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The Subaru Crosstrek well-known SUV due to its rugged body, and versatility. One feature that many Crosstrek owners, especially those who love camping are interested in is its towing capacity. But what is the towing capacity of this crossover SUV?
The maximum towing capacity of the Subaru Crosstrek is 1,500 pounds, allowing for the safe towing of small to medium-sized trailers, boats, and ATVs. It’s always good to read the user manual and not overload the trailer for a safe and successful trip.
Believe me, this compact machine does a pretty good job if you’re going out with your family on camping. In this guide, we will discuss the towing capacity of Subaru Crosstrek in detail.
Related Article: How to Use a Hand Winch?
Towing Capacity of the Subaru Crosstrek
As I said earlier, the maximum towing capacity of the Subaru Crosstrek is 1,500 pounds. This means that you can safely tow a trailer or other equipment that weighs up to 1,500 pounds when it’s fully loaded.
When you load the trailer over 1500 pounds, then the trailer would be overloaded for Subaru Crosstrek and you’ll face some difficulties in the likes of instability.
It’s important to note that the towing capacity of a vehicle is determined by a variety of factors, including the vehicle’s weight, engine size, and transmission.
So, when you tow an overloaded trailer, it affects the engine and transmission, and sometimes you will feel that your vehicle is taking extra power which indirectly puts a bad impact on the engine.
The Crosstrek’s towing capacity is limited by its small size and relatively low weight. However, for most people, the 1,500-pound towing capacity is more than enough for small to medium-sized trailers, boats, or ATVs.
Are you expecting to tow very heavy loads with the Crosstrek? If you have such intentions, then I recommend you don’t go with Crosstrek as you’ll end up disappointed. These compact SUVs are made for towing smaller weight trailers which contain just basic stuff that you need when out.
When you compare the Subaru Crosstrek with other vehicles, you’ll realize that it is just as good as its competitors. For example, the Honda CR-V has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
What will happen if you tow a trailer with more than 1500 pounds weight?
When you tow a trailer having a weight greater than 1500 pounds then it can have a bad impact on your Subaru Crosstrek. Keep in mind that towing an overloaded trailer is like putting your money and peace of mind at risk.
Below is the list of possible issues that you’ll face when going to tow an overloaded trailer;
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Stability will be compromised
- You will see quick wear and tear
- The tire can burst, or overload can affect the brakes & transmission
Last, but not the least, it is also important to note that in some states, towing a trailer with a weight that exceeds 1500 pounds may be illegal. You will face legal proceedings if you do that.
Related: Maximum Towing Capacity of Honda Fit
What is Towing Equipment You Will Need when Towing with Subaru Crosstrek?
If you’re new to the Subaru Crosstrek, then chances are high that you won’t be aware of the necessary equipment that can help you in the towing process. Below is the list of those accessories.
- Hitch (Subaru Crosstrek is compatible with a variety of hitches, including weight-carrying and weight-distributing hitches)
- Hitch Ball (A 1 7/8-inch hitch ball is recommended for the Crosstrek)
- Trailer Wiring Harness (A wiring harness is required to connect the trailer’s lights to the vehicle’s lighting system.)
- Electric Brake Controller (If your trailer has electric brakes, an electric brake controller is required)
What Can I tow with a Subaru Crosstrek? Real-world Towing Examples
The Subaru Crosstrek is capable of towing a variety of small to medium-sized trailers with ease. In the section below, I am going to give you a few examples of what the Crosstrek can tow.
1- Small camping trailers
The Crosstrek can easily tow small camping trailers, such as a pop-up trailer or a tear-drop trailer. Such trailers usually weigh around 1,000 pounds, well within Crosstrek’s towing capacity.
2- Small to Medium Sized Boats
The Crosstrek can also tow small boats, such as a 14-foot aluminum boat. Most of such boats typically weigh around 1,200 pounds again well within the Crosstrek’s towing capacity which is 1500 pounds.
3- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicle)
The Crosstrek can tow ATVs and other small off-road vehicles. These types of vehicles don’t weigh more than 1000 pounds and your Subaru Crosstrek won’t feel any additional stress or burden while towing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
The maximum towing capacity of the Subaru Crosstrek is 1,500 pounds.
It depends on the weight of the travel trailer. The Subaru Crosstrek has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. If the travel trailer you want to tow weighs less than 1,500 pounds, then it is possible to tow it with the Crosstrek.
No, the Subaru Crosstrek does not come with a hitch as standard equipment. However, it is compatible with a variety of hitches. You will have to purchase a hitch from Subaru or a third-party vendor and have it installed by a professional.
Conclusion
The Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent option for towing mid-range trailers, campers, and boats. They have a total capacity of 1500 pounds which is decent for many people. I recommend you don’t tow overloaded trailers as they can affect your Subaru Crosstrek in a bad way.
Although the Crosstrek’s towing capacity is on the lower end of the spectrum, it is still more than enough for most people’s needs. I hope that this guide will be beneficial for you. If you have any questions related to towing capacity of Subaru Crosstrek, feel free to ask in the comment section.
I’m Ahmad – the owner of this website and the writer of this post. I’ve spent 15 years in the automotive industry, especially among the hitches. What you’re reading is the experience of my 15 years.