Crosstrek Sport vs. Wilderness: Which Trim Fits You Best?

Torn between Crosstrek Sport and Wilderness? Discover which trim fits your lifestyle with this in-depth, side-by-side breakdown of both models.

So, you’re thinking about purchasing a new Subaru. If you’ve narrowed your vehicle search down to the Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Wilderness trims, congratulations — you’re on track to make an excellent decision. Both of these 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels are built for drivers who crave more than just a morning commute. However, they cater to different lifestyles, with one designed for the bold, urban commuter, and the other for drivers who crave off-pavement adventure.

Choosing between these two amazing trims can be tough, but we’re here to help settle your Crosstrek Sport vs. Wilderness debate. Below, we’ll examine the specs of each, from technology and style to fuel economy and off-road capability, to illustrate which is best for you. 

Engine and Drivetrain

Both trims feature a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer^® engine, rated at 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through Subaru’s Lineartronic^® continuously variable transmission (CVT) for improved gas mileage, and a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system to ensure maximum traction. 

This foundation not only provides fuel economy and comfort worthy of a commuter vehicle but also one that’s ready for adventure. On both models, the Lineartronic CVT transmission comes with CVT paddle shifters — a feature that allows users to manually select and hold specific simulated gear ratios for those who prefer to feel their drive.

Technology and Available Features

Both the Sport and Wilderness trim levels feature Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, six speakers, an 11.6-inch multimedia system, and many other amenities you’ve come to expect from modern vehicles. Additionally, both models come with EyeSight^® Driver Assist Technology, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane departure/sway warning, pre-collision braking, automatic emergency steering, pre-collision throttle management, and more. 

However, the Wilderness trim gains the edge in terms of technology. It comes standard with Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) for added awareness and safety. And for those who prioritize their audio experience, the Wilderness offers an optional Harman Kardon^® premium audio system. 

Ground Clearance and Off-Road Capability

Let’s talk ground clearance — because when you’re headed off the beaten path, every inch counts. The Sport trim offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for navigating rough city streets and basic trails. It features a 35.44-foot turning circle and comes standard with all-season tires, allowing you to drive confidently on both dry city roads and snow-covered highways. It’s a great daily driver with room to roam. 

For those who want to take the road less traveled, the Wilderness trim quite literally raises the bar, with 9.3 inches of ground clearance and upgraded bumpers for steeper approach and departure angles. It also offers a turning circle of 34.78 feet — all the better for tight trail switchbacks. If that wasn’t enough, this trim comes with all-terrain tires to ensure maximum traction no matter what road (or lack of road) you’re driving on. Ultimately, this trim is perfect for off-road adventurers who travel on uneven terrain, rocky paths, or muddy forest roads. 

Interior and Exterior Styling

The Subaru Crosstrek Sport trim features exclusive sport cloth upholstery with yellow accents and contrast stitching, along with dark gray exterior accents. It rides on 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels, and its aggressive styling makes a strong impression whether you’re parked at the office or the trailhead. 

In contrast, the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness trim adopts a rugged, purposeful aesthetic with upgraded bumpers, matte black cladding and rims, unique badging, a rear gate light, and a copper-accented raised roof rack that can support up to 700 pounds of static load. Inside, you’ll find water-repellent StarTex^® upholstery that’s perfect for muddy dogs, damp hiking gear, or spontaneous beach trips. 

Fuel Economy and Towing

If your priority is gas mileage, the Crosstrek’s Sport trim is for you, with an estimated fuel economy of 33 MPG on the highway and 27 MPG in the city, compared to the Wilderness’ 29 MPG highway/25 MPG city. The tradeoff? Towing capacity. 

While the Sport trim can tow a substantial 1,500 pounds, the Wilderness trim increases that limit to 3,500 pounds. That extra capacity could be essential for towing recreational vehicles, lightweight trailers, or small campers. 

Subaru Crosstrek Sport vs Wilderness: Which To Pick

Pick the Crosstrek Sport if you: 

• Mostly drive on paved roads and want a vehicle that’s responsive, efficient, and stylish
• Need something reliable for city commutes, school drop-offs, or weekend getaways
• Want a bold look that balances style and ruggedness

Go with the Crosstrek Wilderness if you:

• Regularly explore unpaved roads, state parks, or mountain passes
• Need more ground clearance, tougher tires, and better approach angles
• Haul outdoor gear, small cars, or trailers often
• Prefer rugged, water-repellant interior materials

To easily see the differences we’ve highlighted in this article, see the table below.

Still Undecided? Test Drive Both Today

Choosing between the athletic Crosstrek Sport and the adventure-optimized Crosstrek Wilderness? Both offer bold Subaru capability — but only one matches your exact driving style and weekend plans. Visit Hicks Family Subaru today for a side-by-side comparison and test drive the Crosstrek that best suits your sense of adventure.