When you’re about to hit the road on your next adventure, knowing your Subaru Outback towing capacity will make it all the better. Let’s say you’re heading out with the family on a weekend camping trip to Red River Gorge, or maybe you want to tow a boat and spend the day on Lake Cumberland. Either way, the first step is figuring out the maximum towing capacity of your Subaru Outback.
We’ll walk you through the maximum load each Subaru Outback you could find in the inventory at Quantrell Subaru, both new and used, can tow, and then provide some tips to make the experience safe and sound. Read on for all the hauling details.
When checking out the Outback towing capacity for your model’s year, ensure your vehicle is equipped with the accessories necessary for towing. For instance, if you opt to purchase or lease a 2026 Subaru Outback for sale, you’ll want the Trailer Hitch and Ball Mount add-ons to maximize your towing capabilities. With these features supporting your SUV’s chassis, these are the weights you can manage:
| Model Year | Engine | Horsepower | Max Tow Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 182 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2026 Subaru Outback | 2.4L Boxer turbocharged four-cylinder | 260 | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2025 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 182 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2025 Subaru Outback | 2.4L Boxer turbocharged four-cylinder | 260 | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2024 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 182 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2024 Subaru Outback | 2.4L Boxer turbocharged four-cylinder | 260 | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2022–2023 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 182 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2021–2022 Subaru Outback | 2.4L Boxer turbocharged four-cylinder | 260 | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2020–2021 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 182 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2020–2021 Subaru Outback | 2.4L Boxer turbocharged four-cylinder | 260 | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2018–2019 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2018–2019 Subaru Outback | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2017 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2017 Subaru Outback | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2016 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2016 Subaru Outback | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2015 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2015 Subaru Outback | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2014 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 173 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2014 Subaru Outback | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2013 Subaru Outback | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 173 | 2,700 lbs1 |
| 2013 Subaru Outback | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 3,000 lbs1 |
While the 2026 Subaru Outback towing capacity is complemented by several trailer-friendly automated driving assistance features, safe towing still rests on you as a driver. Your Subaru Outback is part of a lineup that has earned IIHS Top Safety Pick awards since 2010,2 which is part of why towing with it feels so satisfying in this bold vehicle. Whether you drive a rugged Subaru Outback Wilderness or a standard Outback Base, following these steps can make the journey to your next family outing smooth.
When you learn to reverse a car, you start to understand that turning the wheel left turns the front of the vehicle to the right, while the rear swings to the left. Towing a trailer is a similar experience. When you turn the wheel left, the rear of the trailer heads to the left. Practice in a safe, private location, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
With added weight, your brakes can get overworked and lose some performance, especially on hills. To ensure you stop carefully, you’ll need to practice downshifting and slowing before hooking up a trailer. Again, practice in a private area, ideally with flat straightaways and hills.
Added weight means added momentum. If you’re still getting familiar with your SUV’s speed while hauling, eyeballing how much room you require to stop safely can be tricky. By giving yourself an extra buffer of space between you and the vehicle in front, you’ll be more likely to stop at a proper distance from other drivers.
Say you’re hooking your fishing boat trailer to your Subaru Outback trailer hitch while dressed in beachwear. What happens if the tongue suddenly gives way, dropping sharp metal toward your legs and feet? There are danger points on a trailer, including exposed gears, that can cause serious injury. Wear protective work gloves and closed-toe shoes when hooking up your trailer to lessen the chance of puncture wounds or electric shocks.
If you plan on using your Outback to tow often, you’ll experience more wear and tear than you might be used to with an SUV. Before and after towing, check the quality of your engine oil, any wiring harness you plan on using, and your brakes to see if any are damaged. Be sure to also peek at the electrical components of your trailer hitch.
If it’s your first time towing and you have questions about how to hitch up to your Subaru, please feel free to contact us. Our technicians want you to feel safe while taking your boat, canoes, or ATVs out on the freeway, and they will walk you through any steps needed to get there with your peace of mind intact.
Whether you’re a current Outback owner in the market for a trailer hitch or want to take the wheel of one of these spacious SUVs, we’re the Subaru dealer near Louisville that’ll cover all your needs. With a team of technicians to walk you through proper wiring harness setup or hitch tongue lowering, we can help you start your journey with all the information you need about the Subaru Outback towing capacity.
Our Subaru Outback lease deals can make your next few summer vacations even more memorable. So please schedule an appointment with our representatives at your leisure!
Yes, depending on the trailer weight. With a 2026 Subaru Outback, the standard max towing capacity is 2,700 pounds,1 enough for some small vehicle trailers. Choose the 2026 Outback Wilderness, Limited XT, or Touring XT, and your tow rating rises to 3,500 pounds1 for a broader range of trailering abilities. Be sure to weigh your trailer with everything you plan on carrying before hitching.
Yes, provided you drive an Outback with the right model, year, and trim. Common towing capacity ratings for all years of the Subaru Outback range from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds.1 Should you choose a newer model, the standard towing capacity is 2,700 pounds.1 However, for years 2020 onward, trims with the 2.4-liter turbo engine can tow 3,500 pounds.1
This will depend on the model year, engine selected, and additional equipment your Subaru Outback has. The standard tow capacity for a 2026 Subaru Outback is 2,700 pounds,1 while versions with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, like the Outback Limited XT, have an even higher towing capacity maximum of 3,500 pounds.1 These numbers are with the proper tow hitch and mount.
Any Subaru Outback will be great for towing relatively light loads. Some will be better than others – we recommend any model from 2020 onward with the 2.4-liter turbo engine, as they offer a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. With models like the Wilderness, you can even haul while navigating rough terrain, bringing the boat right to the lakeside.
07/22/25
Had a great experience with Marlon this week to purchase a new outback. He was kind, funny, and made sure to take the time to explain everything thoroughly. It felt no pressure. He made everything easy peasy and stayed late so I could get my new car that same day. Highly suggest Quantrell if you’re looking to buy a new car, and ask for Marlon for a great experience!
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1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Subaru/outback-4-door-wagon/2010
