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What Subaru can pull a small trailer?

Yes. Subarus can tow small trailers, with capacities ranging from about 1,000 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the model and equipment. The strongest option is the Ascent (up to 5,000 lbs), followed by the Outback (up to 3,500 lbs with the 2.4L turbo; 2,700 lbs with the 2.5L), Forester (around 2,700 lbs), and Legacy (about 2,000 lbs). Crosstrek and Impreza tow lighter loads (about 1,500 lbs and 1,000 lbs, respectively). BRZ and WRX are not designed for towing.

How Subaru towing capacity works

The exact towing numbers depend on model year, engine, and trim, and a trailer’s weight must stay within the vehicle’s rated limits. Briggs and braking needs, hitch type, and cooling considerations can also affect what you can safely pull. Below is a quick reference to current mainstream Subaru models and their typical maximum tow ratings when properly equipped.

Current model lineup towing capacities (maximum, with proper equipment)

Ascent — up to 5,000 lbs with the 2.4L turbo engine and AWD; requires factory-approved hitch and wiring, and appropriate braking if required by weight.

Outback — up to 3,500 lbs with the 2.4L turbo; up to 2,700 lbs with the 2.5L engine; both configurations assume proper hitch and trailer brakes where required.

Forester — up to 2,700 lbs (2.5L engine, AWD); consult specific trim details for any variance.

Legacy — up to 2,000 lbs (2.5L engine, AWD); verify for your exact year/trim.

Crosstrek — up to 1,500 lbs (2.0L engine, AWD); depends on drivetrain and equipment.

Impreza — up to 1,000 lbs (2.0L engine); towing is limited due to smaller platform.

BRZ/WRX — not intended for towing; Subaru does not publish a towing rating for these performance models.

These figures reflect typical configurations in the current Subaru lineup. Exact ratings can vary by year, trim, and whether you have the optional cooling packages or specific tow-hitch equipment. Always confirm the official tow rating for your exact vehicle before towing.

Practical tips for towing with Subaru

Before you tow, it helps to understand what to prepare and monitor to stay within safe limits. The following list highlights practical steps and considerations to help you plan a tow with a Subaru.

Know your exact towing rating: check the owner's manual or the official Subaru towing chart for your model year and trim. Ratings can change between revisions.

Use the proper hitch and wiring: most Subarus require a specific class hitch (often Class II or III) and a compatible wiring harness; heavier trailers may need the trailer brake controller and dedicated electrical setup.

Consider cooling and drivetrain protection: towing near the limit, especially with the 2.4L turbo engines, may benefit from an auxiliary transmission or engine cooler and attentive engine bay airflow.

Check GVWR, GTW, and tongue weight: ensure the trailer’s weight and weight distribution stay within the vehicle’s limits; tongue weight is typically around 10–15% of trailer weight for a proper setup.

Ensure trailer brakes if required: trailers over a certain weight often require electric brakes; verify that the trailer brake system and wiring are functioning properly before trips.

Practice safe towing habits: accelerate gently, anticipate hills, and allow extra stopping distance; avoid towing in extreme weather if you’re near the rating.

For heavier or frequent towing, discuss options with a Subaru dealer. They can advise on the best hitch setup, cooling upgrades, and whether a particular trim or engine is best suited to your towing needs.

Summary

Subaru offers a range of towing capabilities across its lineup. The biggest model, the Ascent, can tow up to 5,000 pounds; the Outback can handle up to 3,500 pounds with its turbocharged engine (2.4L) or about 2,700 pounds with the 2.5L. Forester tops around 2,700 pounds, and the Legacy sits near 2,000 pounds. Smaller models like the Crosstrek and Impreza are rated at roughly 1,500 and 1,000 pounds, respectively. The BRZ and WRX are not intended for towing. Always verify year- and trim-specific ratings, ensure you have the proper hitch and brakes, and follow safe towing practices for any trailer you plan to haul with a Subaru.

Which Subaru models can tow?

The Subaru with the highest towing capacity is the Ascent, capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. For other models, the Outback XT and Wilderness trims can tow 3,500 pounds, while the Crosstrek Wilderness and Forester Wilderness offer 3,500 and 3,000 pounds respectively. Most other standard Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek models have a lower capacity of 2,700 pounds or less.

Model	Max Towing Capacity	Notes
Ascent	5,000 lbs	The highest capacity in the Subaru lineup.
Outback XT / Wilderness	3,500 lbs	Turbocharged and Wilderness trims.
Crosstrek Wilderness	3,500 lbs	Offers a significant increase over the standard Crosstrek.
Forester Wilderness	3,000 lbs	Offers a significant increase over the standard Forester.
Standard Outback / Forester / Crosstrek	2,700 lbs or less	Varies by trim and year, but generally lower than the Wilderness or XT versions.

Which Subaru has a tow package?

Many Subaru models can be equipped with a towing package, with the Ascent offering the highest capacity (up to 5,000 lbs), followed by the Outback (2,700–3,500 lbs) and Forester/Crosstrek (1,500 lbs). The specific capacity varies by model and trim, with some high-performance or adventure-oriented trims like the Outback Wilderness or Forester Wilderness having higher capacities than base models. Towing packages typically include a hitch receiver and wiring harness, and some models may also include a transmission cooler.

Subaru models with towing packages

Model	Max Towing Capacity	Notes
Ascent	5,000 lbs	Available with a towing package and can tow larger campers, boats, or ATVs.
Outback	2,700–3,500 lbs	Capacity varies by engine and trim; 3,500 lbs is available on turbo/Wilderness models.
Forester	1,500–3,000 lbs	Base models typically have 1,500 lbs; the Wilderness trim can tow up to 3,000 lbs.
Crosstrek	1,500 lbs (base)	The Wilderness trim can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
Solterra	2,000–4,000 lbs	The electric SUV's capacity can vary by model year.
WRX	Not typically rated for towing	The WRX is not designed for towing and generally lacks a tow hitch option.

Check capacity: Always check your specific model's and trim's manual to confirm the exact towing capacity.
Towing package: A towing package is often required for maximum capacity and includes a hitch receiver and wiring harness.
Trailer Stability Assist: Most Subaru SUVs have Trailer Stability Assist to provide a more stable and secure towing experience.

Which Subaru is best for towing a trailer?

The best Subaru for towing is the Ascent (5,0005 comma 0005,000 lbs capacity), making it ideal for larger trailers and boats. For mid-range needs, the Outback with a turbocharged engine (3,5003 comma 5003,500 lbs) or the Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness trims (both 3,0003 comma 0003,000 and 3,5003 comma 5003,500 lbs, respectively) are excellent choices.
This video explains how to choose the right Subaru for towing: 58sSubaru AustraliaYouTube · Dec 18, 2024
Highest towing capacity

Ascent: Offers the highest towing capacity in the Subaru lineup at 5,0005 comma 0005,000 pounds, making it the best choice for towing larger trailers, campers, or boats.

Mid-range towing capacity

Outback:
- With a 2.4L turbocharged engine, it can tow up to 3,5003 comma 5003,500 pounds.
- The standard 2.5L engine has a lower capacity of 2,7002 comma 7002,700 pounds.
Forester:
- The standard trims tow 1,5001 comma 5001,500 pounds.
- The Wilderness trim is more capable, with a towing capacity of 3,0003 comma 0003,000 pounds.
Crosstrek:
- Standard models have a towing capacity of 1,5001 comma 5001,500 pounds.
- The Wilderness trim significantly increases this to 3,5003 comma 5003,500 pounds.

This video shows a Subaru Outback Wilderness towing a trailer: 1mRoaming With JoshYouTube · Jan 12, 2022
Things to consider when towing

Engine: The turbocharged Outback models have a higher towing capacity than those with the standard engine.
Trim level: For the Forester and Crosstrek, the Wilderness trims offer substantially higher towing capacities than the standard models.
Towing package: Ensure you have the necessary towing equipment, especially a seven-pin connector if you need to control trailer brakes.
Safety cushion: It's recommended to stay below the maximum towing capacity to ensure a safer and more comfortable towing experience.

Can you tow a small trailer with a Subaru?

Because the trailer weight determines the tongue weight, not vice versus, the 3500 lb tow rating that Subaru gives is valid. You're not limited to 2300 lbs. That doesn't mean the driving experience will be satisfactory to all owners if you tow at or close to the max rating.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.