2025 Subaru Crosstrek Sport vs. Premium

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek continues to be a popular choice among compact SUV enthusiasts, offering a blend of rugged capability, modern technology, and everyday practicality. With multiple trims available, two of the most frequently compared options are the Sport and Premium trims. While both offer Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, advanced safety features, and a comfortable interior, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the Crosstrek Sport and Crosstrek Premium, covering performance, design, technology, safety, and overall value to help you decide which trim is the best fit for your lifestyle.

Performance and Engine Options

One of the biggest distinctions between the Sport and Premium trims lies under the hood.

  • Crosstrek Premium: Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Premium trim delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ensuring solid traction in various driving conditions.

  • Crosstrek Sport: The Sport trim steps up the power with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade provides a noticeable boost in acceleration and overall performance, making it a better choice for drivers who want extra power for highway merging, off-road adventures, or towing.

Both trims offer standard AWD, but the Sport trim benefits from dual-function X-MODE, which enhances traction control for more challenging terrain. If you frequently drive in snowy or muddy conditions, the Sport trim’s enhanced off-road capability may be a deciding factor.

Exterior Design and Styling

While both trims share the same overall body design, the Crosstrek Sport features unique styling elements that set it apart.

Crosstrek Premium:

  • 17-inch machined-finish alloy wheels

  • LED fog lights

  • Raised roof rails for added cargo versatility

  • Hands-free keyless entry with push-button start

  • Standard body-colored exterior accents

Crosstrek Sport:

  • 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels

  • Gloss black exterior trim with yellow accents

  • Heated exterior mirrors

  • Heated windshield

  • Exclusive yellow metallic instrumentation trim

  • Simulated carbon-fiber dashboard trim

The Sport trim’s bold yellow accents and larger wheels give it a more aggressive and adventurous look, while the Premium trim maintains a more refined and understated aesthetic.

Interior Comfort and Features

Inside, both trims offer a comfortable and well-equipped cabin, but the Sport trim adds unique design touches and upgraded materials.

Crosstrek Premium:

  • Cloth upholstery

  • 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • Six-speaker sound system

  • Additional USB ports

  • Optional heated front seats and power-adjustable driver’s seat

Crosstrek Sport:

  • Gray cloth upholstery with yellow accents and stitching

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

  • Wireless smartphone charger

  • Cargo area cover

  • Standard heated front seats

  • Optional power-adjustable driver’s seat

The Sport trim’s yellow stitching and carbon-fiber accents give it a sportier feel, while the Premium trim offers a more traditional interior with optional upgrades.

Schedule a test drive at McGrath Evanston Subaru to find the best vehicle for your needs & learn about any financing options available.

Testimonials

5 Star Service! A couple shout-outs. Jeff helped us get moving on a build sheet and purchase order, and was extremely communicat

Brian Frank
7-26-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

5 Star Service! A couple shout-outs. Jeff helped us get moving on a build sheet and purchase order, and was extremely communicative and friendly! We loved working with him while we waited for our car. Derek helped us finalize the order and all of our information, and did a great job. Ken was fantastic on the day-of walking us through all the information on our new car and having a smile throughout! Really incredible staff, as well as a really incredible car!

Eddie my service guy was exceptional.

Julie Sevig
7-26-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Eddie my service guy was exceptional. He originally got a “no” from the warranty company about my coverage, but called them back and talked to a supervisor. He persisted and got my repair covered, as it should be. It said it right there on the contract. He also worked with me on the best price for tires. Eddie was great! My only snafu was in picking up my car (the next morning because there was no courtesy driver available). I paid, then waited 10-15 minutes for my car to be driven up, which it never was. I finally walked around and found it, right outside the garage and tracked down someone to just give me my keys. Clearly, there was a mess up in communicating to someone to get me my car, even though both the cashier and a guy whose attention I was able to get said it should be coming soon.

They care about keeping our Subaru in the best running condition. Thank you for caring!

mark kandel
7-26-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I bought this 2010 Forrester for my sister 12 years ago. We have taken our car to Evanston Subaru for all our service needs and have always been treated well. I recommend this dealership. It is staffed with good people and competent mechanics. The facility is always clean. This is noticeable. They even wash my car without being asked.. When the service personnel recommend areas needing attention, I trust them for caring for our safety. They care about keeping our Subaru in the best running condition. Thank you for caring!

George worked with my budget for an oil change and back brake replacement. Extremely kind.

Silvia Nebel
7-26-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great. I called first so it would be OK to get my 2018 Subaru Forester towed in because the engine oil light came on, with a message on my dashboard. George told me since I didn't have an appointment it would be worked on the next day. (The towing service was great). They found a quart of oil missing, and some other things to fix. George worked with my budget for an oil change and back brake replacement. Extremely kind. Then they always fill the tires with air, and give a free carwash before I go. The technicians worked really hard in 104 degree weather. I waited in the waiting area: free coffee, water and a granola bar. Thank you!

Every experience I've had at this location has been great and I'm sure everyone who works here is wonderful.

Mickey Novak
7-26-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Every experience I've had at this location has been great and I'm sure everyone who works here is wonderful. That said, Eric is a cut above — he's just incredible. We recently had to get a good amount of work done on our 2015 Forester which had not been taken in for some time. Eric walked me through several different options for repairs and servicing, all with different price breakdowns, and made sure I understood what each service/repair was and why he recommended it. He also worked with his service manager to get me a great deal by not charging to replace our AC condenser which had stopped working. I had stopped going to this location because we moved and it wasn't as convenient, but after this most recent experience with Eric I will only take my Forester here. Wish I could give more than 5 stars!

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