The Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent subcompact SUV and makes a great towing vehicle. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek only comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, but don’t let that fool you. Thanks to Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system and ample ground clearance, it’s tough, reliable, and very capable. It is also one of the few models in its class that is capable of off-road driving. Compared to other SUVs in its segment, it is not as good in performance and fuel efficiency, but it is still fully capable of towing light loads.
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Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The Subaru Crosstrek has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs. The Crosstrek can tow many lightweight aluminum or fiberglass boats, motorcycle trailers, lightweight utility trailers, fiberglass, and pop-up campers. A Class III trailer hitch receiver is all you need.
Can you put a hitch on a Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, absolutely you can put a hitch on a Subaru Crosstrek. The hitch we cover is custom built to fit the 2018 – 2021 Subaru Crosstrek specifically. You can put this hitch on Subaru Crosstrek Base, Limited, and Premium non-hybrid models.
What Is the Best Trailer Hitch for Subaru Crosstrek?
Our top pick for the best trailer hitch for the Subaru Crosstrek is the Curt 13382 model. The Curt 13382 is a popular choice for a trailer hitch on a Subaru Crosstrek. It has a weight carrying capacity of 3,500 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs, so it should be suitable for most small to medium sized trailers. It is also Class III rated, which means it is strong enough to handle the added weight and stress of towing. Some other features of the Curt 13382 include:
Custom fit: The hitch is designed specifically for the Subaru Crosstrek, so it should fit perfectly and be easy to install.
Hidden design: The hitch is hidden behind the bumper, so it doesn’t change the appearance of your vehicle.
Durable construction: The hitch is made from high-strength steel and has a black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
Overall, the Curt 13382 is a reliable and well-reviewed trailer hitch for the Subaru Crosstrek.
It’s a made in USA Class III hitch featuring the most popular and standard-sized 2-inch receiver. With a 3,500 towing capacity, this Curt hitch is beefy enough to meet the vehicle towing capability. That also means most ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, and other accessories will fit it without needing an adapter. CURT custom hitches are engineered to make installation as easy and as minimally invasive as possible.
Max towing capacity of the vehicle should not be taken lightly. Exceeding what your Crosstrek is designed for towing, regardless of the hitch is rated higher, can strain your engine and transmission, suspension, braking, and handling.
While some hitches manufacturers think a painted finish will suffice, not Curt Manufacturing. All Curt hitches are powder coated for maximum durability. The gloss black powder coating on the 13382 is more scratch-resistant and less likely to peel or crack than a painted finish. That’s important because that means a longer useful life and not having to replace it. This hitch should outlast the life of the tow vehicle.
Subaru Crosstrek Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
The average cost for a professional to install a trailer hitch on the Subaru Crosstrek is $300 to $600. You can save money by purchasing the hitch online and installing it yourself. No drilling is required. Use existing bolt holes, and all mounting hardware needed is included. A person with minimal mechanical ability can typically install a trailer hitch to the Crosstrek in an hour or less.
I’ll warn you, the installation seems complicated and intimidating reading the installation sheet, but it’s actually straightforward. You need to remove caps from under the vehicle, elongate a couple of holes, run fish wire. I know it doesn’t sound easy, you have to see it being done, and then it makes sense. Watch the video, and you will see what I mean and that it’s actually not that bad.
