The Crosstrek was introduced into Subaru’s lineup as a subcompact crossover SUV in 2013 and is still made today. Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about Subaru Crosstrek towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2023 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Base can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Sport can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited can tow 1,500 pounds.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | 152 hp | 145 lb.-ft |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | 152 hp | 145 lb.-ft |
| Sport | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Towing Capacity
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid can tow 1,000 pounds.
| Subaru Crosstrek HybridTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L Hybrid | 148 hp | 149 lb.-ft |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Subaru Crosstrek being put to a real-world towing test pulling an Airstream trailer:
Subaru Crosstrek Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Subaru Crosstrek Braked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs – 1,500 lbs.
Subaru Crosstrek Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Subaru Crosstrek tow capacity.
Trim Level
Subaru’s trim levels vary, with all trim levels having access to the same engine size.
Traditionally, all model years and trim levels of the Subaru Crosstrek have had a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds except the Base trim, which can pull 2,000 pounds at the most.
Gas Vs Hybrid
Whether your Crosstrek has a gas engine or hybrid engine will impact how much it can pull.
Standard Crosstrek models with gas engines can tow more weight than hybrid Crosstreks.
Number Of Passengers
This is true for determining how much you should tow with any vehicle, but the number of passengers in your Subaru Crosstrek can impact how heavy of a trailer you can pull with it.
This impacts the total weight inside the vehicle, which plays a part in determining how much weight you have left for towing when considering the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Subaru Crosstrek Engine Specs
There are three engines available on the Crosstrek: two gas engines and a hybrid engine.
2.0 Liter 4-Cylinder Gas Engine
The base Subaru Crosstrek gas engine offered is the 2.0L four-cylinder engine.
This engine produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft of torque.
This engine is available on the Base and Premium Crosstrek trim levels.
2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder Gas Engine
The base Subaru Crosstrek gas engine offered is the 2.0L four-cylinder engine.
This engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft of torque.
This engine is available on the Sport and Limited Crosstrek trim levels.
2.0 Liter Hybrid Engine
The only Subaru Crosstrek hybrid engine offered is the 2.0L four-cylinder engine.
This engine produces 148 horsepower and 149 lb.-ft of torque.
Subaru Crosstrek Tow Package Info
Does The Subaru Crosstrek Have A Tow Package?
Subaru offers a factory-installed Crosstrek tow package option.
It is available on most trim levels and includes the following enhancements:
- Subaru Crosstrek factory Class I trailer hitch
- Ball Mount (Ball Sold Separately)
- Thule Hitch-Mounted 2-Bike Carrier (Sold Separately)
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Subaru Crosstrek?
If you plan on towing anything with your Subaru Crosstrek, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Subaru Crosstrek Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Class 1 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Subaru Crosstrek trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling.Main Body:Square
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid Bonderite and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Subaru Crosstrek
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Crosstrek:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Subaru Crosstrek Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Crosstrek, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Subaru Crosstrek trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With A Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Subaru Crosstrek Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Crosstrek to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Crosstrek.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Base can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Limited can tow 1,500 pounds.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | 152 hp | 145 lb.-ft |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | 152 hp | 145 lb.-ft |
| Sport | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Towing Capacity
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid can tow 1,000 pounds.
| Subaru Crosstrek HybridTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L Hybrid | 148 hp | 149 lb.-ft |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited can tow 1,500 pounds.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | 152 hp | 145 lb.-ft |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | 152 hp | 145 lb.-ft |
| Sport | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Towing Capacity
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid can tow 1,000 pounds.
| Subaru Crosstrek HybridTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg | 2.0L Hybrid | 148 hp | 149 lb.-ft |
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited can tow 1,500 pounds.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Towing Capacity
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid can tow 1,000 pounds.
| Subaru Crosstrek HybridTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Base can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited can tow 1,500 pounds.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Towing Capacity
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid can tow 1,000 pounds.
| Subaru Crosstrek HybridTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Base can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium can tow 1,500 pounds.
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited can tow 1,500 pounds.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2015 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2015 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2014 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2013 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek can tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. across all trim levels.
| Subaru CrosstrekTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |