The Crosstrek, a compact SUV, is all about adventure. It’s built for off-road fun with good ground clearance and an all-wheel-drive system, making it a smart choice for those dealing with rain or snow.
But it’s not just an off-road champ – the Crosstrek can also handle towing. With a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, [1] it can pull a small trailer or pop-up camper without a hitch. As a Crosstrek owner, it’s crucial to know the towing capacity to avoid risks and potential damage.
In this article, I’ll break down “How much can a Subaru Crosstrek tow“, and share some tips for towing safely on the road. Stick around for the lowdown on towing with your Crosstrek!
Understanding Crosstrek Towing Capacity
To grasp the towing capacity of a Subaru Crosstrek, let’s keep it simple. Towing capacity is like the max weight your car can handle without causing trouble. Going beyond this limit isn’t just a bad idea; it can be downright risky and damage your vehicle. So, how do we figure out how much our Crosstrek can tow?
Firstly, find your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – it’s the superhero strength limit for your Crosstrek, covering everything from passengers to luggage to tongue weight.
Now, subtract your Crosstrek’s weight from the GVWR. Boom! You’ve got your maximum tongue weight, which is the trailer weight that can chill on the hitch ball. Finally, flip through your owner’s manual to find out the exact towing capacity for your Crosstrek.
But wait, there’s more. Your Crosstrek’s towing capacity isn’t just a fixed number. The engine, transmission, and suspension all play a role in determining how much it can handle. Don’t forget about your brakes and tires – towing can be a workout for them too, so keep ’em in top-notch condition.
And here’s a nugget of wisdom: consider the route you’re towing on. If it involves mountains or steep hills, you might want to ease up on the cargo to give your Crosstrek a breather. Altitude and terrain can be sneaky factors that influence towing.
How Much Can a Subaru Crosstrek Tow?
If you’re thinking about towing with your Crosstrek, it’s important to know just how much weight you can handle. Luckily, Subaru has made it easy for you by providing specific towing capacity ratings for each model.
So, what are these ratings, you ask? Well, the Crosstrek’s towing capacity varies slightly depending on the model and year. The Crosstrek can tow loads ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. [2]
The Crosstrek’s towing capacity can be affected by things like the trim level, engine size, and transmission type. The Crosstrek’s base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which puts out 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.
However, if you opt for the Crosstrek Sport or Limited trim, you’ll get a slightly more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This can affect the Crosstrek’s towing capacity, so make sure to check your owner’s manual to see how much weight your specific model can handle.
Towing with the Subaru Crosstrek
So, you’ve hooked up your Crosstrek for some towing action. Before you hit the road, let’s talk about a few things to make sure everything goes smoothly.
1. Trailer Security
First off, make sure your trailer is properly connected to your Crosstrek’s hitch. Check that the hitch ball and coupler are securely locked, and the safety chains are crossed and attached as they should be. If your trailer has brakes, ensure they’re connected and working before you start your drive.
2. Weight Balance
Now, let’s chat about weight distribution. It’s like packing a suitcase – you want the weight of your trailer evenly spread over the axles. Too much in the front or back can make your ride less stable. You can adjust this by moving stuff around in your trailer or tweaking the tongue weight.
3. Easy Driving
When you’re on the road, take it slow and steady. Towing changes how your Crosstrek handles and brakes, so keep some extra space between you and other cars. And don’t forget to take breaks – stretch your legs, grab a snack, and give your Crosstrek a breather.
4. Take Care of Your Crosstrek
Even though the Crosstrek can handle towing, regular check-ups are important. Before you hit the road, give your vehicle a quick once-over. Check the oil, brakes, and tires – they can take a beating while towing. And think about upgrading your Crosstrek’s suspension, brakes, or transmission for an even better towing experience.
Additional Tips
When you’re towing with your Subaru Crosstrek, consider these extra tips to make the process easy and safe:
- Choose the Right Trailer: Always pair your Crosstrek with a trailer that suits the size and weight of what you’re hauling. It’s not just about any old trailer; it’s about finding the perfect match. This way, your Crosstrek can handle the load without a hitch.
- Balance the Load: Distribute the weight in your trailer evenly. Keep it balanced. This not only keeps your Crosstrek steady on the road but also avoids stressing out your vehicle unnecessarily.
- Smooth Moves: Towing isn’t a race. Steer clear of sudden stops and starts. Smooth acceleration and braking help you maintain control. Take it easy, give your Subaru and the trailer the time they need to sync up.
- Handle with Care on Hills and in Windy Weather: On hills, take it slow and steady to let your Crosstrek conquer the incline comfortably. Windy conditions? Keep a firm grip on the wheel and stay alert. Adapt to the road and weather for a safer journey.
- Consider a Towing Course: If towing is new to you, think about taking a towing course. It’s not waving the white flag; it’s about building confidence and honing your skills. Trust me, it’s a game-changer, making you more at ease and capable when towing.
Comparison with Other Compact SUVs
I recently explored the towing capabilities of the Crosstrek, and it turns out it can handle up to 1,500 lbs, depending on the model and year. While not jaw-dropping, it’s pretty respectable for a compact SUV. Keen to see how it measures up against its rivals, I did a quick side-by-side.
Take the Honda HR-V, for instance. It can tow 1,100 lbs, trailing behind the Crosstrek. Then there’s the Mazda CX-3, clocking in at 1,200 lbs. In the towing game, the Crosstrek comes out on top against these contenders.
But here’s where it gets interesting—the Jeep Renegade and the Chevrolet Trax can both haul up to 2,000 lbs, outpacing the Crosstrek. Even though it’s not the heavyweight champion, the Crosstrek stands its ground as a solid choice.
I dug into expert reviews, and it seems the Crosstrek handles towing quite capably. Let’s be real, though—it’s not going to outshine a full-size SUV.
Due to its compact size and relatively lower power, it might not be the cushiest or most stable when towing hefty loads. Nevertheless, stick within its towing limit, and the Crosstrek should handle the job without breaking a sweat.
How Many Kg Can a Subaru XV Tow?
The Subaru XV, or Crosstrek in some places, can handle towing up to 680 kg, roughly equivalent to 1,500 lbs. So, if you’re thinking about hooking up a trailer, you’re good to go within that weight limit.
Is Subaru XV Crosstrek Good for Towing?
It’s not exactly a powerhouse in the towing game, but it’s no slouch either. If you’re eyeing an SUV that can tow hefty loads, you might want to peek at the bigger players like full-sized SUVs or trucks.
From my own experiences, the Crosstrek can manage towing tasks pretty well within its limits. If you’ve got a trailer or a reasonably sized load, it’s up for the challenge. But, and there’s always a “but,” if you’re thinking about towing something that could rival a small house, you might want to rethink your strategy.
Which Subaru SUV has the Highest Towing Capacity?
I’ve been checking out the towing abilities of different Subaru SUVs, and the Subaru Ascent really stands out. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs, [3] more than any other Subaru SUV. So, if you need a vehicle with some serious towing power, the Ascent is a great pick.
Conclusion
Alright, let’s sum it up when it comes to towing with the Subaru Crosstrek. It might not be a towing beast, but it’s a solid choice if you’re pulling a small trailer or pop-up camper.
Just keep an eye on your car’s towing limits, make sure that trailer is hitched up tight, and take it easy on the roads. Stick to these basics, and you’re on the road to a smooth and successful towing experience.
