The Subaru Crosstrek is a popular compact SUV but not prevalent in the towing industry. However, it can haul small amounts of weight, but you need to take caution to not over-tow your SUV.
So, what is the towing capacity of your Subaru Crosstrek? Are you a Subaru Crosstrek owner or potential customer who wants to know about the car’s towing capacity?
This article shows the specific towing capacity numbers of Subaru Crosstrek cars from 2013 to 2021. Stay tuned for more information.
Subaru Crosstrek Overview
The Subaru Crosstrek is the successor to the Subaru Outback Sport in the US and Canada and the Impreza XV internationally. It features a more lifted hatchback than the Outback and a more substantial lift than the Outback Sport’s predecessor.
The construction of the Crosstrek is similar across all generations, from 2013 to 2021. For instance, the engine type is consistent across the board, and it doesn’t affect the towing capacity in any way. We have a 152hp 2.0L Standard DOHC four-cylinder engine and a 137hp 2.0L Hybrid DOHC four-cylinder engine. The standard engine provides 145lb-ft torque, while the hybrid engine offers 134 ft-lb of torque. The Standard engine’s overall towing capacity is 1500lbs, while the Hybrid engine gives 1000 pounds of tow capacity.
The basic breakdown for Subaru Crosstrek’s weight ratings primarily depends on external factors. These include;
- If the trailer you’re towing has an independent braking system or not
- The temperatures during your towing expedition.
- How steep the grades you want to go are.
In events where the road conditions are extreme, you’ll get an overall 750-pound towing capacity on the Subaru Crosstrek. If you’re driving up a steep gradient or at optimum temperature, then you get a towing capacity of 1000 pounds for a trailer without an independent braking system. However, driving under the same conditions but with a trailer with a separate braking system gave a 1500lbs capacity.
So, it is safe to conclude that the overall towing capacity for Subaru Crosstreks between 2013-2021 is 750-1500 pounds.
2013 – 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for Subaru Crosstrek models was evened out across all years. It ranged from 750 pounds to 1500 pounds. However, as said earlier, the towing capacity was more dependent on the trailer configuration and the current driving conditions. In extreme driving conditions, Subaru has cut out half the towing capacity to enable the car’s safety and the trailer.
It is important to note that the 750-pound rating is only valid when temperatures are above 104 degrees Fahrenheit plus when traveling on 5+ mile inclines. Only when both factors reach those specified figures can the maximum towing capacity be regarded as 750lbs.
However, in most cases, you might only encounter one of these factors. Since either of them lead to a strain in the engine and raises transmission temperatures, then you shouldn’t max out your towing capacity. It is more conservative to reduce the trailer weight from the maximum level than straining your engine.
Hybrid Subaru Crosstrek models
The 2013-2016 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid models are strictly not recommended for towing. They don’t have a specified weight rating, and therefore none of the capacities listed above applies to them.
However, there’s hope for some hybrid models in certain years. The 2019-2021 hybrid Subaru Crosstrek model has a towing capacity of 750-1000 pounds. When towing a trailer (with brakes or no brakes), then the towing capacity of these hybrid models is 1000 pounds. However, when both high temperatures and a steep gradient come into play, their towing capacity is reduced to 750lbs.
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, and Hybrid Models
Is there a difference in the towing specs of these different Subaru Crosstrek models? Let’s find out.
There is no difference in the towing capacity of these models, as they all range between the 750-1500 pounds mark. For instance, the 2021’s Crosstrek, Crosstrek Premium, Crosstrek Sport, Crosstrek Limited, and Crosstrek Hybrid gave a maximum tow capacity of 1500 pounds.
Towing is not all about connecting the trailer to the hitch and pressing your foot on the gas. You have to be constantly aware of your trailer. Here are a handful of features in your Subaru Crosstrek that will increase your safety when towing heavy loads on rough roads.
- Symmetrical all-wheel-drive – Towing becomes easier when engaging 4WD than when driving on 2WD. That is because 4WD offers maximum traction, improved handling, stability, and quick response.
- Vehicle Dynamics Control – The Subaru Crosstrek has sensors that constantly monitor its behavior. If sway/drifting is detected from the trailer, torque reduction and braking power are used to rectify the situation.
- X-MODE – The X-Mode optimizes engine transmission on your Crosstrek for better traction in slippery conditions.
- Hill Descent Control – Hill Descent Control comes with the X-Mode feature and helps to maintain constant vehicle speed on steep descents. That leads to better control of your car.
- Brake Assist – Brake Assist is necessary when an emergency braking situation is detected. It helps the car dish out the maximum braking pressure, so your vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Takeaway
The Standard Crosstreks give out a maximum towing capacity of 1500lbs, while hybrids offer 1000lbs. However, if your trailer doesn’t have an independent braking system, the maximum you can tow is 750 pounds. When driving in temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit and an inclination of five miles and above, your maximum tow capacity is 750lbs.
The Hybrid models between 2013 and 2016 are not ideal for towing, so kindly check if yours lies within this range.
Bonus: Dodge Ram 1500 Towing Capacity [1994 – 2021]
