Can my Subaru Crosstrek pull a trailer?
The Crosstrek can tow light trailers—typically up to 1,000 pounds gross trailer weight—when properly equipped. For heavier loads, this model isn’t designed to tow, and you should consider a more capable vehicle. This article explains the official limits, what equipment you need, and practical tips for towing with a Crosstrek.
Official towing limits for the Crosstrek
Understanding the official rating helps you plan what you can safely tow. The Crosstrek’s standard towing specification has historically maxed out at about 1,000 pounds, with the exact figure depending on year, trim, and equipment. The rating generally assumes a trailer with necessary braking and proper hitching, and you should verify the number for your specific vehicle in the owner's manual or Subaru’s official materials.
Year-to-year variations
Subaru has maintained a similar 1,000-pound towing guideline across recent Crosstrek generations, but small differences can occur by model year or drivetrain (including hybrids). Always confirm the rating for your exact year and trim to avoid overloading the vehicle.
Conclusion: For most Crosstrek models, the practical towing limit remains around 1,000 pounds when properly equipped.
What you need to tow safely with a Crosstrek
Before you tow, assemble the essential equipment and understand the weight limits to stay within safe and legal boundaries.
- Trailer rating: The trailer’s gross trailer weight (GTW) should not exceed the Crosstrek’s official towing limit (typically 1,000 pounds).
- Hitch: Use a factory-approved Class II hitch with a 1.25-inch receiver and compatible mounting hardware.
- Wiring harness: A basic 4‑pin lighting harness is commonly used for trailers; verify that turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights function properly.
- Tongue weight: Aim for about 10–15% of the trailer’s weight as tongue weight on the hitch (roughly 100–150 pounds for a 1,000-pound trailer).
- Trailer brakes: Depending on local law and trailer weight, brakes on the trailer may be required; confirm compliance with your jurisdiction and the trailer’s braking setup.
- Payload and GCWR: Ensure the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and the trailer does not exceed the Crosstrek’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and other vehicle limits listed in the manual.
- Maintenance and checks: Inspect the hitch installation, wiring, lights, tires on both vehicle and trailer, and ensure spare tire and tools are accessible.
Conclusion: With a properly installed hitch, correct wiring, and adherence to the 1,000-pound limit, you can tow a small trailer with a Crosstrek.
Practical tips for towing with a Crosstrek
To tow safely and smoothly, follow these driving and preparation guidelines.
- Plan and load carefully: Distribute weight evenly, keep within the payload limits, and avoid overloading the trailer or vehicle passengers.
- Check local laws: Many places require trailer brakes and proper lighting above certain trailer weights; comply with these regulations.
- Drive conservatively: Allow for longer stopping distances, reduce speed, and make wider turns to accommodate the trailer’s length.
- Maintain mechanical readiness: Regularly check brakes, tires (vehicle and trailer), suspension, and cooling system before trips with a trailer.
- Practice hitching and disconnecting: Use proper safety chains, verify all connections, and unhook only on level ground with the vehicle in park and parking brake engaged.
- Be mindful of highway conditions: Crosswinds, hills, and rough surfaces affect trailer stability; avoid abrupt maneuvers and abrupt lane changes.
Conclusion: Towing with a Crosstrek is feasible for light loads, but plan carefully, stay within limits, and adjust your driving to the added length and weight of a trailer.
Summary
Bottom line: The Subaru Crosstrek can tow up to about 1,000 pounds with proper equipment and adherence to the official rating. Use a Class II hitch (1.25-inch), a 4-pin wiring harness, and ensure proper tongue weight (roughly 100–150 pounds for a 1,000-pound trailer). Check local laws for trailer brakes requirements and always verify the exact figures for your model year in the owner's manual. For heavier towing, consider a more capable vehicle. Always prioritize safety through careful loading, planning, and maintenance.
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.
Can a Subaru pull a small trailer?
Whether you're hauling bikes for a weekend in the mountains, towing a small camper, or bringing home a utility trailer, Subaru SUVs offer impressive towing capabilities-especially with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across the lineup.
What size trailer can a Subaru Crosstrek pull?
Review the hauling capacity for each trim level equipped with the Subaru Crosstrek trailer hitch here: 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Base: Tows up to 1,500 pounds. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium: Tows up to 1,500 pounds. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Sport: Tows up to 1,500 pounds.
Can I put a trailer hitch on a Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, you can put a hitch on a Subaru Crosstrek, and it's a common modification to increase cargo and towing capacity. Various aftermarket and OEM hitches are available, but it's crucial to match the hitch to your specific model year and always stay within the vehicle's lower towing capacity limits.
Key considerations
- Towing capacity: A 1,500-pound towing capacity is standard for many Crosstrek models, but some like the Wilderness trim can have higher ratings. Always obey your vehicle's maximum towing capacity, which may be lower than the hitch's rating.
- Receiver size: Hitches for the Crosstrek are available in different receiver sizes, such as the 1.25-inch and 2-inch options. A 2-inch receiver is generally more versatile for accessories like bike racks.
- Model year: Different model years have different compatibility. For example, the 2013-2017 models may have different options than newer models like the 2024.
- Installation: Installation can be a DIY project for those with tools and mechanical skills, but many people choose to have a professional installer do it.
- Accessories: You will likely need to purchase a hitch ball mount and a wiring harness for proper operation and to comply with safety standards.
- Compatibility: Check the hitch's specifications to ensure it's not only compatible with your vehicle's model year but also with any existing accessories, such as the rear bumper guard.
