2017-8 Crosstrek flat towable?

What does the owners manual say?

The 5 speed model IS flat towable as is

The CVT Auto -----nope. Must use trailer


Remco Towing

Tyler0215 wrote:
What does the owners manual say?

X2

REMCO's recommendations, by and by, are pretty good. Looking at MoHoMagazine's 2017 Dinghy Towing List, there are NO (Zero, Goosegg, Zip) Subaru vehicles. For that reason, I'd say "look at an owner's manual." MoHo claims they list only those vehicles approved by the manufacturer. Other sites may list those "that work", "those we've tested", etc. Manual transmission Subaru's WERE listed towable in owner's manuals and it seems thy no longer are. MoHo would pick up on that and no longer list them. REMCO might find the late models still use the same manual transmission as earlier ones listed as towable, and give them an "OK." It doesn't matter till you have a Warranty Issue. I didn't buy a Tacoma pickup because towing was not recommended. Salesman of course said "it's OK everybody does it." I went Nissan Frontier. Now I see those arent' listed.
If the trend continues, every Toad will be On or In a Trailer.

Should have mentioned my way earlier post where I explored both Subaru's manuals and had a conversation with their customer support - and a dealer. all indicated "no", which helps explain my puzzlement this morning seeing at least two of the towing equipment companies offering back plates.
I thought perhaps Subaru had reversed their decion (the 2016 and 2017 were mechanically identical, but the latter was not blessed to tow).
I was hoping for a real world answer, something like I bought one and they said it was ok, etc.

There's another thread where an OP opines that they don't see why ANY vehicle manufacturer would do anything other than NOT approve towing. That OP's premise was that the vehicle wasn't designed to be a trailer, and any effects from towing would always be negative. Like "Why do this and set myself up for complaints?"
Towing equipment companies? They're out to sell components and there's surely an "Always follow manufacturer guidelines" buried in their literature someplace.

This question has come up before. Subaru manuals are easily found on the Subaru website.

"Towing with all wheels on the
ground
1. Release the parking brake and put the
transmission in the neutral position (CVT
and MT).
2. The ignition switch should be in the
“ON” position while the vehicle is being
towed.
3. Take up slack in the towline slowly to
prevent damage to the vehicle."

"For CVT models, the traveling
speed must be limited to less
than 20 mph (30 km/h) and the
traveling distance to less than 31
miles (50 km). For greater speeds
and distances, transport your
vehicle on a flat-bed truck."

"Posted September 2, 2016

Subaru of America (SOA) has responded to Family Motor Coaching magazine's request that the company clarify its position on flat-towing Subaru vehicles behind motorhomes.

"Moving forward, SOA cannot recommend dinghy towing. Our cars should be flat-bedded."

No further explanation was provided. "

This is what I wondering if had changed, sorry to confuse.