Towing capacity for a Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity : the practical guide

The Subaru Crosstrek belongs to the SUV family, a body style that combines a raised driving position with the structural rigidity needed for towing. Its higher ground clearance and longer wheelbase typically give a more stable behaviour with a caravan than a compact saloon. Across the 2 listed engines, figures vary depending on transmission and gearbox.

Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity in one line

Across the 2 engines listed, built 2023, towing capacity is 1,270 kg (2,800 lb) to 1,400 kg (3,086 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 1,270 kg (2,800 lb) to 1,400 kg (3,086 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The engines listed cover petrol, full hybrid. Pick the one whose maximum braked towing weight clears your loaded trailer by a real margin, not just on paper.

What you can actually tow with this Subaru Crosstrek

At 1,250 kg, you start to cover real loaded family luggage trailers and compact two- or three-berth caravans, either empty or very lightly loaded. It is also the typical threshold for a single-horse trailer empty or a small boat trailer up to 4 metres.

Best fit: Typical profile: a family going on holiday once or twice a year with a light caravan, or an owner of a sports bike carried on a small trailer.

Watch out: Watch the actual gross train weight on your V5C: at this level, a fully loaded car (five up plus luggage) on top of the trailer puts you very close to the limit.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook. Gross train weight (GTW) is the maximum laden weight of the whole outfit : not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook. Payload (GVW minus kerbweight) sits at not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook, the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own Subaru Crosstrek

• Field F.1 / F.2 : maximum laden weight (GVW). The figure on your logbook is the only one that legally applies to your car.
• Field F.3 : gross train weight (GTW). Compare it to the published values above to spot a discrepancy.
• Field O.1 : maximum braked towing weight. Sometimes lower than the manufacturer brochure if your car was originally fitted without a towbar.
• Field O.2 : maximum unbraked towing weight. Capped at 750 kg in most cases.

What licence do you need to tow with a Subaru Crosstrek?

If you passed the UK car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer (B+E) test was scrapped. Drivers who passed earlier usually keep grandfather rights. As a stability rule, less experienced drivers should keep the loaded caravan weight to no more than about 85 % of the car kerbweight, especially on motorways and in crosswinds. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate before hitching up.

FAQ

What is the gross vehicle weight of the Subaru Crosstrek?
Not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook.

How much can the Subaru Crosstrek tow?
The Subaru Crosstrek can tow up to 1,270 kg (2,800 lb) to 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 1,270 kg (2,800 lb) to 1,400 kg (3,086 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a Subaru Crosstrek?
In the UK, drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM on a standard category B licence (the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer test was scrapped). Drivers who passed before then usually keep larger entitlements. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate.