Subaru will offer a wide range of SUVs in 2025. These range from the compact Crosstrek to the three-row Ascent, which is designed for families. If you want a Subaru SUV that is affordable, the Crosstrek is your best option. Subaru’s Crosstrek is currently the least expensive SUV, with a MSRP of $27.980 (including a $1,420 destination charge). The price will increase in 2026 but it is likely to remain the least expensive model in Subaru’s lineup. Subaru announced that a new hybrid model for 2026 will arrive in fall 2025. It has a lot to offer.
You might not need to wait until the hybrid model arrives. The current Crosstrek has a lot of features and equipment at a reasonable price. It’s also relatively efficient. Standard equipment on the base Crosstrek includes dual zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED lights, and dual 7″ touchscreens. Subaru SUVs are known for their off-road capabilities, and the Crosstrek is no exception. It has 8.7 inches of clearance, all-wheel-drive, and driver-assists such as hill-descent controls. What about that efficiency we mentioned earlier? The EPA rates the Crosstrek’s base engine at 29 mpg (27 city/34 road) — excellent numbers for its class.
Specs, features and the current Crosstrek.
Two engines are available for the Crosstrek 2025. The standard engine is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produces a modest 152 hp with 145 lb.-ft. of torque. A 2.5-liter engine with 182 hp, 172 lb.-ft. of torque is available as an option. The 2.5-liter engine is also EPA-estimated to be 29 mpg (27 city/33 freeway).
Crosstrek has a lot of ground clearance and a robust underbody, as well as standard all-wheel-drive. It is also capable off-road. The EPA estimates that the rugged versions, such as the Wilderness trim, are where adventurous shoppers should start their search. However, they will see a reduction in fuel economy, which drops to 27 mpg. Although the Crosstrek is technically a SUV, it is quite small in comparison to other vehicles of the same class. The Crosstrek measures only 176.4 inches from nose to tail. This is 4.5 inches less than the Toyota RAV4 2025. It has a limited amount of cargo space behind the rear seat, with only 19.9 cubic feet. The Crosstrek’s cargo space is not as large as the Honda HR-V or the RAV4. The Crosstrek’s exterior dimensions are small enough to fit into tight spaces. However, its diminutive size doesn’t prevent it from being able to tackle your local off-road trails. What will the 2026 Crosstrek look like?
Subaru will no longer offer the 2.0-liter base engine in 2026. Instead, the 2.5-liter standard engine will be available. The power drops to 180 hp but the torque increases to 178 lb.-ft. The hybrid model is the real change. It has a 2.5-liter engine with a hybrid system, which produces 194 hp. Subaru hasn’t yet released torque information, but hybrids are known to get extra torque from the battery and some off-the line push. So we have high hopes for the Crosstrek. Fuel economy has not been disclosed yet, but is expected to be better than the standard model’s combined 29 mpg. Subaru claims that the new standard model will have a 33% improvement in city fuel efficiency. Our math says this is about 35 mpg. Subaru has only announced the pricing. The base trim levels for 2026 begin at $28,415. Hybrid models are more expensive and start at $35,415, the least expensive hybrid model. The Limited trim comes with more creature comforts and features, and costs $36,415. (All prices include a $1,420 destination charge). The real-world fuel efficiency and the way the hybrid system affects the driving experience will determine whether or not the Limited trim level is worth the extra money.
