2018 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: One Year after the Redesign

The Subaru Crosstrek has long been a favorite among drivers who want the practicality of an SUV with the agility of a smaller vehicle. Known for its standard all-wheel drive, adventurous spirit, and everyday versatility, the Crosstrek has evolved significantly over the years. The 2018 model came in the second year of the second generation of the compact crossover, offering a refreshed design and improved comfort compared to its predecessor. Fast forward to 2025 - just one year after a redesign in the third generation - the Crosstrek continues to build on its strengths with modern styling, added capability, and a more refined interior.

This comparison looks at how far the Crosstrek has come in seven years, highlighting key differences in exterior design, cabin comfort, performance, and overall refinement between the 2018 Crosstrek and the 2025 model.

What's New for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek?

Following a full redesign introduced in 2024, the 2025 Crosstrek brings modest yet impactful updates. Now, the 2.5-liter Boxer engine (182 hp and 178 lb-ft) is standard on all trims but the base level trim, replacing the base 2.0-liter engine from previous years. That is the only significant change for the 2025 model compared to the outgoing model, which introduced numerous updates with the redesign.

How does the Exterior of the 2025 Crosstrek Differ from the 2018 Crosstrek?

The Crosstrek was redesigned in 2024, and the 2025 model maintains that comprehensive update, carrying on the excitement that came with that fresh look. You'll notice a more rugged, sculpted design, with prominent plastic cladding and a layered honeycomb grille that conveys adventure-ready character. The 2018 model, by comparison, features a softer and less aggressive silhouette with slimmer accents.

The current iteration presents sleeker LED lighting, refreshed alloy wheel designs, and a higher ground clearance baseline (8.7 inches standard, with Wilderness variants offering 9.3 inches). Overall, the 2025 exterior feels bolder and more modern, and it's better equipped for both urban and off-road environments.

What Upgrades Does the 2025 Crosstrek Have for the Interior Over the 2018 Model?

The 2025 Crosstrek continues to offer a five-seat cabin, much like the 2018 model. However, it introduces several notable interior enhancements:

• Upholstery and Trim: Both model year entry-level trims offer durable cloth, while upper trims add more refined finishes. The 2025 Sport trim brings two-tone Sport Cloth with contrast stitching; Limited offers leather; and the Wilderness model features rugged, water‑repellent StarTex upholstery with copper-colored interior accents.
  
• Comfort and Seating: Improved ergonomics include available heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Overall seating within the cabin feels more supportive and upscale than in the 2018 model.
  
• Cargo and Interior Space: The 2025 model provides up to 120.4 cubic feet of total interior space, exceeding popular rivals like the Corolla Cross and Mazda CX‑30. That includes up to 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded flat. Compared to the 2018 version's more modest footprint of 100.5 cubic feet, the current model clearly offers a more spacious and versatile cabin for passengers and gear alike.

How Do the Power and Performance of the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2018 Crosstrek Compare?

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. It comes with standard all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, giving it modest off-road capability. It has 1,500 lbs towing capacity to haul gear for weekend trips and more.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers two engine choices: a base 2.0-liter that puts out 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque and a more powerful 2.5-liter that puts out 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque for the Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. The 2025 model also has standard all-wheel drive, and the continuously variable transmission is an upgraded Lineartronic model. Upper trims also include an 8-speed simulated manual mode with paddle shifters for enhanced control.

Fuel economy on the 2025 Crosstrek is improved, with a combined rating of approximately 29 mpg in many configurations. The Wilderness trim steps performance up further. Its specialized transmission cooling system allows up to 3,500 lbs towing capacity, which is ideal for light trailers or gear hauls.

How Has the 2025 Crosstrek Improved the Infotainment and Technology Offerings Over the 2018 Crosstrek?

Both Crosstrek models come with great infotainment and technology features. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek introduced the Subaru Starlink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it had a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen for its infotainment system. Higher trims offered upgrades like heated seats, a power driver's seat, and adaptive LED headlights.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Crosstrek comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen for its infotainment display, and it continues to run Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has wi-fi capability and offers an optional 11.6-inch display on higher trim levels. The advanced tech provides a significantly enhanced user experience compared to the 2018 base setup. The offerings are part of the standard evolution of Subaru's tech package offerings.

Is the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Safer than the 2018 Crosstrek?

Subaru has always been known for prioritizing safety in its vehicles, and the Crosstrek has a reputation as a safe SUV. The 2018 Crosstrek is equipped with standard safety tools like ABS, airbags (front, side, knee), traction control, and available EyeSight with adaptive headlights and advanced driver aids (primarily on higher trims).

The 2025 Crosstrek continues the strong legacy of the Starling and EyeSight safety suite, enhanced with modern capabilities like dual-function X-MODE, proactive collision avoidance, and improved driver assist. The latest EyeSight system continues to offer industry-leading crash prevention and improved performance over earlier iterations.

VIsit Granite Subaru to Shop for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

Ready to experience the enhanced power, tech, and safety of the redesigned 2025 Crosstrek for yourself? Visit Granite Subaru, where you'll find expert guidance, competitive pricing, and availability across trim levels, including the rugged Wilderness edition. Take a test drive and discover why the newest Crosstrek generation stands out in performance, comfort, and capability.