In New Zealand, towing is a part of the Kiwi lifestyle. There’s always a trip to the tip after a garden clear out or garage spring clean, or trip to the bach to take the old fridge, or taking the boat to the boat ramp for a spot of Saturday morning fishing. Whatever you’re towing, you need a vehicle that has the power and control to help you get you and your gear from home and back safely, and with a vehicle to suit each lifestyle, there’s a Subaru ready for you and your towing needs.
The Subaru Crosstrek has a towing capacity of 1,400kg for the petrol and 1,270kg for the e-Boxer Hybrid models, while the Forester has a towing capacity of 1,800kg for petrol and 1,200kg for e-Boxer Hybrid models. The all-electric Solterra EV has a towing capacity of 750kg for lighter loads. The Outback has the biggest towing capacity, with our 2.5 Outback range having a 2,000kg towing capacity. But if you’ve got something that requires a bit of extra oomph, the Outback XT models have a whopping 2,400kg towing capacity thanks to their 2.4 litre turbocharged Boxer engines.
However, not everyone is born a towing legend, so we’ve got some tips to help your next towing trip go smoothly.
Good to know
- The maximum distance a load can reach out behind the rear axle of the trailer you are towing is four metres.
- Your vehicle will have a towing weight limit which you don’t want to exceed as overloading can be unsafe. Check your car’s manual for its towing capacity and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) which is the maximum legal load weight a vehicle can carry.
- When towing, the top legal speed is 90km/h in a 100km/h zone.
- On a learner or restricted car license you can tow a trailer, although the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer must not exceed 4,500kg. On a full license the maximum amount for vehicle and trailer is 6,000kg.
Pre-trip
- Ensure your vehicle, its tow bar and especially its tyres are in good shape. A blowout when towing can lead to a dangerous situation.
- Fill up/check your vehicle’s fuel, engine oil, water, window wiper fluid before leaving on your travels.
- Securely hitch the trailer using the proper tow ball and towing frame. Check the jockey wheel for signs of corrosion or trapped dirt and ensure it hasn't been damaged or worn out.
- Test the indicators and brake lights on the trailer by getting someone behind the vehicle to check they are working.
On the road
- If you haven’t towed before, do a practise run, as the weight will take some getting used to.
- Check your mirrors regularly.
- Drive slower than usual when towing and remember that the trailer increases your towing vehicle's weight and length. Adjust your driving style accordingly, so you have more control over the vehicle and more space to make necessary decisions.
- Make wider turns at corners and curves. The wheels of your trailer will appear to be closer to the inside of a turn than your vehicle's wheels - meaning the trailer tyres are more prone to ride over or hit curbs, so give them a wide berth.
Towing takes some practice but with the right vehicle and the right knowledge, you’ll have the key ingredients to take your trailer, boat or caravan on the next adventure across Subaru Country.
Find out more about the Subaru range here, and to find out about the turbocharged Outback XT models with our highest towing capacity, click here.