Can I tow with my Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, you can tow a small trailer with a Crosstrek, but there are important limits. For most model years, the Crosstrek is rated to tow up to about 1,000 pounds (roughly 455 kilograms) with a braked trailer when properly equipped. Flat-towing the Crosstrek (pulling it behind another vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) is not recommended for many Crosstrek models, especially those with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you’re planning anything heavier or longer, consider a higher-capacity Subaru or a different towing setup. Always check your specific model year in the owner’s manual or with your dealer for exact numbers and requirements.
Towing capacity and what it means for Crosstrek owners
Knowing the formal limits and the equipment needed helps you decide what you can tow safely and legally. The Crosstrek’s towing figure is sensitive to transmission type, hitch equipment, and regional rules.
Braked versus unbraked towing
Most Crosstrek models are rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds with a braked trailer. Unbraked trailers are typically not supported or are limited by a much lower rating. Exact numbers can vary by model year and trim, so verify the specification for your car.
- Maximum trailer weight (braked): up to about 1,000 pounds (455 kg) with the appropriate hitch and braking on the trailer.
- Unbraked towing: not commonly recommended; check your manual for the precise limit if it’s allowed at all.
- Transmission considerations: the rating shown in the manual generally applies to CVT-equipped Crosstreks, which are the most common; older/manual variants may have different figures. Confirm for your exact year.
- Hitch and brake equipment: use a 2-inch receiver hitch rated for the trailer’s weight; trailer brakes are often required for heavier trailers and are tied to local regulations. Ensure proper wiring and lighting connections.
Bottom line: plan for a 1,000-pound braked trailer as the working ceiling, and match hitch, brakes, and legal requirements to your load.
Flat-towing and dinghy towing: guidelines for pulling behind a motorhome
Some travelers want to tow the Crosstrek behind an RV. The guidance around flat-towing (four wheels down) depends on transmission:
- Flat-towing (four wheels down) is generally not recommended for Crosstrek models with a CVT. Subaru’s official guidance typically discourages or restricts dinghy towing for most CVT Crosstreks.
- If your Crosstrek has a manual transmission, consult the owner’s manual for any approved 4-down towing options for your exact year; procedures, limitations, or required modifications may apply.
- For most situations, the safer alternative to flat-towing is to tow the Crosstrek on a trailer or use a tow dolly that keeps the Crosstrek’s driven wheels off the ground.
To stay compliant and avoid drivetrain damage, rely on the trailer or tow-dolly method unless the manual explicitly allows 4-down towing for your specific configuration.
Practical tips for towing with the Crosstrek
These recommendations help you tow more safely and reliably, whether you’re hauling a trailer to the campsite or moving gear to the lake.
- Plan within payload and GVWR: The vehicle’s payload capacity plus the trailer weight must stay within the Crosstrek’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Include passengers, cargo, and hitch weight in your calculations. Tongue weight is typically about 10–15% of the trailer’s weight.
- Choose the right hitch: A Class II hitch (or higher) with a 2-inch receiver is commonly used for Crosstreks towing up to 1,000 pounds. Verify the hitch rating and install a compatible wiring harness for trailer lights.
- Brake requirements: For trailers with brakes, ensure the trailer brake system is wired and functional; many regions require brakes once a certain trailer weight is exceeded. A brake controller may be necessary depending on the setup and laws in your area.
- Weight distribution and sway control: If you’re near the 1,000-pound limit, consider a weight-distribution hitch or sway control to improve stability on highways and in crosswinds.
- Security and maintenance checks: Before towing, inspect tires (on both tow vehicle and trailer), lights, and the hitch connection. Check fluid levels, including engine oil and coolant, and ensure the cooling system can handle extra load on hills or hot days.
- Driving technique: Allow extra stopping distance, accelerate and brake gradually, and reduce speeds when towing on twisty roads or grades. Plan routes that minimize steep grades where possible.
Following these steps helps keep towing safe and within the Crosstrek’s capabilities, reducing the risk of drivetrain stress or road hazards.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek can tow a small trailer, typically up to 1,000 pounds with a braked trailer, when properly equipped. Flat-towing behind an RV is generally not advised for CVT-equipped Crosstreks, and anyone needing to tow heavier loads should consider a higher-capacity Subaru or a trailer setup (trailer or dolly) that keeps the Crosstrek’s wheels off the ground. Always consult your exact model year’s owner’s manual and local regulations, and work with a dealer to ensure the hitch, brakes, and wiring meet safety and legal standards. With the right equipment and careful planning, you can tow light loads confidently and safely.
