At Capitol Subaru here in Salem, we understand that Oregon drivers expect versatility, durability, and confidence from their vehicles-whether they're navigating daily commutes, heading to the Cascades for a weekend escape, or tackling the coastal trails. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness are two exceptional options built for those who want to embrace every adventure, but they do so in distinct ways to meet different needs. The Crosstrek Wilderness is the smaller of the two, offering exceptional maneuverability and a sporty feel, perfect for city driving, tight parking, and nimble off-road trails. On the other hand, the Forester Wilderness delivers greater interior space and cargo flexibility, making it an ideal companion for families, outdoor gear haulers, and drivers who value comfort during long highway journeys. Both models come standard with Subaru's trusted Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, extra ground clearance, and rugged exterior enhancements to handle dirt, gravel, and snow with ease. The question isn't which model is better-they both shine in their own way-but which one matches your lifestyle best. Whether you prefer the agile Crosstrek or the roomy Forester, both Wilderness models give you the freedom to confidently explore Oregon's diverse landscapes with durability and comfort at the forefront. Let's take a closer look at how these two Wilderness siblings compare when it comes to design, technology, performance, safety, and overall value.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness boasts a compact frame that's ideal for drivers who weave between Salem's busy streets or enjoy exploring narrow forest trails. Its matte-black accents, reinforced bumpers, and 9.3 inches of ground clearance give it a tough yet approachable appearance. Meanwhile, the 2025 Forester Wilderness wears its rugged nature proudly, with a slightly taller and broader stance that emphasizes its readiness for weekend adventures with friends or family. Though its 9.2 inches of ground clearance is just a touch lower, the Forester Wilderness's wider grille, roof rails, and functional skid plates make it feel like a more substantial off-road companion. Both models feature Wilderness-exclusive design touches like copper accent stitching and protective cladding, but the Crosstrek Wilderness leans towards compact and sporty, while the Forester WIlderness feels bold and substantial.
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2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Comfort & Technology
Inside the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness, drivers will enjoy durable StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, available heated front seats, and a comfortably elevated driving position suited for both city runs and trail heads. Its slightly smaller cabin makes it cozy but efficient, especially for singles or couples who value efficiency and simplicity. The 2025 Forester Wilderness, on the other hand, stretches its interior spaciousness, giving passengers more rear legroom and overall comfort-perfect for families or friends heading out on road trips. Both models feature the STARLINK multimedia system with smartphone integration, wireless charging, and available premium audio systems, but the Forester Wilderness offers more cargo flexibility with its larger load space. Whether you want nimble versatility or room to haul gear, both cabins are built to handle Oregon's ever-changing weather and weekend plans.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness uses its 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine to produce 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a specially tuned CVT and dual-function X-MODE for confident off-road handling. Its smaller size and tight turning radius give it an advantage on narrow trails or city corners. The 2025 Forester Wilderness runs the same 2.5-liter engine, but its larger frame adds towing stability and a more grounded ride, along with advanced off-road tech like Hill Descent Control and enhanced trail traction. Although the Crosstrek Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds while the Forester Wilderness is maxed out at 3,000 lbs, the Forester feels better equipped for large hauls, while the Crosstrek Wilderness rewards drivers with nimbleness and agility on unpredictable paths or tight switchbacks.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Safety
Safety is a standout feature for both Wilderness models. The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness includes Subaru's latest EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking, helping drivers stay secure in traffic and on winding backroads alike. The 2025 Forester Wilderness matches these systems but adds enhanced calibration for its lifted suspension, giving drivers even more confidence on uneven terrain. The Forester Wilderness offers standard features like a front-view camera, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and a DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System to monitor fatigue or inattention-a bonus for longer road trips that are optional upgrades for the Crosstrek Wilderness. While both models achieve top marks for crash safety and peace of mind, the Forester Wilderness offers slightly more safety tech and visibility aids for those planning frequent off-road treks or family road trips.
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2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Overall Value
Both the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness offer exceptional value for Oregon drivers, but they cater to different lifestyles. The Crosstrek Wilderness shines for those who want a compact, maneuverable SUV that's perfect for daily Salem commutes and spontaneous weekend hikes, all while offering impressive off-road features and towing capability. The Forester Wilderness, with its larger cabin, greater cargo space, and extra safety technology, is the ideal fit for families, gear-heavy trips, or those needing extra versatility for camping, towing, or extended travel. At Capitol Subaru, we believe either model is a great investment in adventure-whether you're conquering the city or exploring the forest, Subaru's Wilderness lineup will get you there with confidence.
 | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER® | 2.5-liter BOXER 4-cylinder |
| Standard Horsepower | 182 | 182 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 178 | 176 |
| Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet) | 54.9 | 69.1 |
| Standard Transmission | Lineartronic® CVT w/ 8-speed manual mode | Lineartronic CVT w/ 7-speed manual mode |
| Roof Rail Max Capacity | 700 lbs. | 800 lbs. |
| Standard Tow Capacity | 3,500 lbs. | 3,000 lbs. |
| Water-Repellent Upholstery | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Detection | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Fuel Economy | 25 City / 29 Highway | 25 City / 28 Highway |
