The Subaru WRX can unofficially tow up to 2,500 pounds of cargo, so long as the trailer has its own braking mechanism. Subaru, however, does not provide official towing stats for the WRX and advises drivers not to use the sports car for towing purposes.

If you’re planning on hooking up a motorcycle trailer or a camper to the back of your car to set out on a trip, it's vital that you understand its towing and payload capacities beforehand. Your vehicle’s towing capacity will fluctuate depending on its size, weight, and powertrain. And staying within those limits is important to protect your car, your trailer, and all drivers on the road.

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How much can a Subaru WRX tow?

Braked towing capacity: 2,500 pounds

Unbraked towing capacity: 1,000 pounds

Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four-cylinder engine (271 hp)

The Subaru WRX offers best-in-class driver assistance and infotainment tech standard, including keyless access and a start/stop button. However, the sports car falls flat when it comes to towing capacity.

For the last five years, all Subaru WRX models have had a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,500 pounds and a max unbraked towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The difference between a braked and unbraked trailer is determined by whether or not the trailer has an independent braking system.

While all-wheel drive comes standard on all Subaru WRX models, it’s not enough for the manufacturer to recommend the model’s use for towing.

Trailer hitches for the Subaru WRX

While the WRX is not recommended for towing purposes, it is still possible to outfit the sports car with a trailer hitch. Several hitches are compatible, including the

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch

, which is designed to be installed behind your vehicle’s factory knockout panel and kept out of sight. The EcoHitch’s aluminum and steel alloy construction is not only sturdy and reliable but also eco-friendly as the name implies. It is rated for up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight—but that’s 3,500 pounds more than Subaru recommends towing.

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How to calculate the towing capacity you need

Again, it’s vital to ensure your load never exceeds the maximum towing capacity of your Subaru WRX. This includes the trailer, its contents, and the weight of anything in your vehicle, including you and your passengers. If all of that adds up to more than the WRX’s maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds—don’t tow!

While Subaru does not offer towing specs for the WRX, the sports car is still technically able to tow up to 2,500 pounds, meaning that it can safely haul a:

Canoe or kayak trailer (200 to 800 lbs.)

Jet Ski trailer (300 to 1,800 lbs.)

Motorcycle trailer (800 to 2,400 lbs.)

Teardrop trailer (1,700 to 2,400 lbs.)

Keep in mind that your trailer is likely to be significantly heavier when fully loaded.

How to increase towing capacity

There’s no way to safely increase a Subaru WRX’s maximum towing capacity. Best-case scenario, don’t tow with this vehicle at all.

But if you plan to give it a go despite Subaru’s warning, you can maximize the vehicle’s towing power by:

Upgrading your exhaust system to allow your engine to breathe easier

Improving your engine’s cooling capacity by increasing the size of your radiator

Optimizing your vehicle’s weight distribution with an upgraded suspension

Hiring a vehicle programmer to adjust onboard computer settings to maximize horsepower and torque levels

Note that some upgrades, like installing larger rims, may lower your Subaru’s overall towing capacity. Do your research before making modifications to your vehicle.

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FAQs

Is the Subaru WRX good for towing?

The Subaru WRX can technically tow a maximum of 2,500 pounds. However, this vehicle is not recommended for towing purposes according to Subraru.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a Subaru WRX?

Yes! You can find suitable trailer hitch kits for your Subaru WRX at your dealership, auto parts stores, big-box stores, or online.

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