Subaru Impreza Towing Capacity: Can It Tow A Trailer, Boat, Or Jet Ski?

The Subaru Impreza is a sport car with plenety of pasenger space and provides great fuel economy. It is one of the most reliable cars in this category but we have yet to identify its true towing potential. In this article, we investigate what it can tow and how well does it perform as compared to its competitors.

Since 2008, all the Subaru Impreza models provide a braked towing capacity of 2,600 pounds and an unbraked capacity of 1,000 pounds. Although this is a decent towing capacity, Subaru does not recommend this car for towing purposes. However, the previous models of this car (2002-2007) were officially manufactured for towing purposes and have a braked towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

2,600 pounds is a decent towing capacity and it shows that this car can provide a decent towing performance in tough conditions. Below, we have identified the exact weights of several types of trailers and analyzed out if the Subaru Impreza can tow them all or do we have to look for other options in this regard.

Also read: How Many Miles Can A Subaru Impreza Last? (Answered) & How Many Miles Can A Subaru WRX Last? (Answered)

Maximum Towing Capacity By Year

The following table outlines the towing capacities of several generations of this car. We can note that there has been an improvement of 600 pounds in the towing capacity of this car since 2008 i.e., 2,000 pounds to 2,600 pounds. However, as the latest models are no longer designed and manufactured for towing purposes, it is highly unlikly that we witness further improvement in this regard.

Year	Engine	Towing Capacity Unbraked (lbs)	Towing Capacity Braked (lbs)	Note
2021	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2020	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2019	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2018	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2017	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2016	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2015	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2014	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2013	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2012	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2011	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2010	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2009	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2008	All	N/A	2,600	This vehicle is not recommended for towing.
2007	All	!,000	2,000	Always tow within the towing limits.
2006	All	1,000	2,000	Always tow within the towing limits.
2005	All	1,000	2,000	Always tow within the towing limits.
2004	All	1,000	2,000	Always tow within the towing limits.
2003	All	1,000	2,000	Always tow within the towing limits.
2002	All	1,000	2,000	Always tow within the towing limits.

Also read: The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Subaru Impreza

Can It Tow a Trailer, Boat, or Jet Ski?

The following table contains the weighing limits (empty and loaded) of different types of trailers. We have also matched these weight limits against the towing capacity of the Subaru Impreza so that you can choose the right trailer to tow with this car.

All The latest models of the Subaru Impreza can tow a number of small and mid-sized trailers with a maximum weight limit of 2,600 pounds. In the case of small trailers, you can tow both empty and loaded trailers, and in the case of most medium and large-sized trailers, you can only tow an empty trailer as most of such trailers weigh more than 2,600 pounds.

Also read: Absolute Best Years Of The Subaru Impreza

Trailer Type	Average Empty Weight (lbs.)	Average Total Loaded Weight (lbs.)	Can A Subaru Impreza Tow It?[SK1]
Canoe / Kayak Trailer	200	400	Yes, it can tow both empty and filled trailers.
Jet Ski Trailer	300	1,800	Yes, it can tow both empty and filled trailers.
Motorcycle Trailer	500	2,400	Yes, it can tow both empty and filled trailers.
Teardrop Trailer	1,700	2,400	Yes, it can tow both empty and filled trailers.
Small Open Utility Trailer	700	2,500	Yes, it can tow both empty and filled trailers.
A-Frame Camper	1,700	2,900	It can only tow an empty trailer of this category.
Small Enclosed Utility Trailer	1,000	3,200	It can only tow an empty trailer of this category.
Fishing Boat Trailer	600	3,300	It can only tow an empty trailer of this category.
Pop Up Camper	2,300	3,400	It can only tow an empty trailer of this category.
Small Travel Trailer	2,800	3,600	No.
Tow Dolly	600	4,000	It can only tow an empty trailer of this category.
Large Enclosed Utility Trailer	2,700	7,100	No.
Small Horse Trailer	2,900	7,200	No.
Large Travel Trailer	6,700	8,300	No.
Car Trailer	1,900	9,000	It can only tow an empty trailer of this category.
Large Flatbed Trailer	3,000	10,400	No.
Large Boat Trailer	2,200	13,600	It can only tow an empty trailer of this category.
Dump Trailer	4,500	16,900	No.
Toy Hauler	7,600	17,900	No.
Large Livestock Trailer	7,300	18,700	No.
5th Wheel Camper	12,700	18,700	No.
Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer	7,200	23,200	No.

Kayak: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow a kayak trailer. On average, an empty kayak trailer will weigh 200 pounds. A loaded kayak trailer will weigh an average of 400 pounds with a maximum of 800 pounds which is well within the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Jet Ski Trailer: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty jet ski trailer. On average, an empty jet ski trailer will weigh 300 pounds. A loaded jet ski trailer will weigh an average of 1,800 pounds with a maximum of 3,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Motorcycle Trailer: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty motorcycle trailer. On average, an empty motorcycle trailer will weigh 500 pounds. A loaded motorcycle trailer will weigh an average of 2,400 pounds with a maximum of 3,500, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Teardrop Trailer: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow a teardrop trailer. On average, an empty teardrop trailer will weigh 1,700 pounds. A loaded teardrop trailer will weigh an average of 2,400 pounds which is within the range of the Subaru Impreza. Some teardrop trailers will weigh a maximum of 6,000 pounds, outside of the limits of the Subaru Impreza.

Small Open Utility Trailer: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty small open utility trailer. On average, an empty small open utility trailer will weigh 700 pounds. A loaded small open utility trailer will weigh an average of 2,500 pounds with a maximum of 3,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

A-Frame Camper: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty A-frame camper. On average, an empty a-frame camper weighs 1,700 pounds. A loaded a-frame camper will weigh an average of 2,900 pounds with a maximum of 3,600 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Small Enclosed Utility Trailer: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty small enclosed utility trailer. On average, an empty small enclosed utility trailer weighs 1,000 pounds. A loaded small enclosed utility trailer will weigh an average of 3,200 pounds with a maximum of 7,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Fishing Boat Trailer: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty fishing boat trailer. On average, an empty fishing boat trailer weighs 600 pounds. A loaded fishing boat trailer will weigh an average of 3,300 pounds with a maximum of 6,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Pop-Up Camper: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty pop-up camper. On average, an empty pop-up camper weighs 2,300 pounds. A loaded pop-up camper will weigh an average of 3,400 pounds with a maximum of 4,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Small Travel Trailer: No Subaru Impreza model will be able to tow a small travel trailer. On average, an empty small travel trailer weighs 2,800 pounds. A loaded small travel trailer will weigh an average of 3,600 pounds with a maximum of 4,500 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Tow Dolly: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty tow dolly. On average, an empty tow dolly weighs 600 pounds. A loaded tow dolly will weigh an average of 4,000 pounds with a maximum of 5,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Large Enclosed Utility Trailer: No Subaru Impreza model will be able to tow a large enclosed utility trailer. On average, an empty large enclosed utility trailer weighs 2,700 pounds. A loaded large enclosed utility trailer weighs an average of 7,100 pounds with a maximum of 10,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Small Horse Trailer: No Subaru Impreza model will be able to tow a small horse trailer. On average, an empty small horse trailer weighs 2,900 pounds. A loaded small horse trailer weighs an average of 7,200 pounds with a maximum of 8,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Car Trailer: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty car trailer. On average, an empty car trailer weighs 1,900 pounds. A loaded car trailer weighs an average of 9,000 pounds with a maximum of 15,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Large Flatbed Trailer: No Subaru Impreza model will be able to tow a large flatbed trailer. On average, an empty large flatbed trailer weighs 3,000 pounds. A loaded large flatbed trailer weighs an average of 10,400 pounds with a maximum of 26,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

Large Boat Trailer: All Subaru Impreza models will be able to tow an empty large boat trailer. On average, an empty large boat trailer weighs 2,200 pounds. A loaded large boat trailer weighs an average of 13,600 pounds with a maximum of 34,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Subaru Impreza.

How Well Can It Tow Compared to its Competitors?

The following table mentions the towing capacities of several sedans in the same category as the Subaru Impreza. We can note that there is a little difference between the towing capacities as all the cars provide an average of 2,600 pounds. As sedans are not the best choice for towing heavy trailers, especially the sport ones, therefore it is highly unlikely that we witness an improvement in this competition.

Year / Make / Model	Min. Towing Capacity (lbs.)	Max. Towing Capacity (lbs.)
2021 Honda Civic	2,645	2,645
2021 Toyota Corolla	2,600	2,600
2021 Subaru WRX	2,500	2,500

Also read: Subaru Impreza Transmissions: Overview, Problems, Fluids

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Stefan K.

Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.

I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.

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