MODEL
Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
NHTSA safety across every Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness model year we cover.
Across the 3 model years of the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness we cover (2024 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 94. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is a rugged, off-road-oriented trim of Subaru's compact crossover, aimed squarely at outdoor enthusiasts who want genuine trail capability without stepping up to a full SUV. With raised suspension, all-terrain hardware, and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive at its core, it targets adventure-minded buyers who prioritize function and safety in equal measure across the 2024 and 2025 model years.
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness earns one of the strongest safety profiles we have seen in the compact crossover segment, and the federal data backs that up without reservation. The 2025 model year posts a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 99 out of 100, landing it firmly in our Exceptional band. Crash-test performance is the headline: a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact testing. Rollover results were not rated across our covered years, which is a gap shoppers should note, particularly given the Wilderness trim's higher ride height compared to the standard Crosstrek. On the recall front, the picture is genuinely clean: zero recalls across both 2024 and 2025. That is a meaningful data point. Across 144 owner complaints on file, NHTSA recorded 10 alleged crash incidents, 2 fire-related reports, and 5 injury claims, with no deaths reported. These are unverified allegations, and the complaint volume is relatively modest for a two-year dataset, but the fire and injury figures are worth monitoring as the ownership base grows. Overall, the Crosstrek Wilderness presents a compelling safety case. Strong crash scores, a spotless recall record, and a manageable complaint footprint make it one of the more reassuring choices in its class.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Crosstrek Wilderness as a capable and well-rounded compact crossover that punches above its size for off-road use. Most praise its confident all-wheel-drive system and practical packaging, while noting it occupies a distinctive niche between a standard crossover and a more hardcore off-roader. Ride quality and interior space are common discussion points, with opinions varying by use case.
- The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness earns a 99 out of 100 MotorCaliber Safety Index, placing it in our Exceptional band, one of the highest scores in the compact crossover segment.
- Frontal and side crash-test results are both a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, reflecting strong structural protection in the most common collision scenarios.
- Rollover star ratings were not issued across either covered model year, which is a meaningful gap given the Wilderness trim's elevated ride height and off-road suspension tune.
- Zero recalls across 2024 and 2025 is a genuinely clean record, though 144 owner complaints include 2 fire-related allegations and 5 injury claims that shoppers should treat as unverified but worth watching as the fleet matures.