Looking for a Top Cheap Suv that doesn’t compromise on capability? The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek emerges as a strong contender in the affordable SUV market. This compact four-door hatchback offers a compelling blend of value, practicality, and Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking adventure-ready vehicles.
The Crosstrek comes with two engine options, both paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 152 horsepower, is adequate for everyday driving. However, for those seeking more power, especially on challenging terrains or during long drives, the upgraded 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower, significantly enhances the driving experience. Subaru has made this larger engine more accessible for 2025, now standard in the Premium trim and above, which is great news for buyers seeking a more powerful yet still cheap SUV.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Crosstrek is its starting price, hovering around $27,115. This positions it firmly within the top cheap SUV category. Even at this base price, you get a highly capable vehicle that excels in various conditions. Its standard all-wheel drive provides confidence in snow and on slippery roads, while its rugged design allows it to handle gravel roads and light off-road trails with ease. Furthermore, the hatchback design offers impressive cargo space, comfortably accommodating skis, bikes, and other gear – a practical advantage for those with active lifestyles looking for a cheap SUV that can keep up. For a relatively small price increase of around $1,250, upgrading to the Premium trim unlocks the more powerful 2.5-liter engine and an upgraded 11.6-inch touchscreen, further enhancing the value proposition of this cheap SUV.
For buyers seeking even greater off-road prowess in a cheap SUV package, the $33,915 Wilderness trim is worth considering. While it represents a significant price jump compared to the base model, the Wilderness trim transforms the Crosstrek into a much more capable off-road machine. It boasts an increased ground clearance of 9.3 inches (compared to 8.7 inches in other trims), a lower final drive ratio for improved climbing ability, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires for enhanced traction on loose surfaces. Additional features like a transmission oil cooler, which increases towing capacity from 1,500 pounds to 3,500 pounds, further solidify the Wilderness trim’s off-road credentials. However, this enhanced capability comes at the expense of fuel economy, slightly reducing combined city/highway driving MPG to 27 compared to 29 mpg in other trims. Despite the price increase, the Wilderness trim still positions itself as a relatively cheap SUV option within the off-road focused segment.
When considering top cheap SUVs, it’s essential to look at the competition. The Honda HR-V, for example, offers a more refined interior but lacks the off-road capability of the Crosstrek. The Jeep Renegade provides a wider array of trims and superior off-road handling, but typically comes with a higher price tag, making the Crosstrek a potentially cheaper SUV alternative. The Kia Seltos is another competitor in the compact SUV segment, offering a wide range of trim levels and a low starting price, but all-wheel drive is not standard, a key feature that sets the Crosstrek apart as a cheap SUV with standard AWD.
In conclusion, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek stands out as a top cheap SUV contender, particularly in its base and Premium trims. It delivers a compelling combination of affordability, standard all-wheel drive, practicality, and capability, making it an excellent choice for buyers prioritizing value and versatility in a compact SUV. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring light trails, the Crosstrek offers a compelling package in the competitive cheap SUV market.
