If you’re looking to haul your boat to the river or tow a camper to the mountains for the weekend, you’ll want a Subaru with enough muscle for the job. From the smaller Crosstrek to the mighty Ascent, each model offers something different. Knowing which Subaru has the highest towing capacity will help you pick the right vehicle for your next adventure.
Understanding Subaru Towing Capacities
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your Subaru can safely pull. This works alongside other ratings such as the gross vehicle weight rating (the max loaded weight including passengers and cargo), the gross axle weight rating for the front or rear axles, and the gross trailer weight of your trailer and cargo.
Another important factor is the vehicle’s age. Some modern SUVs tow less than older models. For example, the 2006 Ford Explorer pulled 7,300 pounds, while the 2016 version dropped to 5,000. Most midsize SUVs can handle between 5,000 and 6,700 pounds. Staying within these limits will protect your brakes, maintain your vehicle’s handling, and keep everyone around you safe.
Subaru Models With Notable Towing Capacities
Whether you need to tow a small trailer or a boat, Subaru’s wide range of options has you covered:
- Ascent: With a 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Ascent has the highest rating of any Subaru. This three-row SUV can handle larger trailers, boats, and camping gear, and its turbocharged BOXER engine delivers 277 lb-ft of torque across six trim levels.
- Outback: The model has two towing capacities depending on the engine. Base models with 2.5-liter engines can pull 2,700 pounds, while the turbocharged trims can manage 3,500 pounds with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- Forester: The Subaru Forester has a similar capacity to the Outback. The standard versions tow 1,500 pounds, while the Wilderness can pull up to 3,000 pounds.
- Crosstrek: The standard models can handle 1,500 pounds, but you can get up to 3,500 pounds on the Wilderness trim with the 182-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine.
Factors Influencing Your Subaru’s Towing Capacity
The BOXER engine makes towing with a Subaru possible. Its flat, horizontal design lowers the center of gravity and spreads the weight out evenly, increasing stability when pulling heavy loads. Also, the horizontal pistons cancel out vibrations for a smoother ride.
Subaru offers several types of BOXER engines:
- The standard four-cylinder versions produce either 148 or 170 horsepower for lighter loads.
- The turbocharged four-cylinder engines deliver 227, 265, or 305 horsepower with an intercooled, high-performance design.
- The six-cylinder 3.6-liter engine outputs 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.
Every Subaru includes symmetrical all-wheel drive, distributing power evenly to every wheel. This helps when towing on wet roads or uneven terrain. The Lineartronic continuously variable transmission can handle heavy loads with smooth power delivery, maintaining performance while towing without sacrificing fuel economy. With Subaru’s reinforced chassis, EyeSight safety tech, X-Mode system, and hill-descent control, you can tow with confidence.
How To Safely Tow With Your Subaru
Know your limits. The maximum weight limit includes the trailer and cargo. Exceeding the limit will impact your braking and handling. Most accidents stem from poor visibility, faulty hitches, trailer sway, bad brakes, or inexperienced drivers. Keep the tongue weight at 10%-15% of the total trailer weight to prevent swaying. Practice with your trailer in empty parking lots before hitting busy highways, and don’t skip maintenance — change the air filters regularly, the oil every three months or 3,000 miles, and the transmission fluid at least every 30,000 miles.
Pennsylvania has specific towing rules. Trailers under 3,000 pounds only need registration, while heavier trailers over 3,000 pounds need titles, yearly inspections, and brakes on all wheels. For size, the maximum dimensions are 40 feet long, 8 feet 6 inches wide, and 13 feet 6 inches tall. If the combined weight tops 26,001 pounds or the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license.
Making the Right Subaru Choice for Your Towing Needs
Picking the best towing Subaru starts by assessing your needs. Determine what you’re actually planning to haul. Lower-capacity vehicles such as the Crosstrek work great for light aluminum boats, motorcycle trailers, or small campers, while heavy-duty models such as the Outback and the Forester can pull lightweight boats, utility trailers, compact campers, and even light horse trailers. For serious pulling power, the Ascent can tow a 17-foot camper or a 5 by 8 U-Haul trailer.
Money matters too. The 2025 Outback Base starts at $29,995 with the 2.5-liter engine. More towing power often comes with a higher price tag. The Outback’s XT models cost $41,710-$44,730 and include 260-horsepower turbo engines. The off-road-ready Wilderness starts at $41,710 and comes with a higher towing capacity.
Finally, think about your future needs. If you’re planning to buy a bigger boat next year, investing in a higher-capacity model now might save you from having to trade up later.
Find Your Perfect Towing Vehicle at John Kennedy Subaru
Subaru offers towing options for practically every need. If you’re looking for your perfect towing match, stop by John Kennedy Subaru. Our team can walk you through our inventory, arrange test-drives with your own trailer, and negotiate financing that fits your budget. Whether you’re hauling a boat to the Delaware River, taking horses to Chester County shows, or planning family camping trips, we’ll help you pick the right Subaru for your lifestyle. Give us a call to schedule your visit and see how the right Subaru can transform your towing experience.
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