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. Maybe you want to pull along a boat to 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 for sale, both new and used, can tow along, as well as some tips; so read on for more.
Keep in mind, the Subaru Outback tow package is essential. Included features like the tow bar and trailer harness will be necessary to achieve the most capabilities, and you should always check that you’re properly equipped. With that in mind, here’s the tow capacity chart you’re looking for:
| Model Year | Engine | Horsepower | Max. Tow Rating |
| 2020 – 2021 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 2.5L Boxer | 182 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2020 – 2021 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 2.5L Turbocharged Boxer | 270 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2018 – 2019 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2018 – 2019 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 3,000 lbs |
| 2015 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2015 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 3,000 lbs |
| 2014 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2014 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 3,000 lbs |
| 2013 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder | 175 | 2,700 lbs |
| 2013 Subaru Outback towing capacity | 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder | 256 | 3,000 lbs |
As advanced and capable as models like the 2022 Subaru Outback® Wilderness may be, safe towing will still rely on you as a driver. Your Subaru Outback is part of a lineup that has earned more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ than most other similar brands. So make that confidence apply just as well while towing with your Subaru Outback, camper attached and ready to go, by following these handy tips.
When you learn to reverse a car, you begin to instinctively understand that turning the wheel left turns the front of the car to the right, and vice versa. Towing a trailer is a similar learning process; turn the wheel left, and the rear of the trailer heads to the left too. 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. The second way is by shifting your engine into a lower gear, causing the engine’s RPM to slow you down naturally. Practice downshifts like this in a safe, private location before trying it on the road.
Added weight means added momentum, and if you’re unfamiliar with these new driving characteristics, a misjudged braking distance can mean serious trouble. That’s why it’s crucial to leave more room between you and the vehicle ahead than you usually would.
Say you’re hooking a trailer up to your Subaru Outback® trailer hitch while dressed in beachwear. What happens if the hitch stand suddenly gives way, dropping onto your feet? There are many danger points on a trailer, like exposed gears, that could cause serious injury. Wear a set of protective work gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with a trailer — they may not prevent all injuries but will seriously lessen the impact.
Long-road-trip miles are harder on the vehicle with the added stress of a trailer. Give your fluids like engine oil; components like brakes; and trailer areas like the wiring harness, brake lights, and the tow hitch a thorough once over before departing. More importantly, check the condition of all tires on the vehicle and trailer and get them changed if any damage is found.
If you’re a current Outback owner in need of a trailer hitch or want to take the wheel of one, we’re the Subaru dealer near Louisville that’ll cover all your needs. We’ll cover them with exceptional customer service as well, so stop by and experience the Quantrell Subaru difference today.
Yes, depending on the trailer weight. With a 2021 Subaru Outback, standard max towing capacity comes in at 2,700 lbs, enough for some compact campers. Choose the 2021 Outback XT, and when properly equipped, the tow rating rises to 3,500 lbs for a broader range of trailering abilities.
Yes, depending on the model and model year. The average tow capacity for all years of Subaru Outback ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 lbs. When you choose a newer model, the standard towing capacity is 2,700 lbs, while certain trims can pull 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.
This will depend on model year, engine selected, and additional equipment that your Subaru Outback has. The standard tow capacity for a 2021 Subaru Outback is 2,700 lbs, while models like the Outback XT increase the towing capacity to a maximum of 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.
Any Subaru Outback will be great for towing relatively light loads. Some will be better than others, and we recommend the 2020 and 2021 Outback XT, as it offers a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs when properly equipped. With models like the Onyx Edition XT, you can do it in style and comfort as well.
*Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
