Hi Folks, we need your help with this one.
Jerry Dropped me the following email.
Looking into a wrx, drove one today as matter of fact,queston if I may…we have a zodiac boat with a 15 hp engine on a boat trailer total weight approx 700 lbs, we pull it half dozen times a year to our summer place about 3 hours from here. The Subaru dealership says no problem do you have any towing info onwrx
I have no idea how to answer this, can you chime in.
Also interested in this topic. Just purchased a 2009 WRX, planned on getting a trailer setup eventually. (For a dirtbike, not a boat, but probably same general weight).
Have a friend who’s done it with an older Impreza, was fine, so I didn’t expect any issues.
Comment by Timojhen Mark — March 18, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
2008 WRX tow capacity was 2,000 pounds, very good for a car of this size.
2009 should be equivalent. The thing is 2009 are only manual so you gotta be good on clutching for not burning it…I’m talking about launches in 1st.
Let’s say you run it at 1,500-2,000 rpm, try to keep it at this level until the clutch is completly release, then it’s easy.
But your boat is not even 1,000 pounds, it will be just fine. Do you have enough room for the attachment in the rear of the car ?
Comment by Chuck2001 — March 18, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
Thanks for the feedback chuck
You are right, the bumper is pretty low, not sure how you would attache a hitch. Maybe the dealers have a way.
Comment by Samer Forzley — March 18, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
I put a hitch on my 2008 Impreza 2.5i sedan. Install was a bit of a bitch cuz you have to cut into the frame rails a little, but towing is quite nice. I’ve towed about 1600 lbs and still get 26 mpg on the highway. I am thinking about a 2009 WRX but I’ve heard that towing with a turbo isn’t a good idea. Anyone hear about this?
Comment by Alex — March 24, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Hey Alex, the thing to check with turbo cars is the heat. For a heavy chare, the engine will frequently require the turbo to kick in. The heat generated by the combo engine/turbo will be higher than normal. In a long-run with heavy charge (more than 1000 pounds), the risk will be greater to damage this combo at the mid-long term. There are others variables such as the condition of the road (mountains…), acceleration required etc…
I would personally recommend to limit the weight, and the duration of the tow with such a high-performance engine. Keep your 2.5i as plenty of torque is available, and Subaru’s engines are made tough.
For a turbo-diesel truck, this doesn’t apply as the engine/turbo has been made for towing ! The turbo is heavy duty, and the heat generated is exhausted much more easily.
PS Sorry if I misspelled sometimes…french canadian.
Comment by Chuck2001 — March 24, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
It seems to me that 1000 pounds is not a lot put 4 big guys in the car and you got a 1000 pounds to push around.
Comment by Samer Forzley — March 24, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
Thanks for the comments. I have read that Subaru has a diesel forester in Europe that I’m hoping they bring stateside. 38 mpg plus 4000#s towing would be spectacular.
Comment by Alex — March 24, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
Car tow capacity is usually due to wheelbase length, and not due to horsepower. The shorter the wheelbase, the greater the likelihood of jack-knifing when braking.
Comment by Dale — March 31, 2009 @ 11:48 pm
Towing Capacity: 906 kgs. Found @ http://inventory.davenportsubaru.com/english/new-vehicles/listing/Sedan/2009/Subaru/Impreza/CAB90SUC041D0.aspx
Comment by cata — April 1, 2009 @ 9:04 am
Well, 4 guys in a car isn’t the same as having a 1,o00 lbs payload being pulled by the car. Cross-winds push and pull the trailer, the weight isn’t evenly distributed within the four wheels, the trailer has a mind of its own, you also have significant wind resistance issues which all put strain on the engine.
Comment by Ollie — July 6, 2009 @ 10:12 am
I have seen several Gen2 WRX’s towing dirt bikes (or “a” dirtbike) to the local riding areas. I think, like most of us, riding happens once a week, or month… so it shouldn’t be much of a problem. In Cali, you’re 55mph speed limit with a trailer (wink).
If someone gets a hitch, let me know.
Comment by SuberDave — July 19, 2009 @ 12:23 am
And since I am a Suber-Noob, I mean the 2004-2007 style.
Comment by SuberDave — July 19, 2009 @ 12:24 am
just bought a hitch off ehitch. gonna tow a small trailer with DH bikes on it, and a ski doo summt x sled in the winter.
whatev it will tow fine.
Comment by zach — July 30, 2009 @ 1:15 am
I have an 02 wrx and I pulled a two dirtbike trailer from PHX AZ to FLAG AZ and with a cold air mod and top mount intercooler spray every 30 min. Everything was fine….. Rev up, Clutch drop, pray that those welds hold, tires screech, trailer leeps, drive like its stole… LOVE MY SCOOB
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Comment by NYC towing — February 28, 2011 @ 5:46 am
You can pull anything of you have a rental car that is warranted bumper to bumper
Comment by Steph — September 7, 2011 @ 9:22 am