How much is a hitch for a Subaru Outback?
Prices for a hitch on a Subaru Outback typically run from about $100 to $500 for the hitch itself, with installation and wiring adding roughly another $100 to $400. In most cases you’ll see a total installed price in the ballpark of $300 to $1,000, depending on whether you choose aftermarket or OEM, the receiver size, and whether you install it yourself or have a shop do it.
What affects the price
The amount you pay hinges on the hitch type, receiver size, and whether you add electrical wiring and professional installation. Below are the common options and their typical price ranges.
Hitch options and price ranges
The list below covers the most common hitch choices for the Outback, along with typical uninstalled prices you’ll find in the United States as of 2024–2025.
- Aftermarket 2-inch Class III hitch: commonly sold at about $100–$260.
- OEM Subaru 2-inch Class III hitch: typically around $250–$420.
- 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch (less common on newer Outbacks): usually about $60–$140.
In short, most Outback owners opt for a 2-inch receiver (Class III) for broader accessory compatibility and higher towing capacity, with aftermarket options being the most budget-friendly starting point.
Wiring and installation costs
The following list summarizes typical costs for trailer wiring and professional installation, which can significantly affect the final price.
Wiring harness options and typical costs
Electrical wiring lets your trailer lights communicate with the vehicle. Costs vary by connector type and whether the harness is simple or includes added features.
- 4-pin wiring harness: roughly $50–$150 for the part.
- 7-pin wiring harness (or harness with brake controller compatibility): roughly $75–$250 for the part.
Wiring harnesses are often paired with installation labor, and some dealers or shops include the install of the hitch’s wiring in a bundled price.
Installation labor costs
Labor costs depend on whether you DIY or have a shop install the hitch and wiring. Dealer-installed options are typically more expensive than independent shops.
- DIY installation (no labor charges): part price only, generally $60–$260 for the hitch, plus $50–$150 for a basic wiring harness if you add one.
- Professional installation of aftermarket hitch with basic wiring: about $150–$350 in labor, plus $50–$150 for the wiring harness.
- OEM hitch installation plus dealer wiring: typically $200–$350 in labor, with $50–$150 for the wiring harness.
Overall, professional installation of an aftermarket 2-inch hitch plus wiring commonly lands in the $300–$700 range, while an OEM hitch installed by a dealer often pushes toward the higher end of that spectrum.
Total cost scenarios
To give a practical sense of what you might pay depending on how you proceed, here are common real-world scenarios.
- DIY installation of an aftermarket 2-inch hitch with a basic 4-pin harness: hitch $100–$260 + harness $50–$150 = roughly $150–$410; no labor.
- Professional installation of an aftermarket 2-inch hitch with 4-pin wiring: hitch $100–$260 + labor $150–$350 + harness $50–$150 = roughly $300–$760.
- OEM hitch with dealer installation and wiring (4- or 7-pin): hitch $250–$420 + labor $200–$350 + harness $50–$150 = roughly $500–$920.
Prices shown are typical ranges and can vary by year, model, region, and supplier. Taxes, additional hardware, or brake controller integration can also affect totals.
What to consider before buying
Before choosing a hitch, consider receiver size, towing needs, compatibility with existing accessories, and the availability of towing-related features in your Outback. Also verify the exact payload and tongue weight limits for your specific model year and engine configuration to ensure you stay within safe operating limits.
Summary
For a Subaru Outback, a 2-inch hitch is the standard and most versatile choice. Expect $100–$260 for an aftermarket hitch or $250–$420 for an OEM hitch, with wiring harnesses typically $50–$250 and installation labor ranging from $0 (DIY) to several hundred dollars if you hire a shop. In total, including installation and wiring, most buyers should budget roughly $300–$1,000 depending on the combination of hitch type, electrical needs, and labor. Always confirm compatibility with your model year and local pricing before purchasing.
How much does it cost to install a hitch?
To get this extra capacity, a hitch needs to be bolted to your frame that allows a trailer to be connected to your vehicle. What does trailer hitch installation cost? There's a large range in price from around $250 to $1,300 or more. Naturally, it varies depending on the vehicle and the type and class of hitch.
Do Subaru Outbacks come with a hitch?
No, Subaru Outbacks do not come with a hitch as a standard feature, but they can be equipped with one. A hitch is available as an optional add-on from the dealer, often installed at the port before delivery, or you can have one installed aftermarket. Some specific trims, like the Outback Wilderness, may include a factory-installed hitch, but this is not standard across all models.
- Dealer/Port installed: You can order a hitch with your new Outback, and it will be installed before you take delivery. This option may be included in the window sticker.
- Aftermarket: If you buy a model without a hitch, you can have one installed by a dealer or an aftermarket company like CURT or U-Haul.
- Wilderness trim: Some higher-end trims, such as the Outback Wilderness, may come with a factory-installed hitch, but it's best to confirm with the specific vehicle.
- Towing capacity: The Outback has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds for models with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, but this requires the proper hitch and mount. Standard models have a capacity of 2,700 pounds.
Can I add a hitch to my Subaru?
This complete trailer hitch kit from Subaru allows you to add a trailer hitch to your vehicle if it did not come equipped with one. The kit comes with everything you need to install the trailer hitch, and includes all genuine OEM Subaru parts.
How much would it cost to put a trailer hitch on a Subaru Outback?
The total cost for a Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation typically ranges from $300 to $900, depending on whether you opt for a professional install or a DIY approach, and the type of hitch and accessories you purchase. Professional installation costs can vary significantly, from around $100-$300 for labor at a third-party installer to much higher estimates at a Subaru dealership.
Cost breakdown
You can watch this video to learn about the warranty implications of adding a trailer hitch: 20sCounty Office LawYouTube · Jun 27, 2024
| Item | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer Hitch | $150 – $400+ | Varies by brand, class, and weight rating. OEM hitches are often more expensive than aftermarket options like those from Curt or Draw-Tite. |
| Wiring Harness | $50 – $150 | Required for trailer lights; prices vary by brand. |
| Ball Mount & Hitch Ball | $30 – $100 | Necessary if you plan to tow a trailer. |
| Professional Installation (DIY Hitch) | $100 – $300 | Labor cost at a third-party installer like U-Haul. |
| Dealer Installation | $800 – $1300+ | Generally the most expensive option. Costs can be higher for the OEM hitch due to additional labor for a more integrated, hidden appearance. |
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Ways to save on installation
- DIY installation: If you are comfortable with the task, you can save significantly on labor costs by installing the hitch yourself.
- Third-party installers: Consider getting a quote from a third-party installer like U-Haul, which is often cheaper than a dealership.
- Shop around: Compare prices from multiple dealerships and installers, as rates vary by location and business.
- Look for coupons: Check for installation coupons or parts discounts from your Subaru dealership to reduce the cost.
