What can you tow with a Subaru Crosstrek?
The Crosstrek can tow up to about 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, typically with a CVT transmission. Models with a manual transmission usually have a lower rating, around 1,000 pounds. Always verify the exact figure for your year and trim in the owner's manual or on the vehicle’s door jamb sticker.
Tow capacity by model and transmission
Understanding the official towing limits requires knowing your Crosstrek’s drivetrain and year. The following summarizes the common, manufacturer-quoted caps and how they break down by transmission, with the caveat that exact numbers can vary by market and year.
CVT-equipped Crosstrek
- Maximum trailer weight (GTW): up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped (hitch, wiring, and, in some cases, a transmission cooler as part of a factory tow package).
For CVT models, the 1,500-pound limit is designed to cover light utility loads, small campers, and other modest pulls. Always ensure you have the OEM tow package or equivalent hardware and respect the rating, payload, and tongue weight figures.
Manual transmission Crosstrek
- Maximum trailer weight (GTW): typically around 1,000 pounds, though exact figures can vary by year and configuration.
Manual-transmission Crosstreks generally carry a lower tow rating. If you own a manual, verify the specific rating for your vehicle and avoid exceeding it, especially when pulling trailers with heavy tongue loads.
What you can tow in practice
Real-world towing depends on the trailer type, payload, and how you distribute weight. The Crosstrek’s 1,000–1,500 pound ceiling accommodates several light-duty trailer options and small recreational setups, provided you stay within limits and use proper equipment.
- Small utility trailers (open or enclosed) with a gross trailer weight up to about 1,200–1,500 pounds, depending on the model and hitch setup.
- Lightweight teardrop or tiny travel trailers in the ~1,000–1,400-pound range when fully loaded with gear.
- Small boat trailers for compact craft or dinghies under roughly 1,400 pounds total weight, including gear and trailer.
- Motorcycle or ATV trailers designed for light loads, typically around 1,000 pounds or less.
When choosing a trailer, always verify the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and ensure your total loaded weight (trailer plus cargo and passengers) does not exceed the Crosstrek’s-rated capacity. A trailer with heavier tongue weight or more than one axle may require additional equipment.
Safety, equipment, and towing guidelines
Safe towing with a Crosstrek hinges on proper hardware, legal compliance, and sensible load management. The following guidelines help owners tow responsibly without compromising vehicle performance.
- Use a factory or OEM-recommended hitch rated for the load (usually 2-inch class for Crosstreks) and a compatible wiring harness for trailer lights and brakes.
- Confirm the trailer’s GVWR and ensure the combined vehicle weight (Crosstrek + passengers + cargo) plus the trailer’s GTW stays within approved limits.
- Consider a trailer with brakes for heavier or longer loads; many regions require trailer brakes above certain weights or for longer trailers.
- For heavier or longer trailers, a weight-distribution hitch and, if available, a trailer brake controller can improve stability and braking performance.
- Ensure proper tire load ratings, inflate to the recommended pressures, and inspect all bearings, hitch pins, safety chains, and electrical connections before towing.
- Be mindful of braking and acceleration; practice driving with a heavier load, including longer stopping distances and assisted steering.
These practices help protect the Crosstrek’s drivetrain and braking system, improve handling, and keep you within safety and legal requirements while towing.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek is designed for light towing: up to about 1,500 pounds with a CVT and typically around 1,000 pounds with a manual transmission, depending on year and configuration. Suitable trailers include small utility trailers, lightweight teardrops, and compact boat trailers, all within the vehicle’s rated limits. Always use the proper hitch and wiring, verify trailer weight ratings, and consider additional equipment like trailer brakes or a weight-distribution hitch for heavier or longer loads. For any towing plan, consult your specific model’s manual and Subaru’s official specifications to ensure accuracy for your year and trim.
