Subaru Outback Towing Capacity Exclusive Guide
Wondering about the Subaru Outback towing capacity? The 2024 model can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
This makes it perfect for adventures like hauling a trailer or a boat. It’s important to know how much your Subaru Outback can tow.
This guide gives you all the details on its towing capabilities, including different engines and safety tips for a hassle-free trip.
The 2024 Subaru Outback is built to tackle various towing jobs. Its standard 2.5L engine can tow 2,700 pounds.
But, the turbocharged 2.4L version boosts that number to 3,500 pounds. So, it’s easy to pull things like a 17-foot camper or a 5×8 U-Haul trailer.
That’s more than what many other compact crossovers can handle. You’ll learn how trim levels influence towing with the Subaru Outback as you keep reading.
Plus, get tips for using the all-wheel-drive system and staying safe. This guide helps you tow with confidence, making the Subaru Outback a great choice for daily use or outdoor adventures.
Introduction To The Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback combines toughness with comfort, making it perfect for outdoor lovers. This SUV is built to handle different terrains with ease.
It delivers adventure and comfort, offering roomy interiors and advanced traction systems. Chris Charles, from Subaru, says their owners love to adventure.
The Outback is great for this, thanks to its towing power. It can easily haul trailers, ATVs, and gear for outside fun.
What is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is how much your vehicle can pull safely. It’s key for those looking to tow trailers or other loads.
Knowing this helps you make smart choices when adding extra weight for travel. It relies on things like engine strength, vehicle build, and safety features.
What is Towing Capacity?
The towing capacity shows the heaviest weight your vehicle can tow. For example, the 2024 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds with its 2.4L turbocharged engine.
But with the 2.5L engine, it can tow 2,700 pounds. Knowing these limits helps you understand what your vehicle can handle.
Importance of Staying Within Towing Capacity
It’s crucial to not exceed your Subaru Outback’s towing limit. Going over it can reduce your control and lead to accidents or vehicle damage.
Sticking to the limit boosts safety and helps avoid harm to your vehicle.
Subaru Outback Towing Capacity
The Subaru Outback is great for hauling different loads. It’s important to look at the towing capacity to see if it fits your needs.
It offers two engine types, each with its own power and towing benefits.
Maximum Towing Capacity Overview
For 2025, the Subaru Outback has varying towing powers based on the engine. The 2.5L SUBARU BOXER engine can pull up to 2,700 pounds.
The stronger 2.4L turbocharged engine can handle up to 3,500 pounds. This shows the Outback’s ability to meet different towing needs.
Comparison with Other Subaru Models
The Outback really stands out in Subaru’s range. Many similar cars can only tow about 1,500 pounds. But the Outback can do much more than that.
Looking at Subaru’s range, the Ascent, a bigger SUV, can tow 5,000 pounds. This tells us the Outback is a strong performer in its class.
Subaru Outback Towing Specs
The Subaru Outback is known for its impressive towing capabilities. It offers two engine choices to meet various needs.
Depending on your towing needs, you can pick from different trim levels for either daily use or recreational activities.
Engine Options and Their Impact on Towing
The 2025 Subaru Outback presents two engine options. The first is a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which can tow up to 2,700 lbs.
On the other hand, the 2.4L turbocharged engine offers more power, with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, raising the towing capacity to 3,500 lbs.
Each engine is paired with a Symmetrical AWD and a Lineartronic CVT transmission, ensuring a drive that’s both smooth and strong.
Trim Levels and Their Towing Capacities
The Outback features several trim levels for the 2.5L engine, including Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring.
The 2.4L turbocharged engine is found in trims like the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT.
Specifically, the Wilderness trim offers unique off-road features and a ground clearance of 9.5 inches, perfect for adventurous towing.
Trim Level | Engine Option | Horsepower | Towing Capacity |
---|---|---|---|
Base | 2.5L | 182 hp | 2,700 lbs |
Onyx Edition | 2.5L | 182 hp | 2,700 lbs |
Wilderness | 2.4L Turbocharged | 260 hp | 3,500 lbs |
Limited | 2.5L | 182 hp | 2,700 lbs |
Touring | 2.5L | 182 hp | 2,700 lbs |
Limited XT | 2.4L Turbocharged | 260 hp | 3,500 lbs |
Touring XT | 2.4L Turbocharged | 260 hp | 3,500 lbs |

Factoring in Gear and Passengers
When towing with your Subaru Outback, consider the weight of passengers and gear. Each item changes the weight distribution.
This change can greatly affect how the vehicle drives when towing. The Subaru Outback can pull up to 3,500 lbs, based on the model.
But going over this limit can stress the vehicle. If your Subaru Outback is full and towing a 1,500 lb boat, you can add up to 500 lbs of gear and passengers.
You need to carefully add up all weights for safe towing. An empty vehicle can tow more smoothly than one full of stuff.
So, keep extra gear to a minimum for big towing jobs. Good weight distribution helps with stability and braking.
Don’t load the Outback with over 1,300 lbs of trailer weight for uphill drives or in hot weather. Doing so helps avoid overheating, especially in older models.
By balancing your load and knowing your Outback’s limits, you can tow with confidence.
Subaru Outback Towing Capacity 2021
The 2021 Subaru Outback shows a big step up in towing power from older versions. It has better performance features and tech this time around.
Many owners say it does great in tough towing jobs, thanks to its flexible towing power.
Changes From Previous Models
For 2021, the Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds with its 2.4L turbo engine. That’s more than the older 2.5L engines, which could tow 2,700 pounds.
Changes in the chassis and engine made this possible, making it more stable and easy to control during towing.
Performance Feedback From 2021 Owners
People who bought the 2021 Subaru Outback are really happy with it. They like how it tows well in different places, from steep hills to bad weather.
This shows the Subaru Outback towing capacity 2021 meets many towing needs. Its performance upgrades have made it a hit with folks who love spending time outdoors.

Subaru Outback Tow Package
The Subaru Outback is built to tow, even though it doesn’t come with a tow package.
Its design and all-wheel-drive make it good for pulling trailers. Picking the right accessories can make towing better and safer.
Does The Outback Offer A Towing Package?
The Subaru Outback isn’t sold with a special tow package. Yet, it’s ready to take on many towing jobs.
The all-wheel-drive helps it move smoothly on tough roads. It’s important to get the right towing accessories for the best performance and safety.
The Outback can tow up to 3,500 lbs., depending on the engine, which meets diverse towing requirements.
Recommended Accessories For Enhanced Towing
To make towing with your Subaru Outback better, think about these accessories:
- Trailer hitch that fits the Outback engine’s weight requirements.
- A ball mount that matches the tow weight you plan to pull.
- Trailer brake controller for better stopping with a load.
- Weight distribution hitch to keep the ride stable with heavy trailers.
- Extended mirrors for a wider view while towing big trailers.
Getting these accessories will not only make towing safer but also boost the Outback’s towing abilities. It enhances your overall driving experience.
Subaru Outback Towing Capacity Chart
The Subaru Outback is famous for its strong towing capabilities. It is a top choice for those who love adventures and the outdoors.
The chart showing the Subaru Outback’s towing abilities details how much each trim level can tow.
This helps buyers and owners make informed decisions.
Subaru Outback Trim | Engine Type | Towing Capacity (lbs) | Horsepower |
---|---|---|---|
Base | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER | 2,700 | 182 |
Premium | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER | 2,700 | 182 |
Onyx Edition | 2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER | 3,500 | 260 |
Wilderness | 2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER | 3,500 | 260 |
Limited | 2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER | 3,500 | 260 |
Touring | 2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER | 3,500 | 260 |
Towing capacity changes with different engine types. The 2.5L engine pulls up to 2,700 lbs.
The stronger 2.4L turbocharged engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs in four trims. This chart is handy when picking the best model for your towing needs.

Towing Safety Tips
Getting ready to tow with your Subaru Outback means putting safety first. Keeping your car in top shape is key so it can handle the extra work of towing.
This means checking the engine, brakes, and tires often to keep everything running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance For Towing
To tow safely, stick to a strict maintenance plan. Consider these important tasks:
- Regularly check fluid levels, focusing on transmission and differential fluids.
- Inspect brakes to ensure responsiveness during towing conditions.
- Examine tire pressure and tread depth to support added weight.
- Monitor the health of the cooling system to prevent overheating.
Driving Tips While Towing
When you’re towing a trailer, driving carefully is crucial. Follow these tips to stay safe:
- Allow for greater stopping distances since towing increases your vehicle’s momentum.
- Adjust driving speed according to the trailer load and road conditions.
- Be cautious when navigating turns, as trailers can sway and tip.
- Utilize towing-specific features in your Subaru, like X-Mode for uneven terrains.
Additional Features Enhancing Towing Experience
The Subaru Outback is packed with features that make towing better. A key feature is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
It gives the best traction and stability on different grounds. It works with Subaru’s X-Mode to improve towing by adjusting how the engine and brakes work.
For towing bigger loads, the 2025 Subaru Outback has two engine types. The 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine has 182 horsepower and can tow 2,700 lbs.
The 2.4L turbo engine has 260 horsepower, allowing you to tow up to 3,500 lbs. These options meet different towing needs.
There’s also the Trailer Stability Assist feature for safer towing. Plus, the standard 8.7 inches ground clearance helps.
But, the Wilderness models offer 9.5 inches clearance for better off-road towing. The Outback has a CVT for easy towing, even on steep hills.
This means a smoother and safer towing journey. It gives drivers the confidence to handle their towing tasks well.

Real-Life Towing Stories From Subaru Owners
Many Subaru Outback owners talk about their towing experiences. They highlight the vehicle’s power by towing campers and boats.
These stories show how the Outback handles different conditions, like steep mountains and flat roads. Owners praise the Outback’s strength and reliability.
One person talked about pulling a 4,000-pound camper. They said the car stayed stable and easy to control on hilly roads. Others love the 2.5-liter engine for its strong pull.
It makes towing smooth without losing power. Many are happy with how fuel-efficient the Outback is while towing. They report getting 23 to 25 miles per gallon.
The Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds, proving it’s strong. These stories help potential buyers see how the Outback works in real life.
People trust its towing ability, making it a top pick for those who love adventures. Owners say it often goes beyond their expectations in towing performance.
Conclusion
The Subaru Outback is known for being both versatile and dependable as a compact SUV, especially when it comes to towing. It can pull between 2,700 and 3,500 pounds.
This makes it perfect for many outdoor activities, from hauling a big camper to moving a trailer. It’s very important to know how much your vehicle can tow.
You can choose between a powerful 2.4L turbo engine or a standard 2.5L engine for better towing.
With the right gear and knowledge, you’ll be set for any towing task while enjoying the Subaru Outback’s features.
The Subaru Outback stands out for its towing skills, combining practicality with performance.
Whether you need power or efficiency, this vehicle has you covered. It equips you for any towing journey you have in mind.
FAQs
What is the towing capacity of the Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback’s towing capacity depends on its engine. The 2.5L engine can tow up to 2,700 pounds. The 2.4L turbo engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
How does the Subaru Outback’s towing capacity compare to other Subaru models?
The Outback can tow more than many Subaru models. While others tow up to 1,500 pounds, the Outback can tow more, making it a top choice.
Are there specific towing packages available for the Subaru Outback?
No specific towing package exists for the Outback. But, its design supports towing well. Accessories like hitch mounts and brake controllers can improve towing.
What factors should I consider when towing with my Subaru Outback?
Consider the total weight of passengers, cargo, and what you’re towing. Ensure this doesn’t exceed the Outback’s towing capacity for safety.
What maintenance steps should I take before towing with my Outback?
Regular checks on your engine, brakes, and tires are crucial before towing. Following a maintenance schedule is key for safety and good performance.
What features support towing in the Subaru Outback?
The Outback has features like Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Trailer Stability Assist for better stability and control during towing. Subaru’s X-Mode also boosts traction on rough terrain.
Can I find real-life towing experiences from Subaru Outback owners?
Yes. Many owners share their towing stories online. They provide useful insights on the Outback’s performance and reliability when towing.
How was the towing capacity of the Subaru Outback improved in the 2021 model?
The 2021 Subaru Outback has better towing features, performance, and technology than older models. This makes it a preferred option for towing tasks.