Can a Subaru Crosstrek be towed?
Yes, the Subaru Crosstrek can be towed, but there are specific guidelines and precautions that must be followed to do so safely and without causing damage to the vehicle.
Towing the Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle, which means that all four wheels are driven. This presents some unique considerations when towing the vehicle:
- The Crosstrek should only be towed with all four wheels off the ground, using a flatbed trailer or a tow dolly that lifts the front or rear wheels.
- Towing the Crosstrek with the front wheels on the ground can damage the transmission, while towing with the rear wheels on the ground can damage the rear differential.
- The maximum towing speed for the Crosstrek is 30 mph, and the maximum towing distance is 50 miles.
- The ignition must be in the "ON" position, and the transmission must be in neutral, to allow the wheels to turn freely during towing.
It's important to follow these guidelines to avoid causing any damage to the Crosstrek's drivetrain components. Improper towing can result in expensive repairs, so it's best to consult the owner's manual or a professional towing service for specific instructions.
Towing Considerations for the Subaru Crosstrek
In addition to the towing guidelines, there are a few other factors to consider when towing a Subaru Crosstrek:
- The Crosstrek's all-wheel-drive system is designed to work best when all four wheels are turning at the same speed. Towing with two wheels on the ground can cause the drivetrain to bind, leading to potential damage.
- The Crosstrek's electronic parking brake may need to be disengaged during towing to allow the wheels to turn freely.
- If the Crosstrek is being towed for a long distance, it's important to monitor the transmission fluid level and top it up if necessary to prevent damage.
By following the proper towing procedures and taking these additional considerations into account, you can safely transport a Subaru Crosstrek without causing any harm to the vehicle.
Can you flat tow a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek?
Any manual transmission Subaru up to 2016 can be flat towed per manufacturer. Nothing changed after 2016, they just stopped endorsing it.
Is towing with a Crosstrek safe?
Rent a truck. The Crosstrek does not have enough engine power and not enough breaking power. It is not safe to tow with a Crosstrek. Plus, you may blowup the CVT on a Crosstrek if you tow.
Which Subaru models can be flat towed?
Subarus that can be flat-towed are those equipped with a manual transmission and have had the proper base plate and other necessary equipment installed. This is because automatic transmissions in Subarus are not designed for the stress of being towed on four wheels, and flat-towing an automatic Subaru is not recommended.
Key factors
- Manual transmission: The most important factor is that the vehicle must have a manual transmission, as it allows the drivetrain to be disengaged by putting the transmission in neutral.
- Automatic transmission: Vehicles with an automatic transmission must be towed with all four wheels off the ground, such as on a flatbed truck or with a tow dolly.
- Manufacturer recommendations: While older manuals were explicitly endorsed for flat-towing, many newer models may no longer be officially supported due to changes in design, even if they are manual. Always consult the owner's manual for the specific vehicle and year to ensure it is safe to do so.
- Drivetrain: Even with a manual transmission, other models may still have limitations on how they can be towed. Always check your specific vehicle's owner's manual for explicit instructions.
What to do
- Check the owner's manual: Always check the owner's manual for your specific model and year to confirm if it can be flat-towed.
- Consider the drivetrain: If your Subaru has an automatic transmission, you will need a flatbed tow truck.
- Contact a dealer: If you are unsure about whether your vehicle can be flat-towed, contact a dealership for clarification.
- Install the necessary equipment: If your manual-transmission Subaru can be flat-towed, make sure you have the correct tow bar and base plate installed before you begin towing.
Can you tow a Subaru in neutral?
Subaru vehicles with manual transmission can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission in neutral. Subaru vehicles with automatic transmission can only be towed with all four wheels OFF the ground.
