How much weight can Subaru Crosstrek hold?
The Crosstrek can typically carry about 1,000 to 1,100 pounds of payload, which includes passengers and cargo. For an exact figure, check the door jamb placard on your specific vehicle and use payload = GVWR minus curb weight.
Payload is the combined weight the vehicle can safely carry beyond its own curb weight. It varies by year and trim because curb weight changes with equipment and options; roof racks or heavy cargo can reduce available payload. Always verify the precise number for your Crosstrek model using the official specifications for your year and trim.
How payload is calculated
To determine how much you can carry, you subtract the curb weight from the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The resulting figure is your payload capacity.
What counts toward payload
Payload includes the weight of all occupants and their belongings, plus any cargo inside the trunk or on the roof. Additional accessories or roof-mounted gear add to the total weight that must fit within the payload limit.
Understanding these components helps prevent overloading the Crosstrek and maintains safe vehicle dynamics.
- Occupants: The total weight of all passengers seated in the Crosstrek contributes toward the payload limit; more people means less room for cargo.
- Cargo: Goods carried in the cargo area reduce the available payload for passengers and other gear.
- Roof and accessories: Weight on roof racks, bike carriers, or roof boxes counts toward payload and can significantly shrink available capacity for interior cargo.
Keep in mind that exceeding the payload can affect braking, steering, and overall handling, and may impact warranty coverage.
Typical payload ranges by model year and trim
In recent Crosstrek generations, the payload generally stays in a narrow band around 1,000 to 1,100 pounds, with small variations based on equipment and wheelbase changes.
- Typical payload range: about 1,000–1,100 pounds (roughly 450–500 kg), varying slightly by year and trim due to changes in curb weight.
For most buyers, the practical takeaway is that you can carry a couple of adults with a reasonable amount of groceries or gear, but you should plan to weigh heavier loads and distribute weight to stay within the published limit.
How to verify the exact figure for your Crosstrek
Use official sources and a quick calculation to confirm your vehicle’s payload capacity.
- Look up the GVWR on the driver’s door jamb placard or the owner’s manual.
- Find the curb weight listed for your exact trim and drivetrain.
- Compute payload = GVWR – curb weight.
- Subtract the weight of occupants and cargo you plan to carry to stay under the limit.
Tip: Roof-mounted loads count toward payload. If you anticipate frequent heavy loads, consider alternatives like a hitch-mounted carrier or distributing weight across trips.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek commonly supports about 1,000 to 1,100 pounds of payload, including passengers and cargo. Exact numbers vary by year and trim; always verify with the door jamb sticker and the owner's manual, and perform the GVWR minus curb weight calculation before loading. Safe, balanced loading helps preserve braking, handling, and warranty coverage.
How much weight can my Subaru Crosstrek carry?
The Subaru Crosstrek's towing capacity is 1,500 pounds for most trims (Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited) and 3,500 pounds for the Wilderness trim. When towing, remember the weight of the trailer and its cargo count towards the total capacity.
Towing capacity by trim
- Base, Premium, Sport, Limited: 1,500 pounds
- Wilderness: 3,500 pounds
- Hybrid (model-dependent): 1,000 pounds
Important considerations
- Check your owner's manual: The most accurate information for your specific vehicle can be found in the owner's manual.
- Total weight: The towing capacity is the combined weight of the trailer and all its cargo.
- Tongue weight: The trailer hitch also has a tongue weight limit, which is the downward force on the hitch. For the Wilderness trim, this is typically around 350 pounds, and for other models, it's usually around 150-200 pounds, depending on the model year.
- Trailer brakes: Some states require trailer brakes for heavier loads.
- Trailer hitch: Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped with the correct trailer hitch and ball mount to achieve its maximum capacity.
What is the lawsuit against the Subaru Crosstrek?
The class-action lawsuit that claimed Subaru's Starlink infotainment systems are defective has reached a final settlement. The agreement affects the 2018 Subaru Forester, 2018 Subaru Outback, 2018 Crosstrek, 2018 Legacy, 2017-2018 Impreza, and 2018 BRZ.
How much weight can you put on top of a Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek has a dynamic roof weight limit of 176 pounds (80 kg) while the vehicle is moving and a static limit of 700 pounds (317 kg) while it is parked. It's crucial to remember that these limits apply to the total weight, including the crossbars and any gear you are carrying. Always check your owner's manual and the load capacity of your specific crossbars, as some aftermarket bars may have a lower limit.
Dynamic weight limit (while driving)
- Weight: 176 pounds (80 kg)
- Important: This is the weight your vehicle can handle while moving. The total weight of your crossbars, plus everything on them (like luggage, bikes, or a roof box), cannot exceed this limit.
Static weight limit (while parked)
- Weight: 700 pounds (317 kg)
- Important: This limit applies only when the vehicle is stationary, such as when you are camping with a rooftop tent with occupants inside. The weight must be evenly distributed across the roof and the vehicle must be on level ground.
Important considerations
- Crossbar capacity: Some aftermarket crossbars may have their own lower weight limits, so always check the manufacturer's specifications for the bars themselves.
- Manual: Refer to your Crosstrek's owner's manual for the most accurate information, as limits can sometimes vary by model year.
- Safety: It is recommended to stay well below the maximum weight to ensure safety, especially during dynamic use.
What is the capacity of the Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek has a seating capacity of five passengers. Cargo capacity is 19.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to a maximum of about 54.7 to 54.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Towing capacity varies by model; most trims can tow 1,500 lbs, while the Wilderness trim with the 2.5L engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
Passenger and cargo capacity
- Seating: 5 passengers
- Cargo space (rear seats up): 19.9 cubic feet
- Cargo space (rear seats down): Approximately 54.7 to 54.9 cubic feet
Towing capacity
- Standard trims (Base, Premium, Sport, Limited): 1,500 lbs
- Wilderness trim (with 2.5L engine): 3,500 lbs
