Though state laws are variable across the US, general rule is 1500 pounds GVW before requiring brakes. I tow a small teardrop trailer, dry weight around 900 pounds; when loaded up with gear, toolbox, food, and other camping stuff, I am probably towing somewhere 1,000 pounds - so yeah here I am at the spec line for Subaru at 1,000 pounds nonbraked trailer - I am also very counscious of tongue weight. This is not a problem except when I get on the steeper roads, up or down, where gravity is more of a factor to be dealt with. But generally if one drives sanely there are no problems. (Also to be included in weight calculations is the meat cargo in the vehicle itself, that being you, your partner, your children if any, all that meat weight can add up to quite a bit.)

Me in my opinion, I would never saddle what is basically a compact car with 3,500 pounds of trailer and gear despite what the towing specs are. Just the bulk of the trailer alone can be problematic.

 

I am also very counscious of tongue weight. This is not a problem except when I get on the steeper roads, up or down, where gravity is more of a factor to be dealt with. But generally if one drives sanely there are no problems. (Also to be included in weight calculations is the meat cargo in the vehicle itself, that being you, your partner, your children if any, all that meat weight can add up to quite a bit.)

Yep, the manual has examples on pages 528-529 showing how to calculate what you can safely put in your car. They include driver/passenger weight as well as interior cargo weight, hitch assembly weight, and trailer tongue weight. All together, they should not exceed 800 lbs (which is the weight to the vehicle, separate from towed weight). I would virtually guarantee that a lot of people exceed this capacity, even without a trailer. Roof racks, cargo boxes, spare tire carriers, and all the other doo-dads or non-OEM accessories count as cargo weight. Heck, even 4 large adults in the car probably exceeds 800 lbs.

 

I can only imagine the battle between marketing and engineering on this one. 😂 CVTs aren't ideal for towing — those 2" hitch receivers are pretty much just for bike racks, not serious tow work.

 

How big should a serious receiver etc be?

I see a lot of full-size trucks with what look like 2" setups.

 

It's not the size, but the class of the receiver that determines how much weight a trailer can be safely towed. The real issue with the Crosstrek is its relatively low vehicle weight, underpowered engine, and the CVT transmission — all of which limit its towing capability.
The marketing team likely pushed for towing capacity as it's a strong selling point in the U.S., so the engineers had to adapt the vehicle to tow something. The CVT can probably handle a bit more weight since it's also used in heavier vehicles like the Forester and Outback. But let’s be real — 3,500 lbs is more than the Crosstrek itself weighs, and I highly doubt the CVT will be happy with that kind of load over time.

 

Maybe a lil more confidence in getting others unstuck, but I wouldn't tow at max for sure

 

If I recall correctly, the Wilderness has a separate dedicated transmission cooler to help the CVT deal with larger loads.

 

Yep, because their CVT runs hotter even under normal conditions. That’s why Subaru uses a proprietary — and expensive — CVTF. It’s not just about lubrication; it’s about managing heat.
I was honestly surprised to see the CVTF temperature climbing toward 100 °C (212 °F) under moderate load and regular driving, when most other manufacturers’ CVTs typically stay below 90 °C (194 °F).

 

You guys drive a little subaru crosstrek for God's sake. Do yourself and the rest of us a favor. Do not pull trailers with a tiny car period. Get real. Anyone should be able to figure this out.

 

You have clearly never seen what Europeans do with their small cars have you? In many parts of the world the Crosstrek/Impreza is a fairly large car.

 

It's perfectly reasonable to pull a small trailer with a Crosstrek.

Pulling a giant boat or a massive camper? No, that's not reasonable.

Pulling a little cargo trailer to move a few hundred pounds of stuff? Perfectly safe and sane if done correctly.


Only in the 2020s would the Crosstrek be considered a "small" car.

Ford Escort 1980-1986 vs. Subaru XV Crosstrek 2012-2017

Ford Escort Hatchback 1980-1986 vs. Subaru XV Crosstrek SUV 2012-2017. Compare car dimensions (length, width and height) vs. street perspective.

www.carsized.com

 

Bicycles, a couple motorcycles on a trailer, a dual wave runner trailer, or maybe a very small teardrop camper. That's all I would trust the CT to tow IMO. Don't care what the manual states or what the tranny cooler is 'meant' for. But you do you

 

I NEVER tow anything (I don't have a tow bar). That said, driving up my 17 degree hill in X-Mode as slow as I can, puts a lot more strain on the drivetrain than properly towing something. (Refer to Post #1 above.) Follow the Severe Service schedule in the Warranty manual (for towing). The manual specifies to change the engine oil every 3K miles. For me, towing is too much like WORK. If I need something towed I have some other company do it, like my riding lawn mower maintenance shop.

 

Pretty sure anybody towing 3,000+ lbs behind them is fully aware that they need trailer brakes.

 

Or they soon will be...

 

I feel like towing has become more of a fashion statement than a real necessity. Don’t get me wrong — there’s nothing wrong with towing a utility trailer or a motorcycle.
I drive a lot for work, and I often see ~$60K pickups pulling ~$10K trailers loaded with cargo that any Sprinter van could easily handle — if not more.
But I guess it’s just not considered "cool" to drive a Sprinter. Who knows.

 

https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/chp-stops-big-rig-driver-towing-second-big-rig-with-metal-pole-on-sf-freeway/

Could go in Friday funnies...

 

Well unfortunately I am on the road alot and see alot of accidents. You know how many trailers are pulled by crosstreks here in the pnw? Zero. Because people out here have enough common sense not to. They are not meant to and they are not safe to. Go ask any mechanic. And I'm not talking about a 500 dollar 300lb trailer with some bushes on it from home depot. I can put that on my shoulders.

 

Oh and yes your car is considered a small car. What did you used to drive a fiat 500 or go kart?

 

I have a hitch receiver which I only use for a bike rack or a small open trailer I use to haul vegetative waste 1.5 miles up to the brush dump. I never go over 30mph with that thing.

 

Oh and yes your car is considered a small car. What did you used to drive a fiat 500 or go kart?

Well since you didn't take advantage of the link, I guess, I'll post some pics from it.

Again, only in the 2020s would the Crosstrek be considered a "small" car, thanks to the marketing-driven bloat and shifting meaningless classifications.

Ford Escort 1980-1986 vs. Subaru XV Crosstrek 2012-2017

Ford Escort Hatchback 1980-1986 vs. Subaru XV Crosstrek SUV 2012-2017. Compare car dimensions (length, width and height) vs. street perspective.

www.carsized.com

The Crosstrek is only "small" in comparison to the trucks and SUVs driven largely by people who will never actually need a vehicle that size for anything other than social signalling to their neighbors.

 

2024 Wilderness, bought new in Feb 2025. 30,000 miles in 8 months towing this (all the time) 1300lb trailer, no problems at all.

 

Sorry forgot, I have a Curt Echo wireless trailer brake I use when needed.