Compare the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness in Shingle Springs, CA
At Shingle Springs Subaru, nestled in the heart of California’s adventure country, we know our customers need a vehicle that can handle weekend mountain getaways as confidently as weekday commutes. That’s why two of our most popular rugged models—the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness—stand out for drivers who crave versatility, durability, and all-road capability. While both Wilderness editions offer Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive confidence and trail-ready toughness, they cater to slightly different needs. The Crosstrek Wilderness is perfect for those who want a compact, nimble SUV that can squeeze down tight forest paths or tackle urban parking with ease. Meanwhile, the Forester Wilderness offers more interior space, higher cargo capacity, and additional ground clearance, making it an ideal pick for families or adventurers bringing extra gear for longer trips. Both Wilderness trims come with special rugged design cues, off-road-tuned suspensions, all-terrain tires, and extra underbody protection. Plus, they carry the promise of Subaru’s long-standing reputation for safety, reliability, and efficiency. Whether you're heading out to the trails near the Eldorado National Forest or cruising down Highway 50, you can’t go wrong with either. But which Wilderness model fits you best? Let’s compare them side by side to help you decide.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness sports a bold, compact look with aggressive black cladding, a unique hexagonal grille, and functional roof rails capable of carrying adventure gear up to 700 pounds static load. It features 17-inch matte-finish alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The larger 2025 Forester Wilderness amplifies this rugged design with increased body size, an impressive ground clearance at 9.2 inches, and the same 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Its bolder front fascia, larger windows for visibility, and functional ladder-type roof rails make it the more utility-focused choice. Both offer exclusive Geyser Blue paint, LED fog lights, and Wilderness badging, but the Forester Wilderness'’s larger frame appeals to those needing more cargo space for gear-heavy adventures.
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2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Comfort & Technology
Inside, the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness delivers durable StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, standard heated front seats, and a compact layout perfect for smaller families or solo travelers. Its smaller footprint makes it easy to maneuver without sacrificing comfort or tech. The 2025 Forester Wilderness also offers StarTex upholstery and heated front seats, but takes it a step further with ventilated front seats and a more spacious interior, perfect for families or camping gear. Both models come standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen display that is integrated with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for optimal connectivity. Both the Crosstrek Wilderness and the Forester Wilderness also offer a Harmon Kardon® premium audio system as an optional upgrade for those diehard audiophiles.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Performance
The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness features a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine delivering 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Its compact size and tuned suspension make it highly maneuverable on narrow trails and rocky paths, perfect for weekend adventurers who value agility and efficiency. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and dual-function X-MODE®, the Crosstrek Wilderness handles off-road surfaces like mud and snow with ease. The 2025 Forester Wilderness shares the same 2.5-liter BOXER® engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive but offers a more planted, stable ride thanks to its size and overall build. This stability is especially noticeable on rougher terrain or longer road trips. Its wider stance, reinforced roof rails, and robust suspension give it added confidence on uneven ground. With 9.2 inches of ground clearance and enhanced approach and departure angles, the Forester WIlderness is built for heavier loads and more rugged adventures, making it the better option for drivers who prioritize space, comfort, and off-road capability on extended trips.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Safety
Both the Crosstrek Wilderness and Forester Wilderness prioritize safety with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. The Crosstrek Wilderness features additional hill descent control and rear-vision camera to assist with technical trail driving. The Forester Wilderness adds extra safety thanks to its larger frame, broader visibility from its tall greenhouse design, and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System on higher trims—a bonus for longer road trips or family journeys. Both models come standard with multiple airbags, stability control, and STARLINK Safety & Security connected services. For those who value a slightly higher safety feel due to size and visibility, the Forester Wilderness holds a modest advantage in real-world confidence.
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2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness vs 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Overall Value
For outdoor enthusiasts in the Shingle Springs area—whether you're headed to Lake Tahoe or exploring the Sierra Nevada—the 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness and Forester Wilderness offer unbeatable adventure-ready value. The Crosstrek Wilderness is perfect for solo adventurers or couples who want an agile, efficient SUV that’s easy to park, nimble on tight trails, and packed with modern tech. Its lighter weight and slightly higher ground clearance make it a fun, affordable choice. On the other hand, the Forester Wilderness delivers extra space, increased towing capacity, and greater cargo flexibility—ideal for families or those with bigger gear needs. Its cabin room, enhanced trail comfort, and added safety technology make it a top pick for long-haul trips. Visit Shingle Springs Subaru, just off Highway 50, to explore both in person. Our team will help you find which Wilderness model best fits your lifestyle and adventures in Northern California.
 | 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 | 178 |
| 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 |
