An all-around versatile machine
The Subaru Crosstrek was redesigned in 2024 and is now the brand’s best-selling model. Known for its tremendous versatility on pavement and off-road, the Crosstrek throws a wide net of appeal that’s only bolstered by its standard all-wheel drive, rugged aesthetics, and a reasonable $25,810 base price. However, if you're considering the Crosstrek, it's worth exploring other options that may offer better value, performance, or features. Let's take a closer look at how the Crosstrek compares with three of its fiercest competitors: the 2025 Hyundai Kona, 2025 Mazda CX-30, and 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek: Rugged and reliable
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is available in five trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. Pricing starts at $25,810 for the Base model and climbs to $32,610 for the rugged Wilderness edition. The Crosstrek comes with two engine options. Only the base trim gets the lower output engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower, while Premium trims and above upgrade to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive are standard across the lineup. In terms of efficiency, the Crosstrek with the base engine returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. The more off-road-focused Wilderness trim sacrifices some efficiency for capability, posting 25 city, 29 highway, and 27 combined mpg figures.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru
Standard features for lower trims include all-wheel drive, EyeSight driver assist technology, torque vectoring, X-Mode drive modes, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.3 inches for the Wilderness model), automatic LED headlights, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Upgraded trims get standard features like keyless access with pushbutton start, upgraded upholstery, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, heated front seats, 18” aluminum alloy wheels, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru
Inside, the Crosstrek features a 7.0-inch touchscreen as standard, while higher trims benefit from a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Rear-seat passengers will find a comfortable 36.5 inches of legroom, and the Crosstrek offers 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 54.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Safety is a strong point, with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking.
The Crosstrek has a unique outdoorsy appeal, and the addition of the Wilderness trim makes it even more attractive. Its unique styling, excellent safety rating, great standard safety features, and comfortable ride make it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment, but it has its work cut out for it with some strong competitors. Learn more here.
2025 Hyundai Kona: Ultra modern and tech-y
2025 Hyundai Kona
Hyundai
The newly redesigned 2025 Hyundai Kona starts at $24,450 and offers a choice of gas and electric powertrains across multiple trims. The base engine is a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission, standard on the SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims. For more power, the N-Line S, N-Line, and Limited trims upgrade to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai also offers an EV variant producing 201 horsepower and boasting an estimated 261-mile driving range. The Crosstrek doesn’t offer an EV yet, but it will sell a hybrid version later this year.
2025 Hyundai Kona
Hyundai
Fuel economy for the gas models is impressive, with up to 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Kona EV nets up to 261 miles on a full charge, and it's the only EV in this entire set. The Kona has grown significantly, with a 7-inch longer wheelbase improving both rear legroom and cargo capacity over previous models. The cargo capacity in the Kona is a substantial 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, both figures eclipsing the Crosstrek’s.
2025 Hyundai Kona
Hyundai
The cabin of the 2025 Kona is thoroughly modern. Part of that is due to an artfully curved panoramic display that dominates the dash. Every trim level gets a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Lower trims get a 4.2-inch gauge cluster, but the N-Line and Limited trims match the infotainment screen with a 12.3-inch configurable instrument display. Standard features include automatic LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, rearview monitor with parking guidance, remote entry with pushbutton start, and safety features like rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Fancier trimmed Konas get 19” premium wheels, a full-width LED DRL, premium seat upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation, Bose premium audio, adaptive cruise control, and a power sunroof.
The Kona exudes a totally different vibe from the more old-school Crosstrek. It’s got a more urban aesthetic and a cabin that looks and feels more tech-forward and open than the Crosstrek. It’s also sportier to drive, and its top-tier engine churns out more power. All-wheel drive isn’t standard like the Crosstrek, but you can add AWD to every trim level for a mere $1,500. Learn more here.
2025 Mazda CX-30: For those who prioritize the driving experience
Mazda CX-30
Mazda
Starting at $24,995, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 positions itself as a premium offering in the subcompact SUV segment. It is available in eight trims, including the upscale Carbon Turbo model priced at $34,360. All CX-30s come standard with all-wheel drive. The base engine is a lively 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 191 horsepower, while higher trims offer a turbocharged version of the same engine producing up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel.
2025 Mazda CX-30
Mazda
The CX-30 manages a respectable EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Inside, the CX-30 offers an 8.8-inch infotainment display on lower trims, while upper trims feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Rear-seat passengers have 36.3 inches of legroom, and the CX-30 provides 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with them folded. Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of safety features is standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, helping the CX-30 live up to its premium billing.
Inside, the Mazda CX-30 delivers an experience that feels closer to a luxury SUV than a typical compact crossover and wholly different from the Crosstrek. Mazda’s refined and handsome interior design philosophy is front and center, offering high-quality materials, a clean, minimalist dashboard, and supportive, well-bolstered seats that balance sportiness with comfort.
2023 Mazda CX-30
Mazda
Standard features on the CX-30 include 16-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry with push-button start, an 8.8-inch color infotainment display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 6-speaker audio system tuned by Mazda Harmonics Acoustics, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, and key safety technologies like high beam control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and driver attention alert. Higher trims enhance the experience with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear power liftgate, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, adaptive front lighting, heated side mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and wireless smartphone charging.
If you prioritize driving thrills and a great connection to the road, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 stands out as a top choice. While its starting price is a bit higher—especially if you opt for the more powerful turbocharged engine—it delivers dynamic handling that sets it apart from the rest of the pack. Learn more here.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross: Practical and efficient
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE
Toyota
For those seeking practical transportation with a dose of style, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is a compelling choice, and it’s the most well-rounded commuter in this set. The $24,135 base price is the lowest one here, beating the Crosstrek by more than a grand. The Corolla Cross is offered in L, LE, and XLE trims, as well as Hybrid S, SE, XSE, and Nightshade trims. Hybrid pricing starts at $28,495.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE
Toyota
Under the hood, the Corolla Cross features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 169 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for buyers seeking additional traction. The Hybrid's powertrain is comprised of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, making a combined 196 horsepower. Fuel economy is one of the Corolla Cross’s strengths, with FWD models achieving 31 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Even AWD models manage a strong 29 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Hybrid versions get 45 city and 38 highway for improved efficiency.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota
The Corolla Cross is practical and no-nonsense inside, closer to the Crosstrek in its execution but more dissimilar to the Kona and the CX-30. The cabin is stocked with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but there is no upgrade to get a bigger infotainment screen like the others here. Rear legroom is a bit tighter compared to rivals at only 32 inches, down more than four inches from the Crosstrek. Cargo space is decent, offering 17 cubic feet behind the second row seats and 44 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite is included across the lineup, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
For those who aren't keen on a unique style, the Corolla Cross travels quite nicely under the radar. It is, after all, a crossover version of the ubiquitous Corolla sedan, and it executes the taller ethos nicely. It might not have the boldness of the Kona or the rugged aesthetic of the Subaru, but it's also far less polarizing in terms of looks. Buyers will be drawn to its easy driving manners and stellar reliability. Learn more here.
Final thoughts
Looking at the numbers, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is a compelling choice in this set, and the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, high safety marks, and even more rugged Wilderness trim make a strong case. The base engine is underpowered compared to rivals, but that’s only on the lowest trim level. The Hyundai Kona impresses with strong available power, advanced tech features, and the option of an electric model. The Mazda CX-30 brings premium materials, strong performance, and standard AWD, making it a driver’s favorite. Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla Cross offers excellent fuel economy, impressive cargo space, and the reliability that Toyota is known for. It’s down on space and tech, but its commuter-friendliness is a big draw.
While the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers undeniable ruggedness and standard all-wheel drive, rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota Corolla Cross present strong cases for shoppers who prioritize different aspects. The Kona leads in technology and powertrain variety, the CX-30 impresses with upscale touches and strong turbocharged performance, and the Corolla Cross remains a benchmark for efficiency and practicality. Before deciding, it’s worth test-driving these alternatives to see which model best fits your needs.
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