How Much Can a Subaru Outback Tow? (Explained)


How Much Can a Subaru Outback Tow

Looking for the towing capacity if Subaru Outback?

Subarus are some of the most well-liked cars in the United States. They are famous for their flexibility and reliability.

Since all Subarus come with parallel all-wheel drive, they are especially popular amongst people who like to get into nature.

The Subaru Outback is one of the most classic and recognizable Subaru models on the market. It has plenty of room for everything you love to take on your adventures.

The Subaru Outback also offers one of the highest towing capacities within the brand.

How Much Can a Subaru Outback Tow?

In general, a Subaru Outback can tow between 2000 and 3500 pounds. Newer models all boast 3500-pound towing capacities, where older models with smaller engine options can tow around 2000-3000 pounds, depending on which model you have/buy.

The Subaru Outback has the highest towing capacity of all Subaru crossover and SUV models and therefore, is the Subaru Outback has the best towing capacity of all Subaru.

Subaru Outback Towing Capacity Chart

The table below shows the Subaru Outback towing capacity chart of the last years:

Year of ProductionSubaru Outback (Engine)Max. Towing CapacityHorsepower
2021–2020Subaru Outback 2.5L Boxer Engine2,700 lbs182 HP
2021–2020Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbocharged Boxer Engine3,500 lbs270 HP
2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder2,700 lbs175 HP
2019 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder2,700 lbs256 HP
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder2,700 lbs175 HP
2018Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder2,700 lbs256 HP
2017Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder2,700 lbs175 HP
2017Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder2,700 lbs256 HP
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder2,700 lbs175 HP
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder3,000 lbs256 HP
2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder2,700 lbs175 HP
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder3,000 lbs256 HP
2014Subaru Outback 2.5i Boxer 4-cylinder2,700 lbs175 HP
2014 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder3,000 lbs256 HP

Subaru Outback Diesel Towing Capacity

The Subaru Outback diesel has a towing capacity of 2,700 lbs

Subaru Outback 3.6 Towing Capacity By Year

The following table shows the towing capacity of the Subaru Outback 3.6 by year:

Year of ProductionSubaru Outback 3.6Max. Towing Capacity
2019Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder2,700 lbs
2018Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder2,700 lbs
2017Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder2,700 lbs
2016Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder3,000 lbs
2015Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder3,000 lbs
2014Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder3,000 lbs

The 2019 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder has a towing capacity of 2,700 lbs.

The 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder has a towing capacity of 2,700 lbs.

The 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder has a towing capacity of 2,700 lbs.

The 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder has a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs.

The 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder has a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs.

The 2014 Subaru Outback 3.6L Boxer 6-cylinder has a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs.

Can a Subaru Outback Tow a pop up Camper

The Subaru Outback can tow a pop-up camper up to a maximum weight of 2,700 pounds

What Makes a Subaru Outback Special?

The Subaru Outback has an exceptional ground clearance and all-wheel drive so that you can take it pretty much anywhere. It has space for five people, so no one gets left behind.

Its compact size and design still get good gas mileage for a vehicle that can handle mud, snow, and rain with no problems.

If you like the classic wagon look, the Subaru Outback is one of the most high-quality wagons you can buy. People love to take them out while camping, biking, hiking, and exploring.

They are spacious enough for car seats and room for pets.

Subaru Outbacks also have great roof racks for bringing equipment. You can attach a roof storage unit (like a Thule) for skis, boots, or gear.

You can also attach bikes and small kayaks. This makes Subaru Outbacks popular among people who love to adventure, no matter what the weather may be.

Read also: Can a Subaru Forester Tow a Camper or Small Pop Up Camper?

Different Engine Models

Throughout the years, Subaru has come out with Outbacks of varying engine models. These different models will affect the towing capacity of the vehicle as well as the gas mileage.

More powerful engines will get worse gas mileage but increase your towing capacity. Less powerful engines will limit your towing capacity but increase your gas mileage.

Subaru Outback towing review

When selecting a Subaru, think about how often you are towing a load. If you take out a camper once a year but plan to drive the vehicle for your commute, a smaller engine may be more worth your money.

If you plan to hit the road with all of your equipment in tow all summer long, a bigger engine will give you more options.

Can a Subaru Outback Tow a Caravan or a Car

The towing capacity of 2,000 lbs makes the Subaru Outback a good tow vehicle for caravan and car. can a subaru outback tow a caravan >> Check out the video below:

Which Trailers Are Best to Tow with a Subaru Outback?

When selecting which trailer to tow, remember that the towing capacity includes the weight of the trailer and gear you put on it. If you have much gear, you will want to get the lightest trailer possible.

1. Utility Trailers

Most utility trailers weigh well under 3000 pounds, so you can tow them with a Subaru Outback and still have plenty of weight for extra gear.

Some of the best utility trailers include the Yutrax Trail Warrior, Lowe’s Carry-On Trailer, and the DK2 Mighty Multi-Utility Trailer.

Utility Trailer ModelLoad Capacity
Yutrax Trail Warrior1,250 pounds
Lowe’s Carry-On1,625 pounds
DK2 Mighty Multi-Utility1,500 pounds

The Yutrax Trail Warrior is made with heavy-duty steel so that it will last for years. It is about 60″ long so that you can add plenty of gear, even with this great compact trailer.

It is inexpensive, so if you want to save money on a part-time trailer, this is a great option. It can carry about 1250 pounds, making it perfect to tow with a Subaru Outback.

The Lowe’s Carry-On Trailer is perfect to couple with a Subaru Outback. It has a weight capacity of 1625 pounds. The bottom and sides are made of steel mesh, so it is lightweight and does not take too much weight from your total towing capacity.

It is 8 feet long and 5 feet wide, so you have plenty of room (and weight) for everything you need.

The DK2 Mighty Multi-Utility Trailer is incredibly flexible, so you can use it in many scenarios. The front and back fold down if needed.

With the front and back folded, you have a 12-foot length of storage space. All of the pieces are removable and/or interchangeable, so you can make the trailer fit whatever you currently need.

2. Pop-Up Camper Trailers

If you are hoping to bring comfort on the road with you while camping, a pop-up camper is great for towing with a Subaru Outback. Pop-up campers have collapsible sides and roofs.

This makes them lighter and more flexible for towing.

The Jayco Jay Series Sport, SylvanSport Go, and Livin’ Lite Quicksilver are great options to tow with a Subaru Outback. They offer great amenities and are light enough to tow with a Subaru Outback without sacrificing your gear.

The table shows some pop-up camper you can tow with the Subaru Outback:

Pop up Camper Trailer ModelLoad Capacity
Jayco Jay Series Sport805 pounds
SylvanSport Go960 pounds
Livin’ Lite Quicksilver1000 pounds

The Jayco Jay Series Sport has a gross vehicle weight of around 1995 pounds, and it can carry around 805 pounds.

At the campsite, you have about 16 feet of length available, so you have room for larger groups than most pop-up campers can accommodate. It can sleep five to six people.

The SylvanSport Go is one of the most lightweight pop-up campers available. The pop-up is made of tent materials, so it is light and cool.

When you travel with it, it has an equipment rack, so you can store bikes and kayaks on top. The pod can sleep up to four people. It has a maximum carrying capacity of 960 pounds.

The Livin’ Lite Quicksilver has a sink, countertops, and storage space, making it great for a comfortable vacation with your Subaru Outback.

It weighs around 1000 pounds, and it can sleep up to four people. Add-ons include an air conditioner, stovetop, furnace, and awning.

Read also: How Much Do Pop-up Campers Weigh? (3 Small Pop Up Campers)

3. Teardrop Trailers

Teardrop trailers are perfect for those looking to save gas mileage without sacrificing luxury. Teardrop trailers are designed to be aerodynamic.

Many are lightweight and easy to tow with a Subaru Outback. Great teardrop trailers include the Riverside Retro, Aliner Ascape, and InTech RV Luna.

The table shows some teardrop trailers you can tow with the Subaru Outback:

Teardrop Trailer ModelLoad Capacity
Riverside Retro 5091,180 pounds
Aliner Ascapebetween 1,400 and 1,900 pounds
InTech RV Lunaaround 2,000 pounds

The Riverside Retro 509

The Riverside Retro sports the classic teardrop design. It weighs about 1180 pounds, so you will still have plenty of room and capacity for your gear.

It has a queen bed, outdoor stove, and outdoor sink. It is not the fanciest camper on the market, but it will keep you warm and dry, and you can tow it with a Subaru Outback.

The Aliner Ascape

The Aliner Ascape has the teardrop shape in the front of the camper, but the back is more the classic camper style.

The dry weight is between 1400 and 1900 pounds (depending on the model and amenities you select).

This means you will have to be careful not to load up too much gear and food.

 It has lots of storage space and a water heater with other great amenities. This is a fantastic option for those looking for comfort with their Subaru Outback compatible trailer.

InTech RV Luna

The InTech RV Luna is a great, luxurious option. It has a panoramic window in the front, so you can enjoy the views of your destinations. It is incredibly lightweight, as it is made with an Aluminum frame.

The outdoor kitchen is also incredibly luxurious. It has a stainless-steel sink, a 3-burner grill, a fridge, and a microwave.

The InTech RV Luna weighs around 2000 pounds, so you may want to tow it with a newer Subaru Outback to maximize your towing capabilities.

Read also: 55 Best Small Travel Trailers / lightweight Travel Trailers For Sale

Other Subaru Vehicles with Excellent Towing Capacities

If you are looking to purchase a Subaru, and you know you will want to take your trailer out regularly, there are other Subaru options with high towing capacities that you may want to consider. 

Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is the largest Subaru model on the market. It has three rows of seats, so there is room for the entire family.

It also boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, so you can take it on most terrains.

The Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds. If you enjoy trailer camping, the Subaru Ascent offers a high enough towing capacity that you do not have to sacrifice luxury to appease the towing capacity.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a great counterpart to the Subaru Outback. It has room for five people, and it has a spacious interior for everyone to enjoy.

Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds, therefore, they do not have as much towing capacity as Subaru Outbacks. This will limit your trailer options more.

The Subaru Forester is less expensive than the Subaru Outback, so if you do not need to regularly tow a trailer, the Subaru Forester may be a fantastic option for you.

The Subaru Forester also has plenty of storage space in the back, so you can bring everything you need on your adventures.

Read also: Can a Subaru Forester Tow a Camper or Small Pop Up Camper?

Subaru Outback Towing Review

Subaru Outback towing review – Subaru Outback tow test >> Check out the video below:

Conclusion

Subaru Outbacks are perfect for those with adventurous spirits. They are great on all terrains, as they offer all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Subaru Outbacks also boast some of the highest towing capacities of all Subaru vehicles on the market.

Older Outbacks can tow around 2000-2500 pounds. 

Newer models can tow up to 3500 pounds, which gives you plenty of room for everything you need.

References

https://www.jayco.com/tools/archive/2013-jay-series-sport-ct/

https://www.subaru.com/

Mike Gilmour

Hi, I'm Mike, co-founder, and editor of RV and Playa. My passion is traveling (with my RV) and enjoying the day at the beach (Playa)! Well, I originally created this blog as a way to share what I've learned by experimenting with the RV lifestyle, and I want to help others develop in life through new skills and opportunities.

Recent Posts

error: Content is protected !!