which trim gives you the best value for your money. Let’s find your perfect fit.

Quick Answers: The 2025 Crosstrek Trims in 60 Seconds

Here’s the expert summary of what you need to know.

• The Big Engine Change: For 2025, the 2.0L (152-hp) engine is only in the Base trim. The much stronger 2.5L (182-hp) engine is now standard on Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims.
• The New Sweet Spot: The Premium is now the clear value leader. It’s the most affordable trim that gets you both the big 11.6-inch touchscreen and the powerful 2.5L engine.
• The Feature Trims: The Sport adds stylistic flair (yellow accents), heated seats, and wireless charging. The Limited adds luxury features like leather seats and advanced safety.
• The Real Off-Roader: The Wilderness is a dedicated off-road tool. It’s the only one with 9.3 inches of clearance, all-terrain tires, and a 3,500-lb (1,588 kg) towing capacity.
• Standard Safety: You don’t have to pay extra for core safety. Every 2025 Crosstrek, even the Base, comes with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the excellent EyeSight® Driver Assist suite.

The Power Divide: 2.0L vs. 2.5L Engine Explained

Let’s be direct: the biggest decision you used to have to make is now much simpler.

The Base trim is the only model that uses the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (152 horsepower). This engine is reliable and focuses on efficiency. For relaxed city driving and daily commuting, it’s perfectly adequate. However, many drivers find it underpowered for highway merging or steep hills.

For 2025, every other trim—Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness—gets the 2.5-liter engine, which provides a much healthier 182 horsepower. This 30-hp jump is a game-changer. It makes the Crosstrek feel responsive, confident, and far less stressed when accelerating onto a freeway. From a daily driving perspective, this is the engine that makes the Crosstrek feel “properly” powered.

Fuel Economy & Towing Capacity

Here’s the best part: you barely pay a fuel penalty for the bigger engine. Based on official 2025 EPA ratings, the 2.0L (Base) gets an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined (approx. 8.1 L/100 km).

The 2.5L engine (in Premium, Sport, and Limited) is rated for an almost identical 28 MPG combined (approx. 8.4 L/100 km). This small trade-off is well worth the huge boost in power. The rugged Wilderness trim, with its off-road tires, drops to a still-respectable 27 MPG combined (approx. 8.7 L/100 km).

When it comes to towing, capability is clear. All trims are rated for 1,500 lbs (680 kg)—enough for a tiny utility trailer. The specialist Wilderness trim, however, is rated for 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg), making it a great choice for small campers or boats.
(For more details, see our full Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity guide).

A Look Inside: Trim by Trim Comfort & Tech

Here’s what you actually get for your money as you climb the trim ladder covering the key features and tech upgrades.

• Crosstrek Base: This is your no-frills workhorse. It has all the essentials: AWD, EyeSight safety, and dual-zone climate control. The main drawback for many is the 2.0L engine and the dual 7-inch screen infotainment system, which looks dated.
• Crosstrek Premium: This is the real starting point for 2025. It gets the powerful 2.5L engine and ditches the dated screens for the beautiful 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen. It also adds keyless entry with push-button start and roof rails.
• Crosstrek Sport: This trim builds directly off the Premium. It has the same 2.5L engine and screen but adds the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated mirrors), a wireless phone charger, and unique sport-tuned suspension and styling (yellow accents).
• Crosstrek Limited: This is the “luxury” Crosstrek. It keeps the 2.5L engine and adds perforated leather-trimmed seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and 18-inch wheels. It also adds crucial safety features like Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard.
• Crosstrek Wilderness: This trim is built for a specific purpose. The interior features water-repellent StarTex® upholstery (a durable, vegan-friendly material) that you can easily wipe clean. It’s designed to get dirty and is perfect for adventurers.

2025 Crosstrek Trim Spec Comparison

Feature	Base	Premium	Sport	Limited	Wilderness
Engine	2.0L (152 hp)	2.5L (182 hp)	2.5L (182 hp)	2.5L (182 hp)	2.5L (182 hp)
Screen	Dual 7.0-inch	11.6-inch	11.6-inch	11.6-inch	11.6-inch
Upholstery	Cloth	Premium Cloth	Sport Cloth	Leather	StarTex® Water-Repellent
Heated Seats	No	Optional	Standard	Standard	Standard
Safety	EyeSight®	EyeSight®	EyeSight®	EyeSight® + Blind-Spot	EyeSight® + Blind-Spot
Towing	1,500 lbs	1,500 lbs	1,500 lbs	1,500 lbs	3,500 lbs
Ground Clearance	8.7 in.	8.7 in.	8.7 in.	8.7 in.	9.3 in.

Expert Recommendation: Which Crosstrek Trim is Best?

After analyzing the official 2025 specs from Subaru’s U.S media site, our recommendations are very clear this year.

• Best Value for the Money: The Premium. This is the easiest recommendation. For 2025, it’s the most affordable trim that gets you both the modern 11.6-inch screen and the powerful 2.5L engine. It’s a massive upgrade over the Base and is the perfect all-rounder for most people.
• The Best All-Rounder: The Sport. If you live in a cold climate, the Sport is a fantastic choice. It takes the excellent Premium (2.5L engine + big screen) and adds the All-Weather Package (heated seats/mirrors) plus desirable extras like wireless charging and a sportier look.
• The True Adventurer: The Wilderness. No contest. If you are planning to hit trails, tow a small camper, or live in an area with heavy snow, this is the one. It’s a purpose-built tool, and its capability is worth every penny.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is easier than ever. With the powerful 2.5L engine now in the Premium trim, the value proposition is outstanding. It’s no longer just about finding the “best” trim—it’s about finding the best one for you.

Whether you need the incredible value of the Premium or the specialized, tow-capable Wilderness, you’re getting a safe, capable, and reliable AWD vehicle.

Discover expert car tips, towing guides, and vehicle insights at CarFact.online.

FAQs : 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Trims Breakdown

1. What are the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trims?

For 2025, Subaru offers five distinct trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness.

2. What is the main difference between the Crosstrek Premium and Sport?

For 2025, both trims have the same 2.5L engine and 11.6-inch screen. The Sport is an upgrade package that adds the All-Weather Package (heated seats), wireless charging, a sport-tuned suspension, and unique yellow-accented styling.

3. Did the Crosstrek change for 2025?

Yes, one major change. The 2.5L engine, previously reserved for Sport and higher, is now standard on the Premium trim. The 2.0L engine is now only available on the Base trim.

4. Which Crosstrek trim has leather seats?

Only the Limited trim comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

5. Is the Crosstrek Wilderness worth it?

Yes, but only if you will use its features. If you genuinely need the 9.3-inch ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and 3,500-lb towing capacity, it’s a fantastic value. If you only drive on pavement, you’re better off with the comfort of a Sport or Limited.

Still exploring? Discover more Subaru insights, comparisons, and reliability guides in our Subaru category — your hub for expert ownership tips and 2025 model updates.