10 Best Cars Near $25,000 and Subaru Crosstrek's 2 Hidden Upgrades

Looking for an affordable price

New car prices are rising and finding an affordable small SUV isn't as easy today. But there are some excellent choices around $25,000. Kelley Blue Book has released its ten best new family cars priced near $25,000, and there are some good choices for new car buyers looking for an affordable vehicle. Nine new small SUVs and one car are requested.

But which one is better?

You'll have to decide which one is best for you, but the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a compelling choice. Before we get into why it's one of the top picks this year, let's look at the full list here, starting with KBB's top pick.

I will then compare the Crosstrek to other models, highlighting its unique features and benefits. This will help you make an informed decision.

said KBB. “Also significantly updated for 2024, the Subaru Crosstrek is the most refined it's ever been, with a quiet interior and comfortable ride. But this doesn't come at the expense of the Crosstrek's outdoor capabilities.

As you can see, not all models are below the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,000 including dealer fees, but they come close. All are 2024 model year vehicles. The Honda Civic Hatchback is the only non-SUV.

KBB's 10 Best Family Cars Around $25,000

1. Hyundai Kona-25 $625
2. Kia Seltos-$25,865
3. Subaru Crosstrek – $26,540
4. Honda HR-V – $25,950
5. Toyota Corolla Cross – $25,210
6. Mazda CX-30 – $26,415
7. Honda Civic hatchback – $26,045
8. Chevrolet Trailblazer – $24,395
9. Kia Soul – $21,565
10. Volkswagen Taos – $25,420

Crosstrek is more than you expect

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is ranked third best by Kelley Blue Book. This is a significant achievement because KBB is a trusted source of car ratings and reviews. Here's what KBB has to say about the facelifted Crosstrek. Read on for why the Crosstrek is more than you might expect.

The starting price for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is $25,195 ($26,540 including $1,345 destination and delivery charges).

KBB says you can get a new Crosstrek for around $25,398. Check out my report on why Subaru models sell for less than MSRP here.

KBB says, “The Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. There's even a Wilderness trim level available with more ground clearance, its own wheel/tire combination and added body protection.

“The Crosstrek is roomy, with more than 100 cubic feet of passenger space and 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. With the seats folded, cargo volume is 54.7 cubic feet.”

“Although the Crosstrek has two engines, the base engine is the one you can get in this price range. It could be better, but the power is competitive in its segment. Fuel economy is very good. Even with most off-road capability of any vehicle on this list, you get up to 34 mpg on the highway and a range of over 500 miles (estimated).

“These numbers are especially impressive given that this is an all-wheel-drive-only SUV. This Subaru comes standard with the EyeSight suite of safety features. The Crosstrek also offers excellent resale value.”

The 2 hidden improvements of Crosstrek

KBB says the Subaru Crosstrek is the most refined ever. The two new hidden and non-visible refinements are:

1. A calmer interior
2. A more comfortable ride

You can read more about this in my report here.

There is even more

KBB forgets to mention that the 2.5-liter Boxer engine upgrade powers the Crosstrek Sport, Wilderness, and Limited trims. It has 30 more horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated 27/34 mpg city/highway and 29 mpg combined. They will be more expensive.

Here are the prices for the 2024 Crosstrek.

The Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Wilderness trim levels. The base model starts at $26,540.

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium starts at $28,085, the Sport ($30,935) and the Limited ($32,440). The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,540. It's important to note that these prices include destination and delivery charges ($1,345), which are standard on all models.

This means you get what you pay for, with a range of high-quality features and a reliable, fuel-efficient engine.

Kelly Blue Book doesn't mention the Crosstrek's X-Mode feature.

For those new to Subaru, you may have questions about the Crosstrek's X-Mode feature. This is one of the best features of the small SUV for all-weather and bad weather driving. Check out my report for more details on how it works here.

It's not just for off-road use

Many Subaru Crosstrek owners will take their vehicle off-road and use it for extreme off-road adventures. But even if not, X-Mode will help you in your daily driving. This is one of the small SUV's best features for all-weather and bad-weather driving, helping you maintain control and stability in slippery conditions.

This is a huge advantage over other small SUVs, and it's one of the reasons why the Crosstrek is such a popular choice.

Crosstrek has another desirable upgrade

The Crosstrek Sport, Wilderness and Limited feature dual-function X Mode.

The Crosstrek's dual-function X Mode offers snow/dirt or deep snow/mud settings for off-roading and the most extreme weather events. Then there is the Hill Descent Control function for steep slopes at speeds up to 19 km/h.

Are you more inclined to use your small SUV to escape the city?

Conclusion

For active customers and outdoor enthusiasts, the 2024 Crosstrek is the best choice. It's not just about affordability, but also versatility. All the other vehicles listed above won't take you further off the grid, but the Crosstrek will. It is designed for both urban commuting and off-road use, making it a perfect choice for the most active lifestyles.

Tell us what you think of the new Crosstrek. Click the red Add a new comment link below and let us know.

My name is Denis Flierl, one of Torque News' leading journalists since 2012. I have invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with all the major automotive brands. I am an experienced member of Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my SubaruReport, All Subarus, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru