When talking about Subaru in the current context of mobility, they are somewhat left behind. As a brand, they have really decided to stick to their core of AWD, Rally heritage, and ruggedness, with the addition of safety.
However, in these uncertain times of electrified or not, the brand has been quite slow to adapt and has just downsized their model lineup as opposed to creating more new models to fit the modern car buyer’s demand.
In the Philippines, Subaru has sustained itself despite the lack of any electrified or hybrid model in the lineup; they insist on selling what they have, and I have long been skeptical whether they are still “worth it” or have become so out of touch.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek i-L GT Edition
To answer this question, I got my hands on the newly spruced-up Crosstrek (formerly XV) GT Edition variant. This is essentially a dressed-up base model (i-L). Look-wise, the Subaru Crosstrek retains the familiar shape and overall design of the XV, but has sleeker and reworked head and taillights, as well as numerous black trim pieces and some chrome.
What makes it a GT Edition? It now comes with a front under spoiler, a roof spoiler, a side under spoiler, and a rear under spoiler. Overall, the GT Edition trim makes the Crosstrek look “complete,” and it essentially cancels out the base model look by elevating it.
Interior
The interior of this Crosstrek GT Edition gets some upgrades too, like a tasteful black and red leather seat material with GT etched into the seats, it also now gets wireless charging, and joy of joys, a 360-degree around view monitor.
Apart from the GT Edition upgrades, it comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a huge infotainment screen system named Starlink, and a lot of decent space for any modern crossover of this size.
What I like the most about the Crosstrek (or Subarus in general) is the feel of the interior, very few brands are able to blend “affordable” plastics and soft touch materials without sacrificing interior build quality and feel, it just feels very well put together and that’s something anyone expects from a Subaru.
Performance and Safety
Powering the Crosstrek is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer gasoline engine with 156 PS and 196 Nm of torque. All the power is sent to all four wheels via a CVT and the brand’s patented Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System.
The Subaru Eyesight safety suite is one of the more advanced and well-thought-out ADAS systems out there, The brand has a commitment to evolving safety with the goal of ZERO fatal accidents in the future.
Driving Impressions
I’ve driven this generation of the Crosstrek already, but getting into it again after more than a year reminds me of why Subaru exists and has succeeded as a motoring company.
The Subaru Crosstrek drives exceptionally well. I was immediately enamored by its light (but full of feel) steering, and despite it being a crossover, the steering is very sports car-like, direct, and intuitive; it makes you want to corner it like it’s a WRX or BRZ.
I drove it through provincial backroads, and it was a blast; it felt so alive and eager to be driven hard and quickly. It was as if it were a hot hatch, and I have to really commend the engine and transmission for this, 156 PS doesn’t sound like much, but the Crosstrek knows how to manage the power and weight properly. The transmission, although a CVT, is snappy and responsive; they made it feel like a normal automatic instead of the soul-crushing CVT feel that other cars have. This one was a sporty CVT.
Moving on to the way it feels, and as expected, the AWD system adds a touch of firmness to the ride, but not too firm. That firmer ride feel made it easier for me to predict how the Subaru Crosstrek reacts through different corners and road surfaces; everything felt so solid, planted, and comfortable. Even the feel of the brake pedal was top notch, I could modulate it properly because it had a lot of feel.
One of the pitfalls of non-hybrid vehicles is, of course, fuel economy, but I was surprised that the Crosstrek can be quite the frugal vehicle. I was able to get an average of 11km/l in mixed conditions, highway and city, and I was able to do a total of 500 km before it reached a fuel level of 1/4 above empty, which is incredible for a non-hybrid all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Lastly, the Subaru Eyesight system is one of the smoothest ADAS systems out there. It has been fine-tuned over the years to provide a seamless experience with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and others.
Points for improvement
While it was frugal when it came to fuel, in the current climate of mobility, there should already be a hybrid version of the Crosstrek in the Philippines, it’s something the buyers are clamoring for. Also, at this price point, there are some lacking features like a sunroof, automatically adjustable seats with heated and cooling functions.
Price and Verdict
At PHP 1,998,000, the Subaru Crosstrek i-L GT Edition is pricey, there’s no other way to put it. However, my 1 week with this vehicle reminded me of why Subaru still matters, and why their stubbornness when it comes to driving philosophy works. I havent had this much fun with any car in a long time, and thats saying something.
I drive all types of new vehicles that are more value for money in terms of features and hybrid powertrains, but none drive as good or as fun as the Crosstrek and that gives it its own identity as an enthusiasts choice for a crossover.
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