Impressive 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity Uncovered

Imagine hooking up a trailer for a weekend getaway, loading in bikes, kayaks or even a small camper—and you want to know if your compact SUV can handle the job. That’s where the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity question comes in.

In this article you’ll learn how much the 2025 Crosstrek can tow, what influences that number (engine, trim, equipment), how it compares with competitors, and what practical tips to keep in mind before you hitch up. Let’s break it down.

Quick Overview Table

Spec	2025 Model Data
Engine & Transmission	2.0 L or 2.5 L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cyl + Lineartronic® CVT
Power / Torque	152 hp (113 kW) & 145 lb-ft (196 Nm) with 2.0 L; 182 hp (136 kW) & 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) with 2.5 L
Fuel Efficiency (Estimated)	2.0 L: ~27/34 mpg city/highway (U.S.); 2.5 L: ~27/33 mpg combined for non-Wilderness trims.
Estimated Price Range	Starting around US $26,560 (Base)
Trim Options	Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness
Key Highlights	Standard AWD, robust off-road Wilderness trim with raised clearance & higher towing limit

Towing Capacity by Trim — What You Can Tow

Standard Trims (Base, Premium, Sport, Limited)

For the standard trims of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek (Base, Premium, Sport, Limited), the official towing capacity is 1,500 lbs (≈ 680 kg).
That means for light trailers, small campers or boats you can consider the Crosstrek—but you’re limited to fairly modest loads.

Wilderness Trim – The Big Step Up

The 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness is the exception. Thanks to additional equipment (including a transmission oil cooler) it offers a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs (≈ 1,587 kg).
If you plan to tow something heavier—a larger boat, a serious camper, or more gear—this trim is clearly the one to choose.

Bottom line: If you ask “how much can the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek tow?”—the safe answer is generally 1,500 lbs unless you’re in the Wilderness trim, in which case it jumps to 3,500 lbs.

Why the Towing Specs Differ — Engine, Cooling & Equipment

When you dig into why the Wilderness trim supports more towing, three main factors emerge:

Engine & Torque Output

The 2.5 L engine (182 hp, 178 lb-ft) brings stronger performance than the 2.0 L (152 hp, 145 lb-ft) which helps when pulling loads.
Still, the standard trims use the 2.5 L in many markets yet are still rated at the lower 1,500 lb limit—so engine alone isn’t the full story.

Transmission Cooling and Additional Reinforcements

The Wilderness model specifically adds a CVT transmission oil cooler and other hardware upgrades that allow it to handle the extra heat and load of towing heavier loads.
This is crucial because sustained towing stresses drivetrain and cooling systems.

Payload, GVWR and Vehicle Setup

Even if you’ve got the trailer hitched, you must consider the vehicle’s curb weight, payload capacity, roof load, tongue weight and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Overlooking any of those can compromise safety. For example, standard trims must account for passengers and cargo before calculating what’s left for towing.

In other words: choosing the right trim + hitched equipment + obeying weight limits = safe towing.

📏 For detailed size, storage, and capacity specs, check our 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Dimensions Ultimate Guide.

Is the Crosstrek Good for Towing a Camper or Boat?

Short answer: Yes, but to different extents depending on trim.

If you’re planning to tow a small camper or boat with the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek (non-Wilderness, 1,500 lbs capacity), you’ll be fine for:

• Teardrop trailers, utility trailers, jet-skis, small boats under ~1,000 kg
• Occasional light duty trips

However, you’ll need to be realistic about constraints:

• The 1,500 lb limit doesn’t leave much margin if your trailer is heavy or loaded.
• The trailer must have proper brakes if required in your region; some markets differentiate between braked/unbraked capacity.
• Performance may be modest when accelerating, towing uphill or in high-altitude scenarios.

If you go with the Wilderness trim (3,500 lbs capacity) you gain significantly more margin. It becomes realistic to tow:

• A small 17-ft camper or a mid-sized boat
• More gear, more flexibility for adventure trips

In practice, if someone asked “can the 2025 Crosstrek tow a small trailer or boat?”, my answer would be: yes—but choose the Wilderness version for anything more than very lightweight loads.

Hitch, Accessories & Towing Features

Before hitching up, make sure you cover the base equipment. For the 2025 Crosstrek:

• A factory or dealer-installed trailer hitch receiver is required to achieve the official towing capacity.
• Check whether your trailer requires its own brakes. Some markets require trailer brakes above certain weights. The owner’s manual may specify different limits for braked vs unbraked trailers.
• Roof rails and cargo-load capacity matter because heavy trailers + heavy roof loads can push you over limits. The Wilderness variant offers ladder-style roof rails with higher static/dynamic loads.
• Standard all-wheel drive (Subaru Symmetrical AWD) is an advantage when towing—especially on slippery or uneven surfaces.
• Consider tongue weight (typically 8–11% of trailer weight) and ensure the rear suspension is not overloaded.

Feature list:

• AWD standard across trims
• Trailer hitch preparation or accessory availability
• Additional cooling (in Wilderness)
• Off-road readiness (Wilderness: raised ground clearance, skid plates)
• Driver assistance and safety features (helpful when towing)

For a full features breakdown of the Crosstrek, check our 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Features Breakdown.

Crosstrek Towing Capacity Compared & Competition

How does the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek stack up when compared with other compact SUVs (especially for towing)?

• According to one comparison guide, the Crosstrek’s “maximum” of 1,500 lbs for the standard trims places it in the light-towing category.
• Some competitors may offer higher towing capacities at a similar size, depending on engine options or dedicated towing packages.
• Within the Subaru lineup: the larger Subaru Outback offers higher towing specs (2,700–3,500 lbs) in certain trims.
• So if towing is a major priority (frequent large loads, heavy campers, large boats), you might consider stepping up to a larger SUV. For moderate towing the Crosstrek Wilderness is a compelling value.

In short: the Crosstrek serves well for light to moderate towing; for heavy duty towing you’ll want to look at models with higher capacity or dedicated towing architecture.

Practical Advice Before You Tow

Here are some expert tips to keep your towing experience safe, reliable and within the limits of the 2025 Crosstrek:

1. Know your actual total weight. Include trailer weight + gear + cargo + passengers. Make sure you don’t exceed the vehicle’s GVWR or the stated trailer weight limit.
2. Check the tongue weight and trailer balance. An improperly balanced trailer puts undue stress on hitch, axle and suspension.
3. Use proper trailer brakes when required. Especially if towing close to the upper limit (e.g., 3,500 lbs in the Wilderness).
4. Monitor transmission and cooling. If you’re towing uphill or in hot climates, ensure the cooling systems are functioning. The Wilderness trim has enhancements for this.
5. Take into account performance impact. Towing reduces acceleration, increases braking distances and may reduce fuel efficiency. That’s due to added load and the effect on drive train and aerodynamics.
   (EPA data source: FuelEconomy.gov – Official Subaru Crosstrek Ratings)
6. Use appropriate tires, check suspension. Ensure the vehicle’s tires are rated for the load, tire pressures are correct, and suspension is maintained.
7. Be aware of roof and cargo loads. Don’t forget that heavy roof loads + cargo + trailer = cumulative weight which can quickly approach limits.
8. Legal & region specifics. Trailer laws vary by country or state: braking requirements, maximum speeds, licensing. Be sure you comply.
9. Internal anchor example: If you’re interested in towing assistance systems, you might check our article on [towing features in SUVs] for additional context.
10. Plan for the terrain. If you’re towing over rough roads or off-road (especially relevant with the Crosstrek Wilderness), factor in greater demands on drivetrain, cooling, and stability systems.

Conclusion

In the realm of compact SUVs with towing capability, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek stands out thanks to its credible performance and real-world utility. While the base trims offer a modest 1,500 lbs / ~680 kg towing limit, the more capable Wilderness trim ramps that up to 3,500 lbs / ~1,587 kg—a dramatic difference rooted in upgraded cooling, drivetrain and hardware.

If you’re targeting light camping, small trailers or occasional boat bundles, the standard Crosstrek works well. If you plan regular towing or larger loads, the Wilderness trim offers a compelling blend of off-road readiness and enhanced towing power. Consider engine power & torque, payload, hitch equipment, and your specific accessory setup when making decisions.

Ultimately, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity is both practical and honest—choose the configuration that suits your load, gear and adventure schedule. For further reading on best small SUVs for towing, you can explore our in-depth articles.

🔗 For more Subaru reviews, comparisons, and towing insights, explore our Subaru category.

FAQs

Q1: What is the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek towing capacity?
The 2025 Crosstrek is rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs (≈ 680 kg) in the standard trims. If you choose the Wilderness trim, the capacity increases to 3,500 lbs (≈ 1,587 kg).

Q2: Can the Subaru Crosstrek tow a small trailer or boat?
Yes — if you stay within the towing limit. With standard trims, you can tow a small trailer or boat weighing under ~1,500 lbs. For heavier trailers or boats, the Wilderness trim with 3,500 lbs capacity is a better fit.

Q3: Does the 2025 Crosstrek need a tow package?
You’ll need the proper hitch receiver and wiring for the trailer lights and brakes. While the vehicle comes prepared, installing a certified towing hitch is essential to achieving the rated capacity.

Q4: What engine does the Crosstrek use for towing?
The standard engine is a 2.0 L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder (152 hp, 145 lb-ft) in the Base trim; other trims use a 2.5 L version (182 hp, 178 lb-ft) which is better suited for towing.

Q5: What is the Crosstrek Wilderness towing capacity?
The Wilderness trim of the 2025 Crosstrek is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs (≈ 1,587 kg) when properly equipped.

Have questions about the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity? Contact us—we’re here to help you find the right answers.