Can you tow with a Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek is a popular compact SUV known for its versatility, reliability, and off-road capabilities. But if you're considering using it for towing, it's essential to understand its towing capacity, limitations, and best practices to ensure safety and performance. In this article, we'll explore whether the Subaru Crosstrek is suitable for towing and what you need to know before hitching up a trailer.
Understanding the Subaru Crosstrek's Towing Capacity
The Subaru Crosstrek is designed as a compact SUV, and while it offers some towing capability, it is not intended for heavy-duty towing. The towing capacity of a Subaru Crosstrek depends on the model year and trim level, but generally, it can tow up to 1,500 pounds. This makes it suitable for light towing tasks, such as small trailers, teardrop campers, or utility trailers carrying lightweight loads.
What Can You Tow with a Subaru Crosstrek?
Given its towing capacity, the Subaru Crosstrek is ideal for towing smaller items. Here are some examples of what you can safely tow:
- Small utility trailers for yard work or moving furniture.
- Teardrop campers or lightweight camping trailers.
- Jet skis or small boats on a trailer.
- Bicycle racks or cargo carriers with a hitch attachment.
Always check the weight of your trailer and cargo to ensure it does not exceed the Crosstrek's towing capacity. Overloading can strain the engine, brakes, and suspension, leading to potential safety hazards.
Key Considerations for Towing with a Subaru Crosstrek
Before you start towing with your Subaru Crosstrek, keep the following tips in mind:
- Install the Right Hitch: Ensure you have a hitch that is compatible with the Crosstrek and rated for its towing capacity.
- Use Trailer Brakes: For trailers weighing close to the maximum capacity, consider using trailer brakes to improve stopping power and reduce wear on your vehicle's brakes.
- Distribute Weight Properly: Balance the load on your trailer to avoid swaying and maintain stability while driving.
- Check Local Towing Laws: Some states have specific requirements for towing, such as the use of safety chains or additional mirrors.
- Drive Cautiously: Towing affects your vehicle's handling and braking. Drive at moderate speeds and allow extra distance for stopping.
When Not to Tow with a Subaru Crosstrek
While the Crosstrek is capable of light towing, there are situations where it may not be the best choice:
- If you need to tow heavy loads exceeding 1,500 pounds, consider a larger SUV or truck with a higher towing capacity.
- If you frequently tow in mountainous or steep terrain, the Crosstrek's engine may struggle with the added strain.
- If your trailer lacks proper braking systems, it could compromise safety, especially during sudden stops.
Conclusion
The Subaru Crosstrek is a versatile and reliable vehicle that can handle light towing tasks with ease. However, it is essential to stay within its towing capacity and follow best practices to ensure safety and performance. If your towing needs exceed the Crosstrek's capabilities, you may want to explore larger vehicles designed for heavy-duty towing. At Kevin's Autos, we’re here to help with all your vehicle maintenance and towing preparation needs. Feel free to contact us for expert advice or to schedule a service appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Subaru Crosstrek can tow 3500 lbs?
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limited: Up to 1,500 pounds. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Up to 3,500 pounds.
Can you tow a Subaru Crosstrek behind an RV?
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.
What is the best Subaru for pulling a trailer?
The Subaru Ascent is the largest Subaru SUV, and it also has the highest maximum towing capacity – up to 5,000 pounds in all trim levels but the Base trim1 – along with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending upon the trim level.
What is the hitch rating of the Crosstrek?
1,500-Pound Maximum Towing Capacity: This SUBARU BOXER® 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine boasts 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, and equips the Crosstrek with the maximum towing capacity. It's also the standard engine in the 2021 Crosstrek lineup.
Can a Subaru pull a small camper?
Did you know that Subaru Outbacks can tow RVs? Subaru built the Outback to be a rugged backcountry vehicle. The Outback has a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds. While the Outback can't tow a full-sized RV, it can still tow many small RVs.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Subaru Crosstrek?
Rated at 200 lbs. tongue weight, 1,500 lbs. towing capacity. Requires both trailer hitch and wire harness for proper installation and safety compliance.
Can I pull a trailer with a Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, you can tow a 5x8 U-Haul trailer with a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, but there are some important considerations: Towing Capacity: The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds when properly equipped.
Do all subarus have a tow hitch?
The answer's that while the new Subaru Outback does not come standard with a trailer hitch, the option to add and install one is always present and the following accessories are also available for purchase from Subaru: 2-Inch Thule Hitch Adapter. Hitch Mounted Thule 4 Bike Carrier. Thule Hitch Platform 2 Bike Carrier.
Can you tow an AWD car behind an RV?
For example, many all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be flat-towed — towed with all four wheels on the ground — behind an RV. This is because it will cause damage to the transmission. In other cases, there may be critical cooling systems or protections that only kick on when your vehicle is running.
Which Subaru can tow 3500 lbs?
Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback
This to the extent of the Wilderness Edition trim providing all the needs required of a base camp setup and the means of getting there. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive intact, you'll be able to pull up to 3,500 pounds in four Outback trims - Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT and Touring XT.
