2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Review, MPG, & Colors. With a host of unique features, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is one of the most capable Crosstrek to date. The Subaru Crosstrek resembles a solid, dependable set of hiking boots. Unfaltering, comfortable, and qualified on the trail. Crosstrek has actually constantly been a flexible jack-of-all-trades AWD hatchback, I imply crossover tiny SUV that punches above its weight off-pavement.
While not especially powerful, with generous ground clearance and Subaru’s well-known AWD system, these lorries have actually gained an adhering to. They’re suitable for people wanting to make it farther down the route or via poor climate. As a matter of fact, Crosstrek was the brand’s successful cars and truck in 2022.
I simply returned from the launch of the brand new Crosstrek Wilderness. So, if a routine Crosstrek is your conventional treking boot, the Wilderness variation is a new couple with thicker soles, better natural leather, and flashier designing. But. do you need various boots?
Simply put: The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness takes every little thing individuals like concerning routine Crosstreks and boosts it, besides the power. The added off-road capability, solid AWD system, and extra daring looks reinforce the company’s go-anywhere attitude and is a solid worth– however more horsepower would’ve been a welcome enhancement.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Exterior
For starters, this little SUV (don’t call it a hatchback) has 9.3 inches of ground clearance. For contrast, a Jeep Wrangler Sporting activity has 9.7 inches, a Ford Bronco Badlands has 8.8 inches, the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser has 8.7 inches (as do non-Wilderness Crosstreks), and the Kia Seltos X-Line has 7.3 inches. The extra clearance is accomplished by taller coil springs, although suspension travel continues to be the same as conventional Crosstreks.
Crosstrek Wilderness has far better strategy, breakover, and departure angles versus other Crosstreks. These angles are important for understanding just how big of an obstacle you can discuss. The cars and truck … er … crossover has a 20-degree technique angle (+2 degrees versus Crosstrek Sporting activity), a 21.1-degree breakover angle (+1.4 levels versus Crosstrek Sporting activity), and a departure angle of 33-degree (+2.9 levels versus Crosstrek Sport).
Subaru geared up Crosstrek Wilderness with all-terrain tires for added traction, especially the Yokohama Geolandar G015. They coincide as Forester and Outback Wilderness, and the exact same size as Forester Wilderness at 225/60R17.
Crosstrek Wilderness likewise gets a light weight aluminum skid plate to assist in shielding the engine from trail hazards, a larger back differential for more robust performance, a CVT with a shorter final drive proportion (4.11 versus 3.7) and a transmission colder to keep it from getting cozy off-road. It even has a higher-powered radiator fan to keep the engine in check when pushed.
Contributing to the ongoing ability, Crosstrek Wilderness has 2 tow points front and back for recovery, and a significantly greater lugging ability of 3,500 pounds– 2,000 more extra pounds than Crosstrek Sporting activity with the very same engine.
The copper-accented roof covering shelf additionally now obtains a main vibrant load rating of 165 extra pounds and a fixed lots rating of 700 extra pounds. That ought to be plenty for those wanting to mount a rooftop tent, cargo service provider, or various other outdoorsy devices.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Wilder Wilderness Exterior
Crosstrek Wilderness is quickly distinguished from various other Crosstrek trims by the big fender flares, large black plastic door guards, trademark copper accents, exclusive black wheels, LED fog lamps, black anti-glare hood sticker, and distinct front and rear fasciae.
The rear bumper cover has a Wilderness-only “SUBARU” wordmark built in. There is likewise a surplus of Wilderness badges on the vehicle: doors, hatch, headrests, flooring mats, and likely various other places I didn’t see. Reality: You will always remember you’re driving a Wilderness– and neither will observers.
This small route tamer can be had in nine shades consisting of Hot spring Blue, which is distinct to the Subaru Wilderness vehicle family. The rich, jewel-tone Lithium Red Pearl is my favorite; Sapphire Blue Pearl is likewise a fantastic shade of indigo. The nonmetallic Alpine Green looks attractive however will cost you $395 added.
Subaru dumped its legendary orange Crosstrek paint for 2022, but they have actually brought orange back for 2025, aka, Sunlight Blaze Pearl. It’s even more burnt than intense orange, however.
Crosstrek Wilderness designing is much more polarizing than its Forester and Wilderness siblings. The addition of the black door cladding with copper text looks as well showy for me; individuals either love this or despise this attribute. Both fasciae are a lot more distinct than Forester or Outback giving a scrappy look.
The total form and lines are unquestionably sturdy. To me, the vehicle looks best from the back, specifically when geared up with the large, functional mud flaps, which are a Subaru device. From the back, it’s muscular, hinting at some rally vehicle DNA.
Not So Rapid, however Lots Of Off-Pavement Expertise
Speaking of rally cars, the Crosstrek Wilderness has great deals of dirt-ready chops and resembles the vehicle equivalent of a HOKA path running footwear. However unlike many rally cars and trucks, it isn’t fast.
It uses the same FB25D twin-cam 2.5 L parts-bin flat 4 available in the Crosstrek Sport, Forester, Legacy, and Outback. It summons 182 horse power and 178 pound-feet of torque put through a CVT– the only powertrain option.
Floor it and there isn’t much exhilaration. Passing in hilly nation, specifically with the cooling on, needs preparation in this 3,417-pound raised hatchback– sorry, crossover. But one doesn’t purchase any type of Crosstrek in hopes of getting rapid transport.
But, as I browsed the sensational crushed rock backroads around Zion National Park, I couldn’t assist yet consider just how an additional 50 horsepower and a more passionate transmission would certainly transform this functional, capable vehicle right into a potent rally rebel.
Also without the turbo gusto, the Crosstrek Wilderness was a great deal of fun on the numerous miles of mesa-lined dust roads that weave their means throughout southerly Utah. The elevated suspension soaked up splits and rocks effortlessly.
It was visibly silent in the cabin also, even on loose gravel stretches. Subaru’s group stated they added much more audio deadening, and specifically minimized what they called “chip.” This describes the rock or crushed rock spray sound from under the auto on dirt/gravel roads.
As we came into a sweeping dust edge, I offered the steering wheel a minor “Scandinavian flick” and then cut the wheel right. The cars and truck’s rear end kicked out naturally, and I would certainly wished for an excellent slide around the corner’s peak.
My co-driver held on, and after that … the skid control kicked in and I’m reminded fact. Although grip control can be impaired, skid control always stays on, so my rally cars and truck dreams were squashed.
Off Road in the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness
I was able to press the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness harder than I would’ve anticipated off-road; as a matter of fact, Subaru motivated it. The compact SUV had the ability to successfully climb up steep and sandy obstacles, descend loosened silty slopes, pass through muddy openings, and straddle deep ruts without objection.
Truthfully, there were a couple of difficult climbs I really did not assume would be workable, or a minimum of would certainly be remarkably difficult. Yet the Crosstrek Wilderness proved a lot more qualified than I anticipated; it dominated everything I placed it as much as. I was truly pleased at its ability, and I have actually been off-roading for virtually two decades.
One drawback: Compared to a typical SUV, it’s tougher to see out of because of its high beltline and reduced car-like seats position.
Unlike the Wilderness Wilderness, Crosstrek Wilderness does not have a grille-mounted front camera, which can be found in convenient when dealing with tracks or just auto parking at the food store. No matter, the auto is easy to drive, experiences well, and the receptive, nimble framework and limited guiding is amusing on and off the tarmac.
Yet allow’s resolve the elephant in the space: This cars and truck asks for the 2.4 L turbo from the Outback or WRX– and everyone recognizes it.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Specs
- Drivetrain: 2.5 L flat-four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT
- Power: 182 hp and 178 lb.-ft.
- Cargo ability: 20.0 cu./ ft. (seats up), 54.9 cu./ ft. (seats down).
- Towing: 3,500 pounds.
In 2022, Subaru debuted the Forester Wilderness and Outback Wilderness. This wilder Wilderness classification indicated far better off-road driving performance and exclusive sturdy designing.
Now, the new-for-2025 Crosstrek can be had as a Wilderness version, offering Subaru a triple danger for off-road-ready crossovers. Specifically, Crosstrek Wilderness has a lot more ground clearance than Crosstrek or Crosstrek Sporting activity, all-terrain tires, and distinct mechanical parts like an extra durable rear differential, unique transmission adjusting, and an aluminum front skid plate, simply to name a few things. All this ups Crosstrek’s go-anywhere capacity.
On the style front, there are exterior and interior little bits that are Wilderness-only, such as the distinct fender flares, huge swaths of door cladding, and trademark copper accents throughout.
Crosstrek Wilderness Interior.
The Crosstrek Wilderness gets much of the exact same interior little bits as the other 2025 Crosstrek models, although with even more copper accents, Wilderness badging, and a black headliner to conceal scuffs from filling cargo or camping equipment.
Stitched vegan natural leather furniture (their words, not mine) in the form of water-resistant StarTex, covers the seats. The front pails are heated and comfortable enough.
Absolutely nothing felt out of place or in the method, just like it needs to really feel. A warmed guiding wheel would certainly’ve been a nice addition.
The cars and truck’s hatchback configuration and folding rear seats make it flexible to transport all type of things, much like all Crosstrek designs.
Related: 2025 Hyundai Kona Redesign, Release Date, and Price
Wilderness obtains the business’s large 11.6-inch touchscreen with Subaru STARLINK (not Elon Musk Starlink), like Forester and Outback versions. And like those devices, there’s a learning curve to use them. I discovered the climate control aggravating. There aren’t many real switches in any way. Yet a minimum of all the screen’s symbols allow.
An available option package for Wilderness consists of power moonroof; 10-way power driver seat with two-way lumbar support; and a Harman Kardon 10-speaker system with a 432W-equivalent amplifier.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: The Price Is Right.
You could be asking how much the Wilderness badges, body cladding, and off-road goodies will certainly cost you over a standard Crosstrek. They will certainly cost you $1,100 more than a Restricted and $3,000 more than a Sporting activity– both of which provide the exact same driveline.
With the ordinary price of a new cars and truck being $48,451 in August 2023, the Crosstrek Wilderness feels like a bargain. The MSRP is $31,995 plus $1,295 delivery, for a grand total before tax, title, and certificate of $33,290.
The only alternative package is $2,270, and Alpine Green is $395 added. So, even one of the most hugely valued Wilderness is rather practical– on today’s new auto market– at $35,955.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Pros & Cons.
Pros.
- Impressive off-road ability.
- Positive, active on- and off-pavement handling.
- Large 3,500-lb. pulling ability.
- High bang-for-your-buck quotient.
Cons.
- Pokey acceleration.
- Black plastic door cladding is polarizing.
- Touchscreen infotainment/climate system is tough to utilize.
- No manual transmission option.
