Subaru Outback Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
3,500 lb max applies only to turbocharged XT/Wilderness trims (2020+); most 2.5L Outbacks top out at 2,700 lb. Always confirm your exact vehicle's rating on the driver's door placard.
How much can a Subaru Outback tow?
Towing capacity on the Outback depends heavily on engine choice, and the two figures people usually see (2,700 lb and 3,500 lb) belong to different powertrains, not the same car. There is no single number that applies to every Outback.
6th generation (2020-2024)
The naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder, used in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trims, is rated at 2,700 lb (1,225 kg). The turbocharged 2.4L engine, used in the XT and Wilderness trims, is rated up to 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) - but only when the vehicle has the factory tow package and a trailer brake controller for trailers over roughly 1,000 lb.
5th generation (2015-2019)
The 2.5L four-cylinder was rated at 2,700 lb (1,225 kg). The 3.6L six-cylinder, offered mainly from 2015-2017, was rated higher at 3,000 lb (1,361 kg). Some dealer references show 2019 four-cylinder models at 2,700 lb, consistent with the four-cylinder figure carried across the generation.
Tongue weight
Subaru does not widely publish a single tongue-weight figure for every Outback trim. As a general towing rule, tongue weight should run about 10-15 percent of the actual loaded trailer weight. Aftermarket Class III receivers commonly fitted to the Outback are rated up to roughly 350 lb of tongue weight, but the vehicle's own rating can be lower - check your hitch and owner's manual.
Where to find your exact rating
Because these figures vary by engine, trim, and model year, the only fully reliable number for your specific vehicle is printed on the driver's door jamb placard and in the factory owner's manual. Dealer towing-guide PDFs for your exact model year are the next best source.
| Generation / years | Engine & configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 6th gen, 2020-2024 | 2.4L turbo H4 (XT / Wilderness, tow package required) | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| 6th gen, 2020-2024 | 2.5L naturally aspirated H4 (base/Premium/Limited/Touring) | 2,700 lb / 1,225 kg |
| 5th gen, 2015-2017 | 3.6L H6 | 3,000 lb / 1,361 kg |
| 5th gen, 2015-2019 | 2.5L H4 | 2,700 lb / 1,225 kg |
Summary
| Max towing (turbo XT/Wilderness, 2020-2024) | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) |
|---|---|
| Typical towing (2.5L, most trims/years) | 2,700 lb (1,225 kg) |
| Higher 5th-gen figure (3.6L H6, 2015-2017) | 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) |
| Tongue weight rule of thumb | 10-15% of loaded trailer weight |
| Common Class III receiver tongue rating | up to ~350 lb |
| Requirement for max rating | factory tow package / trailer brake controller |
| Authoritative source for your VIN | driver's door placard and owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Subaru Outback: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Subaru Outback?
The highest-rated Outback is the 2020-2024 turbocharged XT/Wilderness trim at 3,500 lb (1,588 kg), but that requires the factory tow package and, for heavier trailers, a trailer brake controller. Non-turbo 2.5L Outbacks are rated lower, at 2,700 lb (1,225 kg).
Can any 2.5L Outback tow 3,500 lb?
No. The 3,500 lb rating is specific to the turbocharged 2.4L engine in the XT and Wilderness trims. Naturally aspirated 2.5L Outbacks are rated at 2,700 lb (1,225 kg), regardless of model year.
What is the tongue weight limit for an Outback?
Subaru does not publish one universal tongue-weight figure for every trim. A safe rule of thumb is 10-15 percent of the loaded trailer weight, and commonly fitted Class III hitch receivers are rated up to about 350 lb - but always check your specific hitch and owner's manual.
Where can I find the exact towing capacity for my Outback?
Check the placard on the driver's door jamb, the factory owner's manual, or your Outback's build sheet - these list the certified figure for your exact engine, trim, and options, which is more reliable than any general guide.