Can you pull a trailer with a Subaru Outback?
Yes — you can tow with an Outback, but the maximum trailer weight depends on the engine and equipment: roughly 2,700 pounds with the 2.5-liter engine and up to about 3,500 pounds with the 2.4-liter turbo. Always confirm the exact rating for your model year, trim, and towing package.
This article explains how much you can tow, what factors influence those ratings, and the practical steps to tow safely, including hitch choices, payload considerations, and braking requirements.
Towing capacity by engine and trim
Different Outback configurations carry different limits. Here is a quick snapshot of what Subaru has typically offered in recent years.
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine: about 2,700 pounds of trailer weight when properly equipped (hitch, wiring, and other required components).
- 2.4-liter turbocharged engine: up to about 3,500 pounds of trailer weight.
- Note: Achieving these ratings generally requires the factory towing package or equivalent approved equipment, and exact figures can vary by model year and market.
The key takeaway is to verify the official rating on your specific vehicle's door jamb label and in the owner's manual, and to ensure you have the necessary towing hardware before attempting to tow.
What to know before towing
Before connecting a trailer, it's essential to understand how towing interacts with the Outback's overall specifications and load limits.
- Check the exact towing capacity for your year, trim, and drivetrain in the owner's manual and on the door sticker.
- Know the vehicle's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and GCWR (gross combined weight rating) to avoid exceeding the total weight the vehicle can handle with cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- Choose the appropriate hitch: many ratings require a reinforced hitch, and heavier trailers commonly demand a weight-distribution hitch.
- Evaluate payload capacity: towing reduces available payload for passengers and cargo inside the vehicle; ensure you have enough payload for your trip.
- Consider trailer brakes and braking requirements: trailers near the upper end of the rating often require electric brakes and compliant braking systems; some jurisdictions also require brakes when towing above a certain weight.
- Ensure lighting, wiring, and safety features are properly installed and functioning; test brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights with the trailer connected.
Adhering to these steps helps prevent overloading the drivetrain, transmission, and brakes, which can compromise handling and safety.
Equipment and setup
Choosing the right hardware and configuring the setup are critical to safe towing with an Outback.
Hitches, brakes, and wiring
The fit and rating of your hitch determine how heavy a trailer you can tow. In practice, you’ll typically need:
- A hitch rated for the trailer's tongue weight and overall trailer weight
- A braking system compatible with the trailer (and, where required, trailer brakes wired to the vehicle)
- A weight-distribution hitch for heavier trailers to balance load distribution between the tow vehicle and trailer
- A correctly rated wiring harness for taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Potential cooling enhancements for long pulls, such as an upgraded transmission cooler or engine oil cooler, depending on trailer weight
With the right equipment and proper installation, the Outback can tow within its rated limits while maintaining stability and safety on the road.
Towing best practices with the Outback
Adopt careful driving habits and pre-trip checks to ensure a safe and comfortable towing experience.
- Drive with a lighter touch on acceleration and braking to reduce trailer sway and stress on the engine and transmission.
- Use engine braking and moderate engine RPMs on descents to manage heat and maintain control.
- Increase following distance; trailers increase stopping distance and reduce visibility of the tow vehicle’s rear view.
- Inspect tires, hitch connections, and trailer lights before every trip; never tow with damaged or underinflated tires.
- Plan routes with gentler grades where possible and know the towing limits in different jurisdictions, including speed limits and overtaking rules for heavy trailers.
Following these practices helps protect the vehicle and trailer, and improves handling for you and other drivers on the road.
Summary
The Subaru Outback can pull a trailer within clearly defined limits that depend on the engine and equipment. For most models, the 2.5-liter version tops out around 2,700 pounds, while the 2.4-liter turbo can tow about 3,500 pounds, when properly equipped with the correct hitch and towing package. Always verify the exact rating for your year and trim, ensure you stay within GVWR/GCWR, and use appropriate towing hardware and safety practices. With careful preparation, the Outback remains a versatile choice for light-to-midweight trailer duties.
How big of a trailer can a Subaru Outback pull?
Conclusion. No matter which Subaru Outback you drive, there's a clear towing story by generation: earlier models sit at 2,000 pounds, mid-2000s through 2019 generally move to 2,700 pounds (with certain six-cylinder trims up to 3,000), and today's turbocharged XT and Wilderness models unlock up to 3,500 pounds.
Is the outback good for towing?
Most Subaru Outback trims are equipped with a 2.5L Subaru BOXER® engine, offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,700 lbs. However, higher trims like the Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT come with a turbocharged 2.4L BOXER® engine, capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.
Can you attach a trailer to a Subaru Outback?
Yes, you can install a trailer hitch on a Subaru Outback. Many Outback models are designed to accommodate a trailer hitch, making it easy to tow a small trailer, mount a bike rack, or add a cargo carrier.
What year to avoid a Subaru Outback?
Years to generally avoid for the Subaru Outback include 2010-2014, 2017-2020, and older models 2005-2009. Common issues in these years include CV/transmission problems, engine oil consumption, electrical failures, and early models were known for head gasket and cooling system issues.
Years to avoid and common problems
- 2005-2009: Known for head gasket failures, coolant leaks, and oil leaks.
- 2010-2014: Experienced significant transmission issues, oil consumption problems, and electrical and steering column defects.
- 2017-2020: These years often suffered from frequent windshield cracks, electrical issues like faulty alternators and battery drains, and problems with the infotainment system.
- The first year of the sixth generation, 2020, had early adopter problems, particularly with the infotainment system and CVT.
- 2013-2014: Specifically had issues with the CVT transmission and the 2.5L engine, leading to oil consumption.
- 2015-2016: The 2.5L engine developed leaks from the valve covers and cam carriers.
What to look for instead
- Post-2014: These models are generally more reliable, but specific years like 2015 and 2018 have been singled out by some sources.
- Post-2021: Many recent models have improved reliability, although some 2023 models had issues with the infotainment system and electrical accessories.
- 2019 3.6R: This is often recommended as a good model to track down due to high mileage customer vehicles and a history of good reliability.
