Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
US-spec Crosstreks top out at 1,500 lbs (680 kg) of trailering capacity on standard trims, but the Wilderness trim (2024+) is rated 3,500 lbs (1,600 kg) thanks to a retuned CVT and added CVT cooler. Overseas XV/Crosstrek models are rated 1,250-1,400 kg braked. The plug-in hybrid variant's exact rating could not be confirmed here, so check your own placard.
How much can a Subaru Crosstrek tow
The Crosstrek is a compact crossover, not a truck, so its towing range is narrow and fairly consistent across the model line rather than spread across many configurations. In the US market, cars.com specification sheets for both the 2019 model year and the redesigned 2024 model year list the same figure across every standard trim: a maximum trailering capacity of 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Subaru has kept this rating stable through multiple generations because the Crosstrek shares its unibody platform and towing hardware with the Impreza rather than offering a heavy-duty tow package. The one exception is the off-road-focused Crosstrek Wilderness, introduced in April 2023 for the 2024 model year: it pairs the 2.5L FB25D engine with a retuned CVT and an added CVT cooler, and Subaru rates it at 3,500 lbs (1,600 kg) - more than double the standard figure.
International (XV / Crosstrek) figures differ
Outside North America the same vehicle is often sold as the Subaru XV. According to CarsGuide compilations of Australian-market specifications, braked towing capacity for XV/Crosstrek models sold there has ranged from about 1,250 kg to 1,400 kg (2,756-3,086 lbs) depending on model year and drivetrain, with a 750 kg (1,653 lb) limit when towing without trailer brakes. These are notably higher than the US figure because Australian towing ratings are calculated under different local standards - they are not interchangeable with the US rating.
Crosstrek Hybrid / plug-in hybrid
We could not corroborate a specific manufacturer-published towing figure for the Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) sold from 2019, and we will not invent one. The battery pack's placement can affect available payload and towing hardware on hybrid models, so treat this variant as a separate case and confirm directly from Subaru's owner's manual or towing guide for that specific model year before attempting to tow anything.
Tongue weight
We did not find a manufacturer-published maximum tongue weight figure we could verify for the Crosstrek. As a general industry guideline, tongue weight is typically 10-15% of the actual trailer weight, but this is not a Crosstrek-specific number - check your own vehicle's owner's manual for any stated limit.
Where to find your exact rating
Because even small equipment differences can change a vehicle's real-world towing math, always verify your own Crosstrek using these sources, in order of authority:
- The tire and loading information placard on the driver's door jamb
- Your owner's manual towing section
- Subaru's official published towing guide for your exact model year
- A dealer parts/service advisor, who can pull the build sheet for your VIN
| Generation / years | Engine & configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| US-spec, 2013-2019 (1st-2nd gen) | 2.0L 4-cyl, FWD/AWD, manual or CVT | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| US-spec, 2024-2026, standard trims (redesigned gen) | 2.0L or 2.5L 4-cyl, AWD, CVT | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| US-spec, 2024-2026, Wilderness trim | 2.5L 4-cyl (FB25D), AWD, retuned CVT + added CVT cooler | 3,500 lb / 1,600 kg |
| Australia-spec XV/Crosstrek, various years | 2.0L petrol, AWD | 1,250-1,400 kg braked / 750 kg unbraked (2,756-3,086 lb / 1,653 lb) |
| Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV), 2019-2023 | 2.0L + electric motor, AWD | Not confirmed here - check owner's manual for this specific model |
Summary
| US max trailering capacity, standard trims (2019, 2024 confirmed) | 1,500 lb (680 kg) |
|---|---|
| US max trailering capacity, Crosstrek Wilderness (2024+) | 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) |
| AU-spec XV/Crosstrek braked capacity (varies by year) | 1,250-1,400 kg (2,756-3,086 lb) |
| AU-spec unbraked capacity | 750 kg (1,653 lb) |
| Tow package availability | None offered - rating is fixed across trims |
| Tongue weight (manufacturer figure) | Not confirmed - check owner's manual |
| Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) rating | Not confirmed - verify per model year |
| Authoritative source for your VIN | Driver's door placard + owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Subaru Crosstrek: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a US-spec Subaru Crosstrek?
Specification sheets for both the 2019 and 2024 model years list a maximum trailering capacity of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) across all standard non-hybrid trims. This has stayed consistent across generations because the Crosstrek does not offer a heavy-duty tow package. The one exception is the Crosstrek Wilderness trim (2024+), rated at 3,500 lbs (1,600 kg).
Why is the Crosstrek Wilderness rated to tow so much more than other trims?
The Crosstrek Wilderness, introduced in April 2023 for the 2024 model year, pairs its 2.5L FB25D engine with a retuned CVT and an added CVT cooler to handle the extra heat load of towing. That combination lets Subaru rate it at 3,500 lbs (1,600 kg), more than double the 1,500 lb (680 kg) rating on every other US-spec trim.
Can the Crosstrek Hybrid tow more or less than the regular Crosstrek?
We could not confirm an exact manufacturer figure for the plug-in hybrid Crosstrek (sold 2019-2023) in this research pass. Because the battery pack changes weight distribution, do not assume it matches the standard 1,500 lb rating - check your owner's manual or the driver's door placard for the number specific to your vehicle.
Why do Australian Crosstrek/XV towing figures look so much higher than US figures?
Australia rates towing capacity under different local testing standards than the US, so Australian-market XV/Crosstrek models are commonly listed at 1,250-1,400 kg braked (roughly 2,756-3,086 lbs), noticeably above the US 1,500 lb rating. These numbers are not interchangeable - use the rating for the market your vehicle was built and certified for.
Where do I find the exact towing and tongue weight numbers for my specific Crosstrek?
Check the tire and loading placard on the driver's door jamb, the towing section of your owner's manual, or Subaru's official towing guide for your model year - all three should match, and any of them overrides a generic online figure.