The 2024 Subaru Outback is a capable wagon that can head off the beaten track and haul an impressive load at the rear. This five-seater vehicle combines a spacious interior with an intense power train and cutting-edge entertainment features to keep everyone happy while you’re on the go. Knowing exactly how much you can tow with the Outback will allow you to plan a weekend trip out of town or determine whether another great vehicle in Subaru’s lineup would be better suited to your needs.
What Is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is the maximum weight that a vehicle can safely tow. It varies considerably depending on various factors in a vehicle’s design, such as how powerful the engine is, the type of body style, and the availability of extra towing features. It’s essential to always stay within your vehicle’s towing capacity since overdoing it can result in severe damage to your car and put others on the road at risk. Staying below your towing capacity means your vehicle will have adequate power, braking abilities, and other load management capabilities.
Towing Capacity of the Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds, an excellent number for a wagon. Many wagons and compact crossovers of a similar size from other automakers can tow around 1,500 pounds. However, it’s important to remember that the Outback has two engine options, each with a different towing capacity.
The base engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder unit capable of putting out 182 horsepower. It comes standard in the base trim and can tow up to 2,700 pounds. That’s plenty of capacity to manage a small pop-up camper or trailer. The more powerful 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder gets you 260 horsepower and reaches the 3,500-pound towing capacity. This number should be adequate for a small boat, jet ski, or trailer.
Determining Your Towing Needs
It’s a good idea to consider what you’ll regularly need to tow before you purchase your next vehicle. Getting a crossover or truck with a towing capacity that’s too low could mean your camper must stay in storage. You may not be investing your money most effectively by purchasing a vehicle with a high towing capacity that you don’t need.
Using the correct number when figuring out your towing capacity is also essential. It’s not the same as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the maximum weight that a vehicle can carry overall. Your maximum towing capacity will be less than this because the towing capacity doesn’t include the weight of everything inside your car, including passengers.
Let’s take the 3,500-pound number, the Outback’s maximum towing capacity, as an example. That’s enough to haul a 17-foot camper or a 5×8 enclosed U-Haul trailer. If you think you’ll need to tow heavier loads than this, you could look at one of Subaru’s larger vehicles. For instance, the midsize Ascent SUV can manage a 5,000-pound load at the rear.
Towing Safety Tips
The first and most obvious safety tip is always remaining within your towing capacity. Automakers provide these numbers for a reason: the vehicle cannot safely operate while pulling a heavier load. This fact won’t change if you redistribute the weight.
Furthermore, your Subaru will tow more effectively if you stick to your routine maintenance schedule. Your engine, brakes, tires, and other components must work extra hard with the additional weight at the rear. A well-oiled engine regularly rotated tires, and well-maintained brake pads will cope with this challenge much more effectively than a car that’s poorly looked after.
Finally, you should drive even more cautiously than usual when towing something at the rear. Your Outback will need more time to brake in an emergency and will be harder to handle around corners and curves. Taking some extra time to reach your destination so everyone arrives safely is well worth the effort.
FAQs About Subaru Outback Towing Capacity
Which Subaru Outback Trim Can Tow the Most?
The trims that can tow the most are those with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the current lineup, those trims are the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. All other trims have a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with a lower towing capacity. The Wilderness trim has a bonus of several off-roading features, making it a wise choice if your towing will involve trips on trails or uneven ground.
Does the Outback Have a Towing Package?
Some vehicles focused on heavy loads offer a towing package, which adds specialist equipment to the standard features built into the car. The Outback does not offer a towing package. However, Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive and traction control system help improve your towing experience. In addition, Subaru’s X-Mode integrates the AWD system with hill-descent control, supporting your towing on uneven terrain. You can add extra accessories, including a tow hitch and rubber hitch cover to protect it.
Does Subaru’s Lineup Offer Other Towing Options?
Yes, Subaru’s SUV lineup provides alternatives to the Outback that can tow just as much or more. The three-row Subaru Ascent, for example, offers a roomy passenger cabin and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Thanks to this setup, you can transport up to eight passengers and haul a decent-sized camper to your favorite site for the weekend.
Learn More About the 2024 Outback at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth
As you can see, the Subaru Outback is an excellent choice for towing small to midsize items. If you’d like to learn more about the Outback or take it for a test drive, don’t hesitate to contact our Subaru experts here at John Kennedy in Plymouth. We’d be delighted to advise you on our auto financing and leasing options to help you conclude a hassle-free purchase or lease agreement. In addition, you can rely on our expert Subaru service center for your maintenance needs for the months and years to come.
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