Review: 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
A Cracking Little Adventurer – But is it Perfect?
For those not familiar, the Crosstrek is Subaru’s answer to the question, “What if a small SUV could do everything?” First introduced in 2013 (under the XV badge in the UK), the Crosstrek was designed for those who wanted the versatility of an SUV without the bulk.
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is a cracking motor, no doubt about it. It’s got that rugged charm, the off-road chops, and a reputation for reliability that means it’ll probably still be plodding along long after cockroaches have taken over the planet. But let’s not get carried away – it’s not perfect, but no car is. If you’re expecting a fire-breathing performance car or a leather-lined palace on wheels, you might want to sit yourself down and adjust those expectations.
So, let’s get into it, what’s brilliant, what’s ‘meh’, and what might have you shaking your head like a mechanic handed a DIY repair job gone wrong.
Performance: It’ll Get You There… Eventually
Let’s start with the obvious – the Crosstrek is not what you’d call ‘quick’. The standard 2.0-litre flat-four engine chucks out a fairly modest 133bhp, which is fine if you’re pootling around town or trundling along country lanes. But if you’re planning on a dramatic overtake on the M6, best give yourself a mile or two’s notice, and maybe send a courtesy letter to the car in front.
Of course I’m being flippant, but it isn’t the type of SUV that will have you grinning like a loon. This is a car built for steady, confident progress rather than hair-raising sprints. And while that’s perfectly fine for most people, but if you’re used to something with a bit more poke, you might find yourself muttering, “Come on, lad, put yer back into it!”
On the road
Let’s be honest, most of us will spend more time on tarmac than green-lanes, so how does the Crosstrek handle the daily grind? The short answer: rather well. The Crosstrek has been engineered with a refined on-road experience in mind. The suspension has been tweaked for a smoother ride, soaking up potholes and bumps with ease. In fact, in my experience, Subarus are some of the comfiest cars on the road. No matter which model you opt for, they simply glide over the worst imperfections.
The steering is direct and responsive, giving you a sense of control whether you’re navigating tight city streets or cruising down the motorway.
The cabin is impressively quiet for a car in this class. Subaru has done an excellent job of minimising road and wind noise, making for a more serene driving experience. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment options to find the perfect driving position. Long journeys are a breeze, thanks in part to the upgraded infotainment system that includes a larger touchscreen, seamless smartphone integration, and a premium sound system for when you need to blast your favourite tunes.
Off-Road Capability: More Than Just a pretty Face
Now, onto the part that makes the Crosstrek truly stand out: its off-road capability. Subaru has always been synonymous with ruggedness, and the 2024 Crosstrek is no exception. While it’s not designed to tackle the toughest of terrains (leave that to the bigger lads like the Land Rover Defender), it’s more than capable of handling muddy tracks, snowy roads, and even the odd rocky lane.
The Crosstrek comes equipped with Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction on loose surfaces. Coupled with 220mm of ground clearance, it allows you to traverse obstacles that would stop lesser crossovers in their tracks. The X-Mode system, a feature borrowed from Subaru’s larger SUVs, further enhances off-road performance by optimizing the engine, transmission, and AWD system for challenging conditions. Simply put, the Crosstrek will get you to places that would leave most city-focused SUVs floundering.
For those who like to venture off the beaten path, the Crosstrek offers peace of mind. Whether you’re heading to a remote campsite or just tackling the British winter, this Subaru is ready to get dirty.
Fuel Economy: Not Bad, But Not the Best Either
Now, you’d think that a modestly powered, relatively lightweight crossover would sip fuel like a well-mannered guest at a tea party. Well, not quite. Thanks to its full-time all-wheel-drive system (a proper one, not just some part-time front-wheel-drive nonsense), the Crosstrek isn’t as frugal as some of its front-wheel-drive rivals. You’ll be looking at somewhere around 30-40mpg depending on how heavy your right foot is – decent, but nothing to write home about.
CVT Transmission: The Marmite of Gearboxes
Ah, the CVT. Subaru insists on using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) instead of a traditional automatic, and, well… it’s a bit like decaf coffee – some people will swear by it, but others will wonder what the point is.
To be fair, the Crosstrek’s CVT is one of the better ones. It’s smooth, reasonably refined, and keeps engine noise in check – most of the time. But if you need to put your foot down, it has a habit of making the engine rev its nuts off before you actually go anywhere. It’s a bit like shouting at a dog to get off the couch, there’s a pause before it finally gets moving.
That said, it’s totally fine for everyday driving, quite the relaxed affair, but if you like the feel of proper gears shifting, you might find yourself longing for a manual option (which, sadly, isn’t on the table anymore).
Interior Quality: Tough as Old Boots, But Not Exactly Plush
Step inside the Crosstrek, and it’s clear Subaru has prioritised durability over luxury. The cabin is well put together, and everything feels solid – like it could take a bit of rough treatment from muddy dogs, mucky kids, or a boot full of camping gear. But if you’re after soft-touch everything and posh materials, you might be a bit disappointed.
Inside, the Crosstrek is a masterclass in practicality and comfort. Subaru has clearly put a lot of thought into the layout and functionality of the cabin. The materials used are durable and of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces in all the right places. There’s a sense of robustness to everything, from the chunky knobs on the dashboard to the solid feel of the doors. This is a car that’s built to last, and it shows.
Space is another strong point for the Crosstrek. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior is surprisingly roomy. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a comfortable place to be, whether you’re the driver or along for the ride. The boot is also generous for a car of this size, with 430 litres of space to play with. Fold the rear seats down, and you’ve got a flat load floor with enough room for bikes, camping gear, or a week’s worth of shopping.
There’s a fair bit of hard plastic knocking about, which is great for longevity but not exactly premium. The infotainment system has been given an upgrade with a new 11.6” touchscreen, which is a decent size, but the software can be a bit sluggish at times. If you’re used to the lightning-fast responses of your smartphone, you might find yourself tapping the screen harder, as if that’ll make it work faster (spoiler: it won’t).
Boot Space: Enough for Most, But Not the Best in Class
With the rear seats up, you get 430 litres of boot space, which is decent, but not exactly cavernous. It’s fine for the weekly shop or a weekend away, but if you’re planning on packing for a big camping trip, you might need to play a game of Tetris with your kit – or invest in a roof box.
Drop the seats, and there’s plenty of room for most needs, and the rear seats fold flat with a minimal lip for when loading and unloading heavy or awkward loads. As you see, I spent a few days away camping and it swallowed all my gear with ease.
Conclusion: A Likeable but Flawed Companion
The 2025 Crosstrek continues Subaru’s tradition of blending practicality, ruggedness, and comfort in a compact package. It’s not a full-fat off-roader, but it’s far more capable than you think. With its symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) and elevated ground clearance, the Crosstrek is a testament to Subaru’s commitment to providing drivers with the tools to explore, whether it’s a city commute or a weekend in the wilderness.
The Crosstrek is reliable, fun, and happy to get a bit muddy. It may not be the fastest, the most luxurious, or the most fuel-efficient, but it’s got a proper AWD system, a decent bit of ground clearance, and that classic Subaru ruggedness that means it’ll keep going long after you’ve lost the will to clean it.
If you want a small SUV that’s genuinely capable off-road, comfortable on-road, and built to last, the Crosstrek is well worth considering. But if you’re after something nippy, posh, or ridiculously economical, you might find it’s not quite your cup of tea.
Still, if you do end up with one, don’t be surprised if you start taking the scenic route a lot more often – and finding excuses to go off the beaten track.
Website: Subaru UK
Price: from £34,995
