Can you tow with a Subaru BRZ?
The BRZ is not designed for towing and has no published tow rating from Subaru or Toyota. In practice, towing with this sports coupe is not recommended, and most owners should look to a dedicated tow vehicle for any trailer needs.
Official guidance on towing with the BRZ
What the manufacturer communicates about towing with the BRZ centers on limitations rather than capacity. The BRZ’s documentation does not provide a towing specification and generally advises against towing a trailer with the car.
- No published towing capacity: Subaru and Toyota do not publish a BRZ tow rating, and the manual emphasizes that towing is not recommended.
- Warranty considerations: Using aftermarket hitches or attempting to tow could complicate warranty coverage if damages are linked to towing activity.
- Design constraints: The BRZ’s suspension, brakes, cooling and drivetrain are tuned for performance and handling, not for pulling trailers or sustaining trailer loads.
- Dealer guidance: If towing is essential to your needs, dealers typically advise choosing a vehicle with an official tow rating.
Bottom line: the official stance is clear—the BRZ is not intended to tow, and doing so is outside the manufacturer’s guidance.
Practical considerations for BRZ owners
Even without an official rating, there are real-world constraints to consider before attempting any towing with a BRZ.
- Performance and safety: Towing adds load that the car isn’t engineered to handle, affecting acceleration, handling and braking performance.
- Payload and weight distribution: A trailer changes weight distribution and can exceed what the BRZ’s chassis and tires were designed to manage.
- Braking and cooling: Extra load can strain braking systems and powertrain cooling, increasing the risk of overheating or fade on longer pulls.
- Electrical and warranty considerations: Aftermarket hitch wiring and hardware may void warranties or complicate service, and not all dealers will support towing-related issues.
- Insurance and legality: Some jurisdictions require a vehicle to be rated for towing; insurance coverage can be jeopardized if towing is performed against manufacturer guidance.
Conclusion: In practice, towing with a BRZ carries significant safety, warranty and legal considerations, making it a poor choice for most owners.
If you must move something light despite the warning
For occasional, minimal-mass moves, some drivers consider improvised setups, but these do not override official guidance and carry risk. If you proceed, prioritize safety and minimize exposure by sticking to very short distances and very light loads, ensuring all electrical connections are correct and that you do not exceed any vehicle or local requirements.
Even with precautions, towing with a BRZ remains outside official guidance and is not recommended by manufacturers.
Safer alternatives for BRZ owners
There are more reliable ways to accomplish moving trailers or heavy items without relying on the BRZ.
- Use a vehicle with a published tow rating: A midsize SUV, pickup or any car designed for towing provides appropriate capacity and braking control.
- Hire a professional towing service: For occasional or one-off needs, a tow service avoids risk to your BRZ and ensures proper equipment.
- Rent a tow-capable vehicle: If you only need towing for a short period, renting a vehicle that’s properly equipped can be cost-effective and safer.
- Alternative transport solutions: If possible, move items in ways that do not require towing, such as cargo-carrying trailers used with tow-rated vehicles.
Bottom line: For towing tasks, choose a vehicle that is built for it and rely on professional services when appropriate.
Summary
The Subaru BRZ is not approved for towing and does not carry a towing rating. Official guidance and the vehicle’s design prioritize performance and handling over trailer towing. If towing is required, opt for a vehicle that has a stated tow capacity and, when in doubt, consult your dealer. For BRZ owners, safer alternatives include using a tow-rated vehicle, hiring a professional tow service, or renting equipment designed for towing needs.
