Trucks and SUVs

2025 Best Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is no stranger to the AutoTrader Awards, and thanks to the votes of over 20 automotive experts, it has come out on top for the third year in a row as the Best Subcompact SUV to buy in Canada.

After considering every model available in the popular subcompact SUV segment, including the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and numerous others, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the one our experts would most confidently recommend to friends and family.

The Crosstrek is a well-rounded vehicle with a lively and refreshing driving feel. With generous ground clearance, excellent outward visibility, and a manageable footprint, it’s easy to drive, remains comfortable on rough roads, is unstoppable in the winter, and feels as safe and solid as its safety scores suggest. It’s practical, roomier than many competitors, and very user-friendly.

Among its competitors, our experts admire the Crosstrek’s impressive balance of comfort and good handling. This latest model combines eager reflexes with a refreshingly controlled backroads drive, so it’s always comfortable no matter the state of the road or conditions.

The Crosstrek has carved out an excellent reputation for itself after being on the market for 11 years, and whether for a small family or someone with an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, the small SUV has evolved to deliver what many Canadian shoppers are looking for. The Crosstrek is now in its third generation.

Making the Crosstrek even more versatile, it’s now available with an upgraded engine for those who want more power. A new 2.5L boxer four-cylinder provides a 30-horsepower bump over the standard engine, with barely any impact on fuel efficiency.

All models come standard with an always-on all-wheel-drive system that will positively shred winter driving conditions with quality winter tires, and standard adaptive LED headlights that bend into turns in the road are an asset while driving at night.

Ditto the latest EyeSight safety system tech, which joins the model range for 2025. As part of a continuous evolution of this signature safety system suite, a clever new feature called Emergency Steering Assist is now standard, helping drivers better control the vehicle in certain emergency situations.

Pricing starts in the low-$30,000 range for the Convenience model, with the Touring model coming in from just over $35,000 with a touchscreen upgrade, more colour choices, and enhanced connectivity. The Onyx and Limited models push the Crosstrek’s price further towards the $40,000 mark, with additional features like wireless phone charging, premium audio, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat. Only the Crosstrek Wilderness costs more, coming in at just over $41,000. This model is for drivers who want even more off-road capability.

(all prices here are 2024 including taxes/fees– can update with 2025 price list once available)

With no hybrid or plug-in option in Canada, the Crosstrek may be missing an opportunity to capture the interest of an increasing number of shoppers looking for something more efficient, but for a vehicle with permanent AWD, the Subaru’s efficiency is tough to match.

Efficient, practical, capable, user-friendly, and affordable, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek checks  lot of boxes and raises the bar for the segment, which is exactly what our experts are looking for when voting on the best vehicles for Canadians to buy.