What Subaru models can be flat towed?
Few Subaru models are officially approved for flat-towing four wheels down behind a motorhome. In practice, modern Subarus with CVT transmissions are not recommended for flat-tow, and the safe option for most owners is to tow with a tow dolly or flatbed trailer. Some older Subaru models with manual transmissions have been discussed in owner circles as potentially towable with specific procedures, but these are not guaranteed to apply to current models and should be verified against official guidance.
What the Official Guidance Says
Subaru’s current published towing guidance emphasizes consulting the vehicle’s owner’s manual for exact instructions and generally discourages flat-towing AWD models with automatic transmissions. For most of today’s lineup, flat-towing four wheels down is not an approved method. If you need to tow a Subaru behind an RV, the recommended approaches are typically to use a tow dolly (for certain configurations) or a flatbed trailer, and to seek confirmation from Subaru Customer Service or a certified towing professional for your exact model and year.
Below are key considerations that RV owners and prospective tow-car shoppers should weigh when evaluating flat-tow options for Subaru models.
- Most modern Subaru models with CVT transmissions are not approved for flat-towing with all four wheels on the ground.
- Manual-transmission Subarus have historically been discussed in owner communities as potentially towable in some configurations, but this is not a universal or current endorsement by Subaru; verify with official documentation for your exact year and model.
- For the vast majority of 2020s Subarus, the safest and most reliable towing method behind an RV is to use a tow dolly (front wheels off the ground) or a flatbed to avoid drivetrain damage.
Before attempting any flat-tow, determine whether your specific model and year are officially approved for 4-down towing by consulting the owner’s manual and Subaru’s official guidance.
In summary, there is no single current Subaru model lineup that Subaru formally endorses for flat-towing four wheels down across all years. Verification on a per-model basis with official sources is essential, and many owners will opt for alternative towing methods to ensure safety and vehicle integrity.
Historical Notes on Older Models
Historically, some older Subaru models equipped with manual transmissions were discussed as potentially towable under specific procedures. These cases depend on year, exact transmission configuration, and transfer-case behavior, and they require following exact manufacturer-approved instructions. Because these guidelines do not apply to contemporary CVT-equipped models, prospective flat-tow candidates should treat such information as informational only and not as current official approval for flat-tow operations.
If you are considering flat-towing a Subaru, contact Subaru Customer Service for a definitive answer on your exact model and year, and consult a towing professional who can verify suitability and provide a compliant setup.
Practical Options for Tow Scenarios
For those who want to tow a Subaru behind an RV without risking drivetrain damage, here are practical options to consider based on current guidance and common industry practice.
- Use a tow dolly or flatbed trailer for most modern Subarus, especially those with CVTs or AWD systems not officially approved for four-down towing.
- If you own an older Subaru with a manual transmission and the manual is clear about flat-towability, follow the manufacturer’s specified procedure precisely; confirm that it remains applicable to your exact year and model.
- Work with a certified towing professional or RV technician to ensure the selected method complies with your vehicle’s specifications and your RV’s towing capacity and wiring requirements.
Before choosing a towing method, consider the best approach for your vehicle and caravan setup.
By sticking to these guidelines, you can minimize risk to your Subaru’s drivetrain while maintaining safe and compliant towing behind an RV.
Summary: Flat-towing Subaru vehicles behind an RV is not broadly approved for modern CVT-equipped models. For most Subarus, use a tow dolly or flatbed trailer, and verify any manual-transmission grandfathered options against official manuals. Always consult the owner’s manual and a towing professional to confirm the correct approach for your exact model and year.
