2025 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity

Ever tried to plan a weekend getaway or tow a small camper, only to get stuck wondering if your SUV can actually handle it? That’s exactly the kind of question people ask about the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity—because nobody wants to find out the hard way that their adventure is too heavy for their ride. It’s a mix of curiosity, frustration, and the need for confidence before hitting the road.
This blog will explain the towing capacity of Crosstrek, its practical applications, and how the figure relates to your everyday life. It will provide you with clear and concise information along with useful analyses so that you can easily figure out your plans. You will learn, by the end of the blog, how to fully optimize your Crosstrek and its features.
What Is the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek isn’t just a commuter car—it’s got more muscle than you might expect for its size. With the standard 2.0L BOXER engine, most trims can handle about 1,500 pounds. That’s plenty for hauling a lightweight trailer, a jet ski, or even a couple of kayaks for the weekend.

If you go for the Crosstrek Wilderness, though, you step into a different league. Subaru gave this trim a 3,500-pound towing limit, which is huge for a subcompact SUV. That kind of strength lets you pull a camper, a small boat, or even a pair of ATVs without sweating it.
Crosstrek Towing by Trim
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Trim | Towing Capacity | Engine |
Base | 1,500 lbs | 2.0L BOXER (152 hp, 145 lb-ft torque) |
Premium | 1,500 lbs | 2.5L BOXER (182 hp, 178 lb-ft torque) |
Sport | 1,500 lbs | 2.5L BOXER |
Limited | 1,500 lbs | 2.5L BOXER |
Wilderness | 3,500 lbs | 2.5L BOXER with towing upgrades |
As you can see, every trim can tow a bit, but the Wilderness trim is where Subaru clearly built something for the adventure crowd.
What You Can Actually Tow
So what does this mean in real-world terms? With 1,500 pounds, you’re set for toys and lighter gear—jet skis, kayaks, a dirt bike, or a basic trailer with yard tools. Most small trailers come in under a thousand pounds, so you’ve still got some wiggle room for extras.
With the Wilderness trim, your world expands. Now you’re pulling small campers, boats, or multiple ATVs. If your weekends involve longer drives with more gear, this trim really pulls its weight—literally.
Features That Help With Towing
Towing is about more than raw numbers, and Subaru clearly thought that through. Every Crosstrek comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which makes a big difference on slick or uneven roads. Add in X-MODE® traction assist, and you’re ready for mud, gravel, or snow.

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) also steps in, watching your steering and braking and adjusting torque when needed. That means your trailer stays steady without you constantly worrying at the wheel. Even if you’re new to towing, these features give you a confidence boost.
Engines That Drive the Crosstrek

There are two engines to choose from.
- The 2.0L BOXER in the Base trim makes 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque—good enough for light towing.
- The 2.5L BOXER, standard on Sport, Limited, Premium, and Wilderness trims, delivers 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. That extra strength is why the Wilderness can manage so much more.
Both are paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, which even has paddle shifters for more responsive control when you’re towing.
Performance and Safety When Towing
The Crosstrek’s capability isn’t just about engines and towing charts. Subaru’s AWD system gives you extra grip when hauling, and X-MODE® makes off-road trails or slippery weather less stressful.
On the safety side, EyeSight® Driver Assist comes standard. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Braking, and Automatic Emergency Steering all help when you’re towing heavier loads, especially on long trips.
Why the Crosstrek Works in Real Life
Specs don’t really matter until you have been living with the vehicle. The Crosstrek certainly gives you options— you can tow lightweight items for casual trips or select the Wilderness variant for a more serious 3,500 pound rating. Additionally, Subaru’s safety features and all-weather confidence make it one of the subcompact SUVs with the most versatility.

Whether it’s hauling the kayaks to the lake or taking a camper out for a weeklong trip, the Crosstrek is more than just a practical vehicle for weekday commuting. The car is a reliable weekday vehicle and an adventure vehicle for the weekends.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek demonstrates that the small stature of an SUV does not have to mean lack of capability. Most trims would adequately support lighter loads such as dirt bikes, jet skis, or even a small utility trailer. For those seeking greater towing capacity, the Wilderness trim is equipped with a segment-leading 3,500 pounds of tow capability.
With the comfort of a daily commuter SUV and the Subaru BOXER engines, AWD, and safety tech, it is ready for the adventure you want. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that works hard and has a fun side to it, the Crosstrek absolutely deserves a closer look.For more car knowledge visit carfact.online.
FAQS
How much can a Subaru Crosstrek tow?
The Subaru Crosstrek can tow up to 1,500 lbs, while the Crosstrek Wilderness boosts that to 3,500 lbs.
Can a Crosstrek tow 3000 lbs?
Yes, but only the Crosstrek Wilderness model can handle up to 3,500 lbs—regular Crosstreks max out at 1,500 lbs.
What is the towing capacity of the Subaru 2025?
For 2025, the Crosstrek’s towing capacity stays the same: 1,500 lbs standard and 3,500 lbs with the Wilderness trim.
What Subarus can tow 3500 pounds?
The Crosstrek Wilderness, Outback, and Forester Wilderness trims are built to tow up to 3,500 lbs.
What Subaru has 5000 lb towing capacity?
The Subaru Ascent is the only model rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs, making it the strongest hauler in the lineup.