What is the weight limit on a Subaru hitch?
There is no single weight limit that applies to all Subaru hitch receivers. The maximum towing weight and tongue weight depend on your model, year, and the receiver class installed. In general, many Subaru hitches fall in a range of roughly 2,000–3,500 pounds of trailer weight for smaller receivers, with tongue weights around 200–350 pounds, while some larger SUVs with bigger receivers can approach higher limits. Always verify the exact figures in your owner's manual and on the hitch label.
Understanding hitch weight limits
To interpret Subaru towing figures, it helps to know the key terms and how they combine to determine what you can safely tow.
Key terms explained
- Tongue weight (TW): the downward force exerted on the hitch by the trailer’s tongue. It is typically about 10%–15% of the trailer’s gross weight (GTW).
- Gross trailer weight (GTW): the total weight of the trailer and everything loaded on it.
- Hitch class and receiver size: Subaru OEM hitches are commonly 1¼" Class II (smaller) or 2" Class III (larger). The class and receiver size influence the rating you’ll see for GTW and TW.
- Vehicle rating vs hitch rating: The hitch’s stated limits must not exceed the vehicle’s GVWR/GAWR or the factory towing package limits for that model.
Practically, this means the numbers you see on a hitch label or in the manual are the maximums you should not surpass, and the vehicle’s own ratings may further constrain what you can tow.
How to find the exact limit for your model
Because there is variation across Subaru models and model years, follow these steps to confirm the precise weight limit for your setup.
- Check your owner’s manual—look for the towing section to find the model-year specific GTW and TW limits.
- Examine the hitch receiver label—the label on the hitch itself lists the maximum tongue weight and GTW for that installation.
- Consult Subaru’s official towing guide or the dealer for your year and trim to confirm limits for your vehicle configuration.
- Account for additional equipment, such as a weight distribution hitch, trailer brakes, or aftermarket hitches, which can alter safe-tow values.
- Always use the lowest rating among hitch, vehicle, and trailer ratings; do not exceed any of them.
Following these steps ensures you have the exact weight limit for your Subaru hitch in your particular situation.
Common Subaru configurations and typical ranges
The figures below reflect common OEM hitch configurations seen on popular Subaru models. Actual values vary by year and package, so treat these as general guidelines rather than hard rules.
- 1¼" receiver (Class II): GTW commonly in the 2,000–3,500 pounds range; tongue weight often 200–350 pounds.
- 2" receiver (Class III): GTW commonly in the 3,500–5,000 pounds range for larger crossovers and SUVs with appropriate equipment; tongue weight typically 350–600 pounds, depending on the exact setup.
Again, the exact values for your car will be printed on the hitch label and specified in the owner’s manual, so verify before towing.
Summary
In short, Subaru hitch weight limits are not universal and depend on your model, year, and the hitch class installed. Common guidance places many 1¼" hitches around 2,000–3,500 lbs GTW with 200–350 lbs TW, and many 2" hitches around 3,500–5,000 lbs GTW with 350–600 lbs TW. The safest and most accurate approach is to check the hitch label and the owner's manual, and to adhere to the lowest rating among the hitch, vehicle, and trailer. If you’re planning to tow regularly, consider consulting your Subaru dealer or official towing guides for model-specific figures.
