What is the towing capacity of the Subaru Brat?
The Subaru Brat’s towing capacity was modest by modern standards, typically around 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, with some configurations rated up to roughly 2,000 pounds.
Context and what the rating means
The Brat was Subaru’s compact pickup, produced from 1978 to 1987, based on the company’s small-car platform. Because factory tow ratings were not standardized across every year and trim, the exact figure varied by model year, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), and whether the vehicle was equipped with a hitch or other towing hardware. In practice, most literature and owner anecdotes point to a practical towing range of about 1,000–1,500 pounds, with rare references of up to around 2,000 pounds for certain configurations or with specialized equipment. Always consult the specific owner's manual for your Brat’s exact rating and stay within GVWR and trailer tongue-weight limits in any towing plan.
What influenced the Brat’s tow rating
Several factors determined how much a Brat could tow. The following list highlights the key variables that owners and restorers consider when evaluating its towing capability.
- Drivetrain configuration (two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive) and corresponding gearing
- Engine and transmission options across model years, which affected torque and reliability under load
- Availability and rating of a hitch setup, including tongue weight considerations
- Overall vehicle condition, including brakes, suspension, and cooling, which influence safe towing margins
When planning to tow with a vintage Brat, these factors matter as much as the base rating. Even within the same model year, variations in equipment and restoration quality can change practical towing capability.
Year-by-year considerations (high-level)
Because Subaru published tow ratings inconsistently across the Brat’s production run, there isn’t a single universal number that applies to every unit. The following overview provides general guidance rather than precise figures for each year.
- Early Brats (late 1970s) tended to align with lower end towing expectations due to smaller engines and conservative ratings
- Mid-years often show a modest increase in rated capability as engine and drivetrain options evolved
- Later years with updated emissions and refinement still generally fall within the 1,000–1,500 pound range, with occasional references to higher limits in documentation that assumed proper equipment
For any individual Brat, verify the exact towing rating in the owner’s manual or factory literature for your specific year and configuration, and never exceed the stated limit.
Practical safety and towing tips
Given the Brat’s vintage design and relatively small powertrain, towing requires careful planning and prudent limits. Here are recommendations to tow more safely with a Brat:
- Do not exceed the vehicle’s stated towing capacity for your exact model year and configuration
- Ensure braking performance and suspension are in good condition before towing
- Use a properly rated hitch and verify trailer tongue weight is appropriate for the Brat
- Tow at modest speeds and avoid steep grades or sustained heavy loads
- Regularly inspect tires, cooling, and transmission cooling when towing
These practices help mitigate strain on the engine, drivetrain, and brakes, preserving the Brat’s reliability when towing lighter loads.
Summary
The Subaru Brat’s official tow rating typically falls in the 1,000–1,500 pound range, with occasional references up to about 2,000 pounds under specific conditions. Because ratings varied by year, drivetrain, and equipment, always consult the exact manual for your vehicle and adhere to safe towing practices tailored to this classic pickup.
Summary of takeaways
For owners or restorers, the key takeaway is to plan conservatively, verify year-specific specifications, and prioritize maintenance. The Brat remains a nostalgic, compact workhorse, but its towing capability reflects its era and design, requiring prudent, low-load towing to keep it on the road.
