For U.S. vehicles; figures from Subaru's 2026 Crosstrek model page and brochure, as recorded in SUVLook's profile (last updated September 23, 2026). This guide covers the 2026 model year only.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is rated to tow 1,500 lb on most trims and 3,500 lb on the Wilderness. That is enough for a small utility trailer or a light cargo carrier on most trims, but not for a typical camper or boat. Subaru ties the figures to the trim, so the exact version you buy matters more than the model name.

2026 Crosstrek towing capacity table

2026 Crosstrek configuration Published towing capacity Source note
Most trims 1,500 lb Most trims
Wilderness 3,500 lb Manufacturer-published U.S. specification

Both figures are in the Crosstrek profile, built on Subaru's model page. The Wilderness is rated 2,000 lb higher than the other trims (calculated from the table). Its published ground clearance is 9.3 inches, against 8.7 inches on other trims.

Trims, prices and powertrains

Trim Starting MSRP Powertrain Tow rating
Base $26,995 Gas AWD 1,500 lb
Premium $27,995 Gas AWD 1,500 lb
Sport $30,625 Gas AWD 1,500 lb
Sport Hybrid $33,995 Hybrid AWD Not separately listed
Wilderness $33,795 Gas, 9.3-in clearance 3,500 lb

Prices exclude destination, taxes and options. The profile lists the 1,500 lb figure as "most trims" and does not name the hybrid separately, so we do not claim it either way. Confirm the Sport Hybrid's rating in the owner's manual or with a Subaru dealer. The profile does not list a Limited price, so none is shown here.

All gas Crosstreks use a 180-hp 2.5-liter Boxer engine and standard Symmetrical AWD. The Wilderness gets the 3,500 lb rating along with its higher clearance, but Subaru lists lower fuel economy for it: 24 city / 29 highway mpg against 26 / 33 for the other gas trims.

Conditions and equipment

Tow ratings are conditional. Before relying on the Crosstrek's numbers:

  • Match the trim. The 3,500 lb figure is for the Wilderness, not the whole range.
  • Match the equipment. The profile does not list which hitch or wiring hardware is included, and we do not describe it. Confirm what is installed on the vehicle you are buying.
  • Know the trailer's brakes. SUVLook's profile gives a single number per configuration and no separate braked or unbraked limit. If your trailer has no brakes, read the limit that applies in the owner's manual instead of using the headline figure.
  • Check the model year. These are 2026 figures; do not apply them to other Crosstrek years.

Confirm the rating for your vehicle in the owner's manual and on the door-jamb label. We do not give hitch-installation instructions; follow the manual and use a qualified installer.

What the number means in practice

A tow rating is the most the vehicle is rated to pull, and a trailer's listed empty weight does not include what you put in it. Weigh the loaded trailer or use its gross weight label.

For 1,500 lb, think of a compact cargo trailer or a small utility trailer carrying a modest load. For the Wilderness's 3,500 lb there is more room, though many campers and boats weigh more than that loaded; we do not quote typical weights because they vary widely.

Tongue weight, the downward force on the hitch, counts against the vehicle's carrying capacity along with passengers and luggage. SUVLook's profile does not publish a Crosstrek tongue-weight limit or payload figure, so use the owner's manual and the load label on the vehicle. A subcompact SUV with a full back seat and luggage has less margin than the tow rating alone suggests.

How the Crosstrek compares with rivals

Published 2026 towing figures from SUVLook's other vehicle profiles:

Small SUV (2026) Published towing figure Condition (as published) Source
Subaru Crosstrek 1,500 lb; 3,500 lb Wilderness Most trims; Wilderness Subaru
Toyota Corolla Cross 1,500 lb Manufacturer-published Toyota
Chevrolet Equinox 1,500 lb; 800 lb FWD AWD models properly equipped Chevrolet
Ford Escape 3,500 lb 2.0L with tow package Ford
Kia Sportage 2,500 lb With trailer brakes Kia Media

On most trims the Crosstrek matches the Corolla Cross and the AWD Equinox at 1,500 lb. The Wilderness's 3,500 lb matches the Escape's top figure, which needs the 2.0L engine and tow package. The Sportage figure assumes trailer brakes, so the rows are not perfectly like-for-like. Several of these vehicles are larger than the Crosstrek, so size and cabin space will also steer your choice. See our SUV towing capacity guide for a broader list.

Before you tow with a Crosstrek

  1. Confirm trim, model year and powertrain, and read the matching rating in the owner's manual.
  2. Get the loaded weight of the trailer, not its empty weight.
  3. Check whether the trailer needs brakes and what the manual says about unbraked trailers.
  4. Subtract passengers, cargo and tongue weight from the vehicle's load label.
  5. Have a qualified installer confirm the hitch and wiring meet Subaru's requirements.

If you plan to tow near the limit regularly, the Wilderness or a larger vehicle may suit you better than working around the 1,500 lb rating. That is an editorial buying suggestion, not a manufacturer statement. For a larger Subaru, see how the Forester towing capacity compares.

Related SUVLook research

Frequently asked questions

What is the Subaru Crosstrek's towing capacity?

The 2026 Crosstrek is rated 1,500 lb on most trims and 3,500 lb on the Wilderness.

Which Crosstrek tows the most?

The Wilderness, at 3,500 lb.

Can the Crosstrek Hybrid tow?

SUVLook's profile does not list a separate hybrid rating, so we do not state one. Check the owner's manual or ask a Subaru dealer.

Can a Crosstrek tow a small camper?

Only if the loaded camper weighs less than the rating for your trim, and tongue weight and equipment meet the manual's requirements. Many campers exceed 1,500 lb.

Does the Crosstrek come with a hitch?

SUVLook's profile does not say which hitch hardware is standard. Confirm what is installed on the specific vehicle.

Has SUVLook tested these towing ratings?

No. The ratings are manufacturer-published, and the examples are editorial guidance, not towing tests.

Sources