Can You Flat Tow a Subaru Crosstrek?

You technically can, but you probably shouldn’t.

Officially, Subaru does not endorse flat towing 2016-2023 Crosstreks behind a motorhome. That said, you can find instances of RVers flat towing manual transmission Crosstreks behind their motorhomes, so it’s technically possible. Subaru does cover emergency towing procedures in their owner manuals–it’s allowed for manual transmission models, and some RVers simply take this a step further and flat tow these models as they wish.

Note that CVT models should NOT be flat towed. They are restricted to 20 mph speeds and a 31-mile distance when being towed, so obviously this wouldn’t work for a cross-country flat towing adventure.

With all this said, there are liability issues that come into play when flat towing against the manufacturer’s advice. If you choose to flat tow your Crosstrek, just know that you’re taking on a certain level of risk:

You’ll void your warranty - If your vehicle is under warranty, you’ll need to determine if flat towing is worth losing your coverage.
Insurance might not cover accident claims - If the worst happens while flat towing your vehicle, your insurance company may choose not to cover your claim, since you are not using the vehicle the way the manufacturer intended.
Lawsuits - This is an extreme example, but if your flat-towed vehicle is responsible for loss of life or property damage, you could be held legally liable.

Alternative Options

Some models may be towable with a tow dolly. Other models must be transported via flatbed trailer or tow truck. Check your owner’s manual for specific advice for your particular vehicle model. Again, regardless of what you see out there on the road, we encourage you to listen to the manufacturer on this one.