If you’re shopping for a versatile, city-smart SUV that’s just as confident on the trails as it is in rush-hour traffic, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Chevy Trax are two subcompact contenders worth a closer look. These small SUVs pack big personality, with efficient performance, modern tech, and everyday practicality designed to keep up with life in Milwaukee, Shorewood, Brookfield, and beyond. But when it comes down to the details—like all-weather capability, interior comfort, and value—how do they really stack up?
In this head-to-head Crosstrek Trax faceoff, we’re diving into the specs, strengths, and standout features of both vehicles to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re commuting through Shorewood or heading up north for a weekend adventure, Sommer’s Subaru is here to guide you through your next big decision. Let’s break down the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevy Trax and find out which subcompact SUV comes out on top. Contact us or visit Sommer’s Subaru and explore our wide selection of vehicles.
Performance and Handling for Wisconsin Roads
In a place like Wisconsin, where the roads can shift from sunlit pavement to snow-packed lanes in a matter of hours, your SUV needs to keep up. From the icy backroads of West Bend to the rainy streets of Shorewood and the uneven trails outside Milwaukee, having a vehicle with true all-weather performance isn’t just nice—it’s a must.
In this 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevy Trax match-up, one thing is clear: not all subcompact SUVs are built for the same kind of drive. While both aim to be easy to maneuver and affordable, the difference comes down to where—and how—you plan to drive. This subcompact SUV comparison highlights just how differently these two vehicles handle real Wisconsin conditions.
Let’s start with what lies under the hood and beneath the wheels:
| Feature | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 Chevy Trax |
| Engine (Base) | 2.0L 4-cylinder (152 hp) | 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder (137 hp) |
| Optional Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder (182 hp) | Not available |
| Drivetrain | Standard AWD | Front-Wheel Drive only |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 1,500 lbs (base) | Not rated for towing |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.3 inches |
What Does This Mean for Drivers in Brookfield and Beyond?
The Crosstrek delivers more power and control, right out of the gate. Its base engine gives you 152 horsepower, and if you step up to the 2.5L engine on the Sport or Limited trims, that power jumps to 182 hp. This is a big help when merging onto highways or climbing steep grades—something you’ll appreciate if you drive beyond city streets.
In contrast, the Trax uses a smaller 1.2L turbocharged engine that maxes out at 137 horsepower. It’s tuned more for short trips and light city driving. The power is fine for day-to-day errands in Milwaukee, but it may feel sluggish on open roads or when fully loaded.
Why All-Wheel Drive Matters in Wisconsin
One of the biggest differences in this Crosstrek Trax faceoff is drivetrain. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on every trim. That’s a huge plus when the snow piles up or rain turns the road slick. AWD sends power to all four wheels, helping you stay in control when conditions turn rough.
The 2025 Chevy Trax, on the other hand, is front-wheel drive only. While that setup can handle dry or mildly wet roads, it can struggle in snow, slush, or on steep hills—something to think about if you live in an area like West Bend, where weather shifts fast and winter hits hard.
More Clearance, More Adventure
If you’ve ever scraped the bottom of your car on a snowbank or pothole, you’ll know why ground clearance matters. The Crosstrek sits 8.7 inches off the ground, which helps keep it safe from road debris, snow build-up, and uneven terrain. That extra height also gives it a better angle for light off-road trails, gravel paths, and even deep driveways.
The Trax, by comparison, offers 7.3 inches of clearance. While that’s fine for parking lots and city roads, it limits where you can go without risking damage underneath.
Haul More, Do More
Another point for Subaru in this Subaru vs Chevy match-up is towing. If you’re planning a weekend up north with bikes, a small trailer, or camping gear, the Crosstrek can handle it. When equipped with the 2.5L engine, it tows up to 2,000 pounds. That opens up more choices for your weekend plans.
The Trax isn’t rated for towing at all, which means your gear will have to fit inside the cabin.
Whether you’re braving a snowstorm in Milwaukee or heading out on a trail near Brookfield, the Crosstrek proves itself as the more versatile and capable choice. The combination of all-wheel drive, more engine options, and higher ground clearance gives it the clear edge in this part of the Crosstrek Trax faceoff.
For drivers who want confidence no matter the road or weather, Subaru makes a strong case. In this subcompact SUV comparison, the Crosstrek shows up ready for anything Wisconsin throws its way.
Interior Comfort and Versatility for Daily Life
A good SUV should feel like a second home. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or the store, comfort matters. The cabin should be quiet. The seats should stay cozy. And the space should work for your life.
In this 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevy Trax review, we take a close look at what it’s like inside both vehicles. When it comes to daily tasks, small trips, and long drives, not all subcompact SUVs make the grade.
Seating and Space
The Crosstrek puts comfort first. Its seats feel firm, yet soft. They hold you in place, even on long rides. The front seats give plenty of room for tall drivers, and the back row stays wide enough for most adults.
The Trax also offers good front-seat space. But rear-seat legroom is a bit tighter. Passengers may feel cramped on longer trips.
| Feature | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 Chevy Trax |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | 39.8 / 38.0 inches | 39.6 / 38.1 inches |
| Seat Type (Base Trim) | Cloth, Manual Adjust | Cloth, Manual Adjust |
Though both seat five, the Crosstrek’s cabin feels more balanced. The seats stay firm and upright, which helps posture. Its seat design supports short and long rides with ease. This gives it an edge in the subcompact SUV comparison for comfort.
Cargo and Versatility
Daily life means hauling more than people. You need space for bags, gear, and maybe even your dog’s crate. In this Crosstrek Trax faceoff, the Crosstrek stands out once again with flexible cargo space.
| 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 Chevy Trax | |
| Min. Cargo Space | 19.9 cu. ft. | 25.6 cu. ft. |
| Max Cargo Space (rear seats down) | 54.7 cu. ft. | 54.1 cu. ft. |
The Trax has a bit more space with the seats up, which helps for short grocery runs. But the Crosstrek wins when you fold the seats flat. Its wide hatch makes loading large or bulky items less of a chore. It also has a lower lift-over height, which helps when lifting heavy boxes or gear.
Tech and Safety Features That Matter in Every Drive
In today’s world, tech and safety are not just nice to have. They are must-haves. Whether you’re on a short drive or a long trip, smart features help make each mile safer and easier. In this subcompact SUV comparison, we look at how both models stack up in tech and safety.
Both vehicles offer features to help you stay alert and aware. But how they deliver them makes a big difference. This part of the Crosstrek Trax faceoff takes a deeper look at how these two small SUVs keep you safe and in control.
Driver Assistance Comes Standard
Both models come with key safety tools, even at the base trim. These features help you avoid trouble and give you more peace of mind on the road.
Standard safety features include:
| 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 Chevy Trax | |
| Forward Collision Warning | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes (on all trims) | Only on select trims |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes (higher trims) | Yes (higher trims) |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes (available on more trims) | Yes (limited availability) |
The Crosstrek uses the latest EyeSight Driver Assist system. It scans traffic with dual cameras. It can apply the brakes if it senses a crash risk. The system is smooth and not too jumpy, which helps it feel more natural. That’s a key part of why it stands out in this Subaru vs Chevy match-up.
Cabin Tech That’s Easy to Use
Tech should be simple. It should help—not get in your way. Both SUVs offer screens and phone tools, but their setups feel very different.
Here’s how their tech compares:
| | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 Chevy Trax |
| Infotainment | Base dual 7-inch or 11.6-inch touchscreen | 8-inch or optional 11-inch screen |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Voice control | Voice control and steering wheel buttons | Basic voice control, fewer screen controls |
| Navigation | Optional built-in navigation | No built-in nav on most trims |
In this 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevy Trax review, ease of use makes a real difference. The Crosstrek has large, clear icons. The screen reacts fast. The menus are easy to find and use. For drivers who don’t want to dig through apps or settings while on the move, that matters.
Peace of Mind on Every Trip
Both of these subcompact SUVs offer value in this tech-focused world. Still, the Crosstrek builds more of its smart tools into every trim. Its systems feel more advanced and more refined. In this part of the Crosstrek Trax faceoff, Subaru pulls ahead by making smart features simple—and by giving drivers more of them, right from the start.
Tech and safety should not feel like extras. They should be baked in. In that way, the Crosstrek brings more to the table for each trip you take.
Fuel Economy: Which SUV Saves You More at the Pump?
Gas prices go up and down, but saving at the pump is always smart. In this subcompact SUV comparison, one key question is clear: Which one helps you go farther with less gas?
Both of these small SUVs offer good fuel use for daily life. But when you look closer, one gives you a bit more value.
Let’s break it down.
City and Highway MPG
| Trim Level | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
| Crosstrek (AWD) | 27 | 33/34 | 29/30 |
| Trax (FWD only) | 28 | 32 | 30 |
In this Crosstrek Trax faceoff, the Trax gets slightly better miles in the city. But it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. That makes a big difference in rain, snow, and rough back roads—especially here in the Midwest.
The Crosstrek offers all-wheel drive on every trim. No need to pay more or upgrade just for better grip. That’s key when the roads are slick or when winter hits hard.
More Than Just MPG
While MPG is key, gas use is not the whole story. The way each SUV handles power plays a big role too. The Crosstrek comes with two engine choices. The base engine is great on gas. The upgrade adds power without a huge drop in MPG.
The Trax only has one engine choice. It’s smooth and light, but you may miss that extra zip when you hit the gas.
Worth the Cost?
If you drive mostly in town, the Trax may edge ahead on fuel use. But if you want grip, power, and more engine choice, the Crosstrek offers a better mix.
In this part of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevy Trax debate, the Trax wins by a small edge in cost per mile. Still, the Subaru vs Chevy fuel match-up favors those who want all-wheel drive with fewer trade-offs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Crosstrek vs Trax Comparison
Which vehicle is more suitable for city driving, the Crosstrek or Trax?
The Trax is more suitable for city driving due to its smaller size, tighter turning radius, and front-wheel drive layout.
Do these two subcompact SUVs differ substantially in price or trim offerings?
The Trax has a lower starting price at $21,895 and fewer trim options, while the Crosstrek offers more trims and available features at $25,810 MSRP.
Which model has advanced safety features available on the entry-level trims?
The Crosstrek includes standard EyeSight Driver Assist on base trims, while some Trax safety features may require a trim upgrade.
Are there notable differences in interior quality or technology packages?
Yes, the Crosstrek offers higher-end materials and optional tech features like a larger touchscreen and premium sound on more trims.
Visit Sommer’s Subaru: Explore Your Perfect SUV and More!
As you weigh your options between the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Chevy Trax, Sommer’s Subaru is here to help you make an informed choice. If you’re in the Milwaukee, West Bend, Shorewood, or Brookfield area, stop by our dealership and explore our wide selection of vehicles, including the Crosstrek. Our team is eager to answer your questions and guide you in finding the perfect SUV to suit your needs.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our other helpful resources, such as tips for off-roading essentials or how to address that TPMS warning light on your Subaru. If you’re still unsure whether the Crosstrek or Chevy Equinox is the better option for you, don’t miss our detailed comparison to help you decide.Explore more, ask questions, and let’s get you behind the wheel of the right vehicle for your lifestyle. Contact us or visit Sommer’s Subaru today!
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