When you are deciding which system will work best for your towing needs and evaluating what you can tow with your current vehicle, knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity is necessary.
Subaru Crosstrek ranks in the top third of the most competitive SUV brands in recent days. It is very comfortable to ride, and its specifications are really good for the customers.
If you have a Subaru Crosstrek then you should always conform to the towing capacity specified on the vehicle provided by the manufacturer of Subaru, as violating the limit which they provided might be dangerous. In the below discussion, we will discuss all Crosstrek’s towing capacity, which will help you have a safe and fruitful ride.
What is towing capacity?
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can pull safely without any harm and extra load. When you want to tow your vehicle, it’s important to understand and calculate the towing tactics properly.
Because bad towing can make you swing your car while driving, which can cause accidents later. Many towing experts recommend that you should limit the caravan’s massive cargo weight to no more than 85 per cent of the tow car’s curb weight for safe towing.
How much weight can you put in a Subaru Crosstrek?
Before talking about Subaru Crosstrek load capacity, we should know how weight capacity should be measured.
The overall load capacity of a vehicle combines the driver’s weight, all passengers’ weights, any cargo, any optional equipment such as a trailer hitch, roof rack, or bike carrier, and the tongue load of a trailer. As a result, the following method can calculate towing capacity.
Maximum limit (total weight of people + total weight of optional equipment + tongue load of a trailer) = cargo capacity
Your Subaru Crosstrek has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is the only vehicle with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The maximum tongue weight for the 2021 Crosstrek is 150 pounds, with tongue weight ranging from 8% to 11% of the total trailer weight. For continuously uphill trips longer than 5 miles, the Crosstrek’s maximum towing capacity was lowered to 750 pounds in 2021.
Read: 5 Best Trailer Hitches for Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity (2013-2022)
Subaru Crosstrek from 2013-2022, all have the same towing capacity which is 1500 pounds. However, some models of Subaru have the heavy towing option, which can raise towing capability and paradoxically may hamper towing capacities.
But their specification a little bit changed in latest models. Towing capabilities can differ considerably depending on various factors like Engine, transmission, model, and options selected. Before attempting to tow or anything, consult the manufacturer or your vehicle’s owner’s manual. So, let’s see the capacities and others,
2013-2017 towing capacity
the models of Subaru Crosstrek from 2013-2017 all are similar in their capacities. Just some interior and outlook shapes are a little bit different. All the models have towing capacities of up to 1500 pounds 2.0L H4 DOHC 16-valve Engine of 4 cylinders with 5-speed manual transmission. It has a continuously variable transmission with manual mode with the RPM power of 148 hp @ 6,200 rpm (110 kW).
2018-2020 towing capacity
Subaru Crosstrek models from 2018-2019 have the same engine, which is a 2.0L H4 DOHC 16-valve with 6-speed manual transmission, which is different from the previous model. It has flat 4 cylinders.
2020 model has a Continuously variable-speed automatic which is different from 2018 and 2019, but all of them have the same towing capacity of up to 1500 pounds. All of these models in between 2018-2020 have the RPM 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm (113 kW).
In addition, in the 2020 model, a new plug-in hybrid powertrain with 30 kilometers of electric range is available to the 152-horsepower gas engine.
2021- 2022 towing capacity
Subaru 2021 and 2022 have the same towing capacity of up to 1500, engines with 6-speed manual transmission. Both provide A 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.
Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity Chart
Here is a chart to describe you easily to understand the differences between various models. Have a quick look.
| Subaru crosstrek Model | Engine | RPM Power | Transmission | Max Towing capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2021 | 2,0 l H4 | 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm (113 kW) | 6-speed manual | 1500 |
| 2018-2020 | 2,0 l H4 | 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm (113 kW) | 6-speed manual | 1500 |
| 2013-2017 | 2,0 l H4 | 148 hp @ 6,200 rpm (110 kW) | 5-speed manual transmission | 1500 |
When you’re deciding which method can work best for your carrying needs and evaluating what you can haul with your current vehicle, knowing the towing capacity of a vehicle is essential. It is always a good idea to stick to the towing capacity specified on the vehicle, as exceeding it might be risky.
Also read: Honda fit towing capacity
Towing Capacity FAQs
Can a Subaru crosstrek tow 2000 lbs.?
No, the maximum capacity Subaru Crosstrek can take is 1500lbs, provided by the manufacturer. Putting more weight can create various problems, and it may create a disbalance while you’re driving, which can be dangerous. So, it’s better to keep the towing weight maximum 1500ibs for a healthy towing.
Can you pull a small trailer with a Subaru crosstrek?
Yes, you can easily pull a small trailer, but it has to be less than or equal to 1500 pounds (or depends on towing capacity of your model). Because pulling too much weight can create problems for your vehicle. The best suggestion from our experience is to understand the weight distribution hitch properly. Small and large don’t matter. All here matter is the correct weight. So, try to put a maximum of 1500 pounds to your Subaru Crosstrek, which can tow properly and safely.
Also read:
- Weight Distribution Hitch vs Sway Bar (A full guide)
- Does Weight Distribution Hitch Increase Payload?
Can you tow a boat with a crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the hybrid version can tow up to 1,000 pounds. This signifies you should be able to tow some light aluminum or fiberglass boats or light utility trailers with the Crosstrek. Yes, you can tow a boat with a Crosstrek. from 2013 to 2022; all the models of Subaru Crosstrek have the same towing capacity up to 1500 pounds max. So, if your boat is less or equal with this capacity you can tow it there won’t be any problem. Remember, to install the boat hitch properly before towing.
Which Subaru can pull a camper?
If the camper weight is too much, the Subaru models like The Subaru Outback in 2019, 2020, and 2021 are good and can tow up to 2,700 pounds. The 2020 and 2021 Outback Onyx Edition XT, have the maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Subaru Crosstrek can tow light campers like the Happier Camper HC1, around 1100 to 1500 pounds. The weight may increase if your model has more towing capacities.
Read: 4 Best Trailer Hitches for Subaru Outback
Conclusion
Knowing the towing capacity of your vehicle is very important for all drivers. As it prevents a lot of hassle and danger. It helps to create a balance between your vehicle and trailer for a sound and healthy ride.
Subaru Crosstrek’s specifications are very simple to understand, and they do not frequently change their specifications like other brands. If you have a Subaru Crosstrek, then maintain the capacities properly and maintain the information which is given above. Once you’re an expert on your Subaru and know the proper weight distribution of your travel trailer, then you’re good to go.
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