Have you ever wondered if a Subaru Impreza can tow a trailer?
Subarus are incredibly popular amongst those who enjoy camping. They feature all-wheel drive, so they can handle the rough terrains and muddy roads you come across while camping.
They also come in various sizes, so you can find a Subaru that is perfect for your needs.
Although Subarus are reasonably compact, most can tow small trailers and campers. However, not every Subaru is equipped for towing.
So, can the Subaru Impreza tow a trailer? Subaru Impreza can tow up to 1,000 pounds unbraked and about 2,000 with trailer brakes. This includes the trailer, your cargo and the passengers. However, the Subaru Impreza isn’t strong enough to pull 2.5 tonnes of car and caravan with any vigour.
Table of Contents
What is the Subaru Impreza?
The Subaru Impreza is one of the most compact options available in the Subaru brand. It was first released in 1992, and it is popular for its longevity and flexibility.
Subaru Imprezas are available in two main styles. You can buy a Subaru Impreza sedan model. This option is popular for people looking for storage space in a trunk.
The other option available is a 5-door (hatchback) model. The hatchback model has no divide between the back seat and the back storage area, so it is popular for people who want to have access to that storage while they drive.
This may be a popular option for people who enjoy camping because it lets you maximize storage space.
Impreza owners love that the interior is spacious, with comfortable room for passengers. They also love that it offers sporty handling and all-wheel drive.
Can a Subaru Impreza Tow a Trailer?
As they are purchased, Subaru Imprezas are not recommended for use as towing vehicles. They are not designed for this purpose and cannot tow large weights without damage to the engine.
They do not come with hitches, so without modification, it is impossible to use them as towing vehicles. However, the Subaru Impreza can tow up to 2,000 lbs.
The table below shows the towing capacity of the Subaru Impreza towing capacity chart:
| Year of Production | Subaru Impreza (Engine) | Max. Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2.0i Premium (AWD) 2.0L, Regular Unleaded Petrol, CVT AUTO | 2,645 pounds |
| 2019 | 2.0i Premium (AWD) 2.0L, Regular Unleaded Petrol, CVT AUTO | 2,645 pounds |
| 2018 | 2.0L, Regular Unleaded Petrol, CVT AUTO 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO | 2,645 pounds |
| 2017 | 2.0 liter 4Cylinder engine that offers 152 HP | 2,000 pounds |
| 2016 | 2.0i (AWD) Regular Unleaded Petrol, CVT AUTO 2.0L | 2,645 pounds |
| 2015 | 2.0i (AWD) Regular Unleaded Petrol, CVT AUTO 2.0L | 2,645 pounds |
| 2014 | 2.0i (AWD) Regular Unleaded Petrol, CVT AUTO 2.0L | 2,645 pounds |
Subaru Impreza Towing Capacity By Year
The 2020 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium (AWD) has a towing capacity of 2,645 lbs.
The 2019 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium (AWD) has a towing capacity of 2,645 lbs.
The 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i, Regular Unleaded Petrol has a towing capacity of 2,645 lbs.
The 2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0 liter 4Cylinder engine has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.
The 2016 Subaru Impreza 2.0 liter Regular Unleaded Petrol has a towing capacity of 2,645 lbs.
The 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0 liter Regular Unleaded Petrol has a towing capacity of 2,645 lbs.
The 2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0 liter Regular Unleaded Petrol has a towing capacity of 2,645 lbs.
Can a Subaru Impreza be Modified to Tow a Trailer?
Subaru does not offer modifications to make the Impreza a towing vehicle. However, there are modifications available on the market if you are willing to do the work. The Draw-Tite 24960 should fit on a Subaru Impreza.
To install a hitch, you will need safety equipment, several wrenches and screwdrivers, and exhaust pliers. The process involves lowering the exhaust, trimming the heat shield, enlarging the access holes, attaching spacer blocks, and attaching the hitch.
The process will take around one hour to complete.
The Draw-Tite 24960 has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds, so you will still be fairly limited in the weight you can tow with your Impreza.
Remember, also, that 2000 pounds includes the trailer and gear, so plan accordingly for your trips. Many recommend staying under 900-1000 pounds if towing with an Impreza, though.
Also, just because you can install a hitch does not mean the engine will have been modified for the extra weight.
Towing a trailer and equipment will put extra strain on the engine and transmission that may eventually shorten the longevity of your vehicle.
Read also: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Trailer Hitch? (with 9 examples)
Can You Put a Trailer Hitch on a Subaru Impreza
Yes, you can put a trailer hitch on a Subaru Impreza, just follow the link to: Trailer Hitch Installation How-To-Guide // 9 Easy Steps (Explained)
Subaru Vehicles That Can Tow Trailers Without Modification
There are plenty of Subaru cars available on the market today that can tow a trailer without modification.
If you know you want a Subaru, and you are deciding which is right for you, these are great if you plan on camping with or pulling a trailer.
All of these vehicles also offer all-wheel drive, which makes them great for camping or towing a trailer.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is one of the largest models of Subarus available today. It can tow up to 5000 pounds. This large towing capacity makes it a perfect option if you regularly tow a trailer or camper.
The Subaru Ascent has tons of storage space. If you want to camp for a week or more, a Subaru Ascent can give you enough space for all of your gear.
The Subaru Ascent also has plenty of room for the whole family, as it can hold 7-8 people.
The Subaru Ascent is great if you need to tow a lot of weight and bring a lot of gear on your adventures. If you want the quality offered by Subaru with as much space possible, this is the car for you.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a stellar compact SUV. It can tow up to 1500 pounds. So, while you do not have as much towing power as an Ascent, the vehicle is smaller and more compact. It also gets better gas mileage.
The Subaru Crosstrek can hold up to 5 people, so there is still plenty of room for friends and family.
The Crosstrek is also a hatchback. If you like the size and style of the Subaru Impreza, but you want towing capabilities, the Crosstrek is a wonderful place to start.
In terms of size, the Crosstrek is quite similar to the Subaru Impreza hatchback model.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester offers the signature Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive. It can tow up to 1500 pounds.
The Subaru Forester is larger than the Crosstrek. It is both longer and taller. It has more interior space. This lets you have more storage.
It also creates a more spacious, comfortable ride for both the driver and the passengers.
The Subaru Forester has a spacious storage area in the back, so in addition to towing a trailer, you can fit plenty of supplies in the back of your car.
Read also: Can a Subaru Forester Tow a Camper or Small Pop Up Camper?
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is popular for getting into nature and out of the city. It can tow up to 3500 pounds, which is pretty great for the compact size of the vehicle.
It has a fantastic ground clearance that allows for driving over rugged terrain. It is larger than the Forester in length and width, and it weighs more.
In terms of wagons available on the market today, the Outback offers more flexibility for camping than most other options you will find.
The Subaru Outback can hold five people, so it is great if you need space for friends and family. The back is also spacious, so you will still have plenty of room for everything you want to bring on your adventures.
The Subaru Outback is one of the most popular cars for adventurers in the world.
Read also: How Much Can a Subaru Outback Tow? (Explained)
Easy Trailers to Tow
Some trailers are easier to tow than others. They are lighter themselves, so they will not take away from the total towing capacity of your vehicle.
- Pop-up camper- Pop-up campers are campers with collapsible sides and roofs. Many are available that weigh around 1000 pounds, so if you keep gear down, you could tow them with many Subarus.
- Teardrop trailers- Teardrop trailers are named for their distinctive shapes. They were designed to be as aerodynamic as possible for easier towing and better gas mileage. Many teardrop trailers weigh under 4000 pounds and could be towed by Subarus with larger towing capacities.
- Pull-behind trailer- If you just want a trailer for towing gear, you do not necessarily need the amenities (and extra weight) that come with travel trailers. Pull-behind trailers tend to be very light and could be towed by most Subarus with towing capabilities.
Many brands also offer ultra-light travel trailers. These are not always pop-up campers or teardrop trailers.
Every option has various amenities, so consider what you will need to avoid towing unnecessary weight. Make sure to save weight for gear, bedding, and food as well!
Can a Subaru Impreza tow a Uhaul trailer
Subaru Impreza Hatchback Trailer Hitch >> Check out the video below:
Conclusion
The Subaru Impreza is not designed to be a towing vehicle. It is possible to attach a hitch that would make it capable of towing small loads.
Several other Subaru models do have towing capabilities. If you like the size and style of the Subaru Impreza, the Subaru Crosstrek is probably closest to your needs.
There are plenty of ways to bring your equipment while driving your Subaru.
References
https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza/index.html
https://www.impreza5.com/threads/small-trailer-ability.12558/
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/subaru-forester-vs-outback
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