5 Reasons the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Thrives on Ontario Trails
October 24 2025,
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness brings trail-ready capability to Ontario's diverse terrain. From Muskoka's cottage country trails to Eastern Ontario's rugged backroads, this subcompact SUV handles conditions that challenge standard crossovers. Built on proven Subaru engineering, the Crosstrek Wilderness delivers power, traction, and durability for drivers who explore beyond pavement.
For adventurers in Vaughan and across Ontario, the Crosstrek Wilderness answers the call for a vehicle that works as hard on the trail as it does on the highway. Here are five reasons this model stands out for Ontario trail driving.
Turbocharged Power with Enhanced Towing Capability
The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness uses a 2.5 L 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The horizontally opposed engine design lowers the centre of gravity for better handling on uneven surfaces.
Subaru pairs the engine with a Lineartronic CVT equipped with a CVT oil cooler. This oil cooler increases towing capacity to 1,588 kilograms (3,500 pounds), enabling drivers to tow trailers, small campers, or loaded cargo carriers on weekend trips. The modified rear differential reduction gear ratio further improves low-end torque delivery for hauling and climbing.
Key Performance Specs:
- 2.5 L SUBARU BOXER engine: 182 hp, 178 lb-ft torque
- Towing capacity: 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) with CVT oil cooler
- Modified rear differential for enhanced low-end power
Dual-Function X-MODE for Varied Terrain
The Crosstrek Wilderness includes a dual-function X-MODE system with two selectable settings: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. This system controls the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive, and brakes to optimize traction based on surface conditions.
Snow/Dirt mode handles lighter trail conditions, packed snow, and gravel roads. Deep Snow/Mud mode manages heavier terrain, including wet trails, deep ruts, and muddy cottage access roads. Hill Descent Control activates automatically with X-MODE, maintaining a controlled speed on steep descents without requiring constant brake input.
For Ontario drivers navigating seasonal trail conditions, the ability to switch between modes provides confidence in varied environments.
235 Millimetres of Ground Clearance with Retuned Suspension
The Crosstrek Wilderness offers 235 millimetres (9.3 inches) of ground clearance, exceeding the standard Crosstrek's 220 millimetres. This increased height helps the vehicle clear rocks, ruts, and trail obstacles common on Ontario's backcountry routes.
The suspension has been retuned specifically for the Wilderness trim. Engineers adjusted spring rates and damping to accommodate the higher ride height while maintaining stability on paved roads. Long-travel suspension absorbs impacts from uneven terrain, keeping occupants comfortable during extended trail driving.
All-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch black painted wheels complete the setup. These tires provide aggressive tread patterns designed for grip on loose surfaces, mud, and gravel.
Capability Highlights:
- Ground clearance: 235 mm (9.3 in)
- Retuned suspension with long-travel design
- All-terrain tires on 17-inch black wheels
- Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive standard
Water-Resistant Interior for Post-Adventure Cleanup
Ontario trail driving means dirt, mud, and wet conditions. The Crosstrek Wilderness addresses this with all-weather soft-touch upholstery across all seating surfaces. The material resists water and wipes clean easily after muddy hikes or rainy campsite setups.
All-weather rubber floormats provide additional protection for the cabin floor. These mats feature raised edges to contain dirt and water, keeping the interior clean between detailing sessions.
The interior also includes:
- Heated front seats for cold-weather comfort
- 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support
- Anodized yellow accent trim and contrast stitching
- Wilderness logo embossed on front seat headrests
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Automatic Emergency Steering
The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness includes standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with a wide-angle mono-camera. This system monitors the road ahead and provides assistance to help prevent collisions.
Automatic Emergency Steering works alongside Pre-Collision Braking. If the system detects an obstacle and determines braking alone may not avoid a collision, it can assist with steering to help guide the vehicle around the hazard.
Additional EyeSight features include:
- Lane Centring Assist to help maintain lane position
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Sway Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring
- Lead Vehicle Start Alert
Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection monitors blind spots and warns drivers of vehicles in adjacent lanes. Reverse Automatic Braking detects obstacles when backing up and applies brakes if needed.
Wilderness Design Elements Built for Durability
The Crosstrek Wilderness features exclusive design elements engineered for trail use. Extra-tough body cladding protects the lower body from trail debris and brush. A lower front skid plate shields critical components during off-road driving.
Roof rails with anodized copper accents support bike racks, kayak carriers, and cargo boxes. LED steering responsive headlights adjust beam direction based on steering angle, improving visibility on winding trails. Hexagonal-design LED fog lights cut through heavy fog and dust.
The 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system provides clear sound even on rough roads.
Trim Comparison: Crosstrek Wilderness vs. Standard Trims
|
Feature |
Convenience |
Touring |
Onyx |
Limited |
Wilderness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.0 L |
2.0 L |
2.5 L |
2.5 L |
2.5 L + CVT Cooler |
|
Ground Clearance |
220 mm |
220 mm |
220 mm |
220 mm |
235 mm |
|
X-MODE |
Standard |
Standard |
Dual-Function |
Dual-Function |
Dual-Function |
|
Towing Capacity |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) |
|
Upholstery |
Cloth |
Premium Cloth |
Premium Cloth |
Leather |
All-Weather Soft-Touch |
|
Wheels |
17" Alloy |
17" Alloy |
18" Alloy |
18" Alloy |
17" Black with A/T Tires |
Your Next Ontario Adventure Starts Here
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness delivers trail-ready capability for Ontario drivers who demand more from their vehicles. With enhanced towing, dual-function X-MODE, increased ground clearance, water-resistant upholstery, and advanced safety systems, this subcompact SUV handles the conditions you'll encounter on Ontario trails.
Visit Subaru of Maple in Vaughan to experience the Crosstrek Wilderness firsthand. Our team can walk you through every feature and help you explore how this vehicle fits your outdoor lifestyle. Schedule your test drive today and discover why the Wilderness trim is engineered for Ontario's backcountry.
