But Leveraging the Collaboration With Toyota Brings Benefits
The partnership between Subaru and Toyota has deepened over the years. Toyota first acquired a stake in Subaru’s parent company, Subaru Corporation in 2005. Gradually increasing its stake, and as of 2019, Toyota owns approximately 20% of Subaru Corporation. Toyota and Subaru combine their expertise to produce cars that benefit from the strengths of both brands, particularly in the areas of performance, all-wheel drive capability, and hybrid/electric technology.
Modern Subaru SUVs feature aerodynamic elements, LED lighting, and distinctive design. Spacious cabins with high-quality materials and touchscreen infotainment systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. And Subaru integrates its EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology across its vehicle lineup, enhancing driver safety and earning high safety ratings.
Redesigned for 2024, Crosstrek offers versatility and standard all-wheel drive.
Subaru’s smallest SUV consistently ranks among the top models in a class that all manufactures vie to dominate. Some competitors among subcompact crossovers may offer more powerful engines or slightly more cargo space. But the Crosstrek distinguishes itself with standard all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, and a reputation for reliability. And the new Wilderness trim enhances the vehicle’s off-road capabilities even more through a series of specialized features and design modifications.
We had the opportunity to test drive the Crosstrek Wilderness sporting protective cladding, a front skid plate, and all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch matte black alloy wheels with 9.3 inches of ground clearance. Equipped with a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine, it produces 182 horsepower. The Wilderness trim includes a revised differential gear ratio and a retuned Lineartronic® CVT transmission. These adjustments provide better low-speed traction and control on challenging surfaces. The inclusion of Dual-Function X-MODE® offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, optimizing engine output and transmission ratios to maintain stability and traction in various off-road conditions. Wilderness roof rails support up to 700 pounds when parked. This accommodates rooftop tents and additional gear, thereby increasing the vehicle’s versatility for outdoor activities.
Gasoline-powered Crosstreks starts in the mis $26k range with the 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine delivering 152 horsepower and 145-lb-ft of torque. The top-end Wilderness showed MSRP of $31,995 and came with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine good for 182 hp and 178 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and come with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Our tester added premium paint for $395 and package that included a Harman Kardon speaker system, power moonroof and 10-way power driver seat for $2270. Adding delivery charges its total suggested retail price was just shy of $36k.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid uses Toyota’s hybrid system.
Subaru’s plug-in hybrid model offers fuel efficiency and up to 17 miles of electric-only driving while still maintaining Subaru’s off-road capability. It earns an EPA-estimated 90 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in electric mode and 35 MPG in hybrid mode, providing a total driving range of over 480 miles.
While the Crosstrek Hybrid is priced significantly higher than its gasoline counterparts, it is eligible for several federal and Texas state incentives. The Clean Vehicle Tax Credit qualifies it for a federal tax credit of up to $4,502. And Texas’ Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program offers a rebate of $2,500.
The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X are the first all-electrics resulting from the brands’ partnership.
Solterra and bZ4x share a common a platform and many components. Both all-electric SUVs are compacts designed for the global market. They leverage Subaru’s all-wheel-drive expertise and Toyota’s EV technology.
With the StarDrive® all-electric drivetrain, the Solterra features a 72.8 kWh battery, delivering 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the trim level, the Solterra offers an EPA-estimated range between 222 to 228 miles on a full charge. The 2024 model boasts enhanced DC fast-charging capabilities, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes.
At $44,995, Solterra has a higher starting price than bZ4x due to its standard AWD. The Toyota bZ4X starts at $43,070 with its FWD configuration. But Solterra’s pricing is still considered mid-range among its rivals. And it’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize all-weather capability and off-road potential. We drove the Touring model priced at $51,995 and totaling $54,558 after adding special paint, all-weather floor liners and cargo tray plus delivery fees.
The Subaru Forester underwent a significant redesign for the 2025 model year.
While the Forester doesn’t yet directly share platforms or engines with Toyota models, the collaboration does influence the sixth-generation Forester’s technology. Forester provides another compact SUV option in the lineup that maintains Subaru identity, including with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the exclusive BOXER engine.
The 2025 Subaru Forester has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER® engine, continuing Subaru’s tradition of utilizing horizontally opposed engines in their vehicles. This engine configuration contributes to the Forester’s balanced handling and low center of gravity. This engine is paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) getting a 29 mpg combined rating.
The newest Forester features a sleek, contemporary design while retaining its rugged appeal. It offers an all-new interior with a portrait 11.6-inch touchscreen and improved safety features including standard Emergency Stop Assist. Overall, the new interior is quieter and more comfortable with a 10% stiffer chassis. This improves dynamic performance and ride quality. And the 2025 model debuts a foot-activated hands-free power rear gate.
The Base trim 2025 Forester starts at $29,695. The Premium model that we test drove is one level up with MSRP of $31,995. From there you have three additional trims, with entry pricing edging up to $40k.
Entirely New Features for the 2025 Subaru Outback are Primarily Seen on the Limited Trim
Stepping up into Subaru’s mid-sized 2025 Outback gets you into a longer and wider vehicle that costs you only slightly more than the Forester. It upholds Subaru’s tradition in offering SUV capability with a car-like ride and handling backed by standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. That AWD system, plus Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control complement the 2025 Outback’s standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 inches for the Outback Wilderness) to give the SUV impressive capability. But Outback still maintains its low step-in height and accessibility for everyday comfort.
You’ll pay roughly $9K more than the base starting price on the 2025 Outback to enjoy what’s brand new this model year. A Power Moonroof, DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, SUBARU STARLINK® 11.6″ Multimedia Navigation system, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel are added to Subarus’ Limited trim for the first time. The Limited starts at $37,855. And the top-shelf 2025 Outback Touring priced at $40,345 builds on the equipment list even more. Touring adds a Wide Angle Mono Camera to the dual-camera EyeSight system, a full LCD Smart Rearview Mirror with auto-dimming, compass, and Homelink®. The Outback Touring also has exclusive interior and exterior accents and Slate Black or Java Brown Nappa Leather upholstery inside.
We got to enjoy all these niceties and experience the beefed up performance of the turbo-charged Boxer engine with another test drive of the Outback Touring XT. The main difference between the regular Subaru Boxer engine and an Outback XT engine is indeed the fact that the XT engine is turbocharged. The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER produces significantly more power and torque compared to the standard, naturally aspirated Boxer engine found in the non-XT Outback models. This top level Outback has a price tag of $42,795 but leaves little else to add and satisfies our personal thirst for power!
Subaru’s largest SUV, the Ascent, accommodates adventurous families.
Though still classified as a midsize SUV, Ascent seats up to eight with flexible configurations offered to suit various needs. The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER® engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque on Ascent, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth acceleration.
The Ascent achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. And its capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, suitable for trailers, boats, and other recreational equipment. It sports up to 86.5 cubic feet of space when the second and third rows are folded down.
It’s offered in six trim levels starting at $34,195. Our Limited Ascent tester was the second highest trim level with MSRP of $46,995.
Rounding out Subaru’s SUV lineup, the Outback is another midsize option, combining car-like handling with SUV utility, excelling in versatility and long-distance comfort.
Final Impressions
The opportunity to tests drive the latest among Subaru’s SUV lineup left The Savvy Drivers impressed with Subaru’s success with a diverse range of vehicles designed to meet the needs of a variety of drivers, from urban commuters to outdoor adventurers and growing families. And we can’t wait to see what else the collaboration between Subaru and Toyota brings to the table.
FOLLOW THE SAVVY DRIVERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
STEVE SMIRNIS
BEVERLY SMIRNIS
