Planning an adventure and wondering what your Subaru Outback towing capacity is? Patriot Subaru has you covered with everything you need to know. This page reveals your towing capacity as well as critical do's and don'ts so that you can tow like a pro. Hop in your Subaru Outback, get out there, and return safely with awesome new stories to tell.

Safety First

Subaru vehicles are designed to be safe. As of February 2021, we've got more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai. But that doesn't mean Subaru vehicles are invincible. Driver awareness, skill, and preparation play a huge role in what will (and won't) happen out there on the road. So before we get into exactly how much your Subaru Outback towing capacity allows you to bring along, let's look at some essential pro towing tips:

• Increase Your Braking Distance - It's a simple rule. Desk ornaments abide by it. So does the motion of the planets. The heavier the object, the greater its momentum will be at any given speed. This means that the more weight you add to your Subaru Outback, the longer it will take to stop. Take this very seriously because the last thing you want is to misjudge your stopping distance — especially coming down a long gradient from mountain roads. Protect your Subaru Outback lease from excessive damage. Take your time!


• Practice Engine Braking - The harder your brakes work, the less responsive they will become. Did you know that you can slow down your vehicle by shifting into a lower gear? Before you tow, head to a safe open space and practice "down-shifting" into lower gears so that you can see how the engine revs will slow you down.


• Left Is Right & Right Is Left - A common cause for trailer mishaps is reverse maneuvers. When heading in reverse to launch a boat or park your trailer, remember that your steering wheel needs to turn in the opposite direction of your intended trailer trajectory.


• Keep Your Tires In Order - Got a plug in one of your tires? This might be the time to swap it out and get a new one at our Subaru Service Center. The increased inflation required to tow, not to mention trailer load and heat, will quickly make minor tire damage a serious issue. Make sure you start out with solid tires, which are clear of pebbles or nails in your tread. Have you ever seen corkscrew remnants of tires on the side of the road? Those drivers didn't check for tire issues before they headed out.


• Dress For Success - This often overlooked step can save you from some harrowing experiences. Do you know what happens when the hitch stand collapses on exposed toes in flip-flops? Can you guess what happens to fingers that get pinched in anchor points, winch gears, and ramps (among other trailer parts)? Do yourself a favor and get a good set of comfortable work gloves with protective stitching and padding. Wear closed-toe shoes. While some injuries might not be avoidable, you'll return with the ability to count to 20, intact.


• Inspect Your Vehicle - Make sure that your Subaru Outback tow hitch, wiring, brake lights, hoses, belts, and fluids are all in proper working order. This five-minute walk around can save you hours (or even days) if you break down because something silly was overlooked at the start. Inspect your Subaru Outback before you go!

With your vehicle inspected and up to par, you should be good to go. You've got the right safety equipment. You've planned your route. You've even practiced some of the tow-safety driving skills we mentioned. Now, at long last, let's take a look at your Subaru Outback towing capacity. Remember, the final amount will be based on your selected engine.

FAQs

In this section, we'll answer the most common questions we get about Subaru Outback towing capacity here at Patriot Subaru:

Can a Subaru Outback tow?

You bet! When equipped with the Subaru Outback towing package, your Subaru Outback can tow a variety of objects like a small watercraft, an adventure trailer, an open-aired trailer, and more.

How much can a Subaru Outback tow?

First things first: make sure your vehicle is equipped with the right Subaru Outback Parts! Make sure your gear is designed to operate as the OEM intends. If you have the 2.5L engine, then you can pull a rated 2,700lbs. If you have the 2.4L turbo, then your final tow rating bumps up to 3,500lbs.

Can a Subaru Outback tow a trailer?

It sure can! But let's back up a second and define "trailer." If you're thinking trailer as in a three-car hauler because you want to start your own auto-shipping business, you might not get very far. If you are looking at a small camper, boat trailer, or ATV type trailer, then you're in business.

Patriot Subaru in Saco, ME, Is Your Subaru Towing Resource

Your Subaru Outback towing capacity has been rated by the manufacturer to allow for safe operation. Please don't push it. Failure to stay within your tow rating can lead to mechanical failure, property damage, accidents, injuries, or worse. Subaru vehicles are designed with incredible capabilities so that you can enjoy the great outdoors. But you have to do your due diligence. If you have any questions at all or need assistance with parts, come see us. We're here to help. If you have a used Subaru Outback that might need a service before you hit the road, come on in. We've got Express Service bays ready to go for this kind of stuff, so come by without an appointment. All we ask is for you to send us a few pix of your adventures. Tow safely, everyone, and have fun out there!

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Subaru Outback Towing Capacity Chart

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