Is the Subaru Outback good for towing?

The Outback can tow, but its capability depends on the engine: up to 2,700 pounds with the standard 2.5-liter engine, and up to 3,500 pounds with the available 2.4-liter turbo. For many buyers, that makes it suitable for light to moderate towing, but it isn’t designed as a heavy-duty hauler. Towing numbers can vary by model year, trim, and region, so always verify the exact rating for your vehicle.

How the numbers break down

Here are the official towing ratings broken down by engine option for recent model years. These figures represent maximum towing capacity when properly equipped and may differ by year or drivetrain.

• 2.5-liter naturally aspirated BOXER four-cylinder: up to 2,700 pounds of towing capacity.


• 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER four-cylinder: up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.

In practical terms, the non-turbo Outback covers most small-to-mid campers, boats, and cargo trailers, while the turbocharged variant is better suited to heavier trailers or steeper grades. Always confirm the exact rating for your year and configuration.

Turbo vs. non-turbo towing: what to expect

The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivers more horsepower and torque, which translates to smoother acceleration when towing near the limit and improved performance on grades. It also tends to consume more fuel when hauling or driving aggressively. The 2.5-liter engine, while adequate for lighter to moderate loads, generally provides better fuel economy and lower initial cost. Your choice should align with how much you plan to tow and how often you’ll tow.

Towing features that help you stay safe

Subaru equips the Outback with several technologies that assist when towing, improving stability, control, and confidence on the road.

• Trailer Stability Assist helps reduce trailer sway by modulating braking forces and engine output when swaying is detected.


• Symmetrical all-wheel drive provides steadier handling and grip in a variety of conditions, which matters when towing.


• X-Mode and Hill Descent Control (where equipped) assist with traction and control on steep or slippery surfaces often encountered with trailers.


• Brake-based safety features and stability systems work in concert with towing aids to maintain control during cornering and emergency maneuvers.

These features enhance safety and confidence, but they are not a substitute for proper hitch setup, weight limits, and prudent driving when towing.

Best practices for towing with an Outback

To maximize safety and efficiency when towing, keep these guidelines in mind. They cover general best practices that apply regardless of engine choice.

• Stay within the listed maximum towing weight for your specific engine and year; if you’re close to the limit, plan for extra margin and drive cautiously in hills and headwinds.


• Use a properly rated hitch and, if required, a weight-distribution hitch to maintain balance between the trailer and the vehicle.


• Ensure trailer brakes are functioning when needed, and be aware of tongue weight (ideally about 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight).


• Compute payload carefully: passengers, cargo, and tongue weight all count toward the Outback’s payload limit; exceeding it can degrade handling and safety.


• Inspect lights, wiring, and connections before departure; verify that the trailer is hitched securely and that wheel bearings and tires are in good condition for the trip.


• Drive with extra caution: allow for longer stopping distances, smoother acceleration, and slower speeds on grades to reduce heat in the engine and transmission.

With proper equipment and prudent driving, the Outback can handle typical camping trips, boat trips, and small utility trailers. For frequent or long-haul towing, especially with heavier loads or steep terrain, consider a vehicle with higher tow ratings.

Summary

Bottom line: The Subaru Outback is capable of towing, but its effectiveness depends on the engine choice. The standard 2.5-liter engine tops out around 2,700 pounds, while the available 2.4-liter turbo boosts capacity to about 3,500 pounds. This makes it suitable for light to moderate towing, but not a heavy-duty tow vehicle. Rely on the official specs for your year, use appropriate hitching gear, and follow safe towing practices to maximize stability and safety on the road.

Which Subaru model is best for towing?

Towing Capacity by Subaru SUV Model

• Subaru Crosstrek. Max Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs. Ideal For: Lightweight trailers, small boats, bikes.
• Subaru Forester. Max Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
• Subaru Outback. Max Towing Capacity: 2,700 lbs (non-turbo), 3,500 lbs (turbo/Wilderness)
• Subaru Ascent. Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs.

Can a Subaru Outback really tow 2700 lbs?

As you can see, from the Base to the Touring, you'll be able to hit a towing capability of up to 2,700 pounds. For those needing more hauling ability, the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT editions can offer the max Subaru Outback towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

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.

What are the cons of a Subaru Outback?

Common Subaru Outback cons include the base engine being underpowered, a complicated or distracting infotainment system, overly sensitive safety features like the driver monitoring system, and potential reliability issues in older models (2010–2014, 2017–2020). Some owners also report uncomfortable seats and weak headlights.
 
This video discusses the pros and cons of the Subaru Outback, including engine power and infotainment: 1mCarLandTVYouTube · Oct 6, 2025
Performance and power

• The standard 2.5-liter engine can feel sluggish, especially when merging or driving uphill, potentially requiring an upgrade to the more powerful turbo engine. 
• The AWD system, while capable, adds weight and can impact fuel economy. 

Infotainment and electronics

• The infotainment system can be complicated and require stopping the car to adjust settings. 
• Some users find the large touchscreens unintuitive or difficult to read in direct sunlight. 
• Older models had issues with unreliable electronics and internal parts failing. 

Safety features

• The driver-monitoring system (eyeball watcher) is frequently cited as being overly sensitive and annoying, providing excessive warnings. 
• Other safety features, such as the automatic braking, can be too sensitive. 

Comfort and interior

• Some drivers find the driver's seats uncomfortable. 
• Interior materials can be prone to glare, and some models lack features like seat memory settings. 
• The headlights have been described as weak, particularly in rainy conditions. 

Reliability and maintenance

• Certain model years, particularly 2010–2014 and 2017–2020, are noted for issues like head gasket problems (though this is less of a concern in newer models), airbag defects, CVT transmission problems, and frequent windshield cracks. 
• AWD vehicles may require more frequent tire rotation and alignment compared to front-wheel-drive cars to ensure even tire wear. 

This video explains common Subaru failures, including head gasket issues in older models: 1mMrSubaru1387YouTube · Aug 11, 2024