The renowned midsize wagon and SUV of the Japanese manufacturer Subaru, the Subaru Outback, is one of the vehicles offering the most towing capacity. It can tow multiple items, including a medium-sized trailer, campers, fiberglass boats, etc. So, just how much can a Subaru Outback tow?
The average towing capacity of a Subaru Outback is approximately 2,700 pounds. The latest model (2022 Subaru Outback) is a midsize SUV with two engine options. Its 2.5L Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine provides a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, while the 2.4L Turbocharged Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine offers a capacity of 3,500 pounds.
This article will discuss the towing capacity of different Subaru Outback models over the years. We will also compare the maximum towing capacity of the 2022 Subaru Outback with its main competitors.
Jump ahead:
Towing Capacity of Different Models of Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback has advanced with time and is now one of the standard towing vehicles.
Let’s review each Subaru Outback model individually to find their maximum towing capacity.
1. Subaru Outback 2016
The 2016 Subaru Outback comes with two engines. The standard one, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produces 175 horsepower at 5800 rpm, a torque of 174 lb-ft at 4000 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 2700 pounds.
The second engine is an all-aluminum 3.6L six-cylinder engine that produces a horsepower of 256 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, torque of 247 lb-ft at 4400 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 3000 pounds.
2. Subaru Outback 2017
The Subaru Outback 2017 is a midsize wagon and a crossover SUV with the same ground clearance as Jeep Grand Cherokee.
It offers two engine types. The first one is a standard four-cylinder 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces a horsepower of 175 at 5800 rpm, torque of 174 at 4,000 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 2700 pounds.
Another option is a 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder engine that produces a horsepower of 256 at 6000 rpm, torque of 247 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
3. Subaru Outback 2018
The Subaru Outback 2018 comes with two engine options. The first one is a standard four-cylinder 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces a horsepower of 175 at 5800 rpm, torque of 174 at 4,000 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds.
The second engine is a 3.6L Boxer six-cylinder engine that produces a horsepower of 256 at 6000 rpm, torque of 247 lb-ft at 4400 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
4. Subaru Outback 2019
The 2019 Subaru Outback offers two horizontally opposed engines.
The standard is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 175 horsepower at 5800 rpm, 174 torque at 4400 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds.
The second engine in Subaru Outback 2019 is a 3.6-liter six-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 174 torque at 4400 rpm, 175 horsepower at 5800 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds.
5. Subaru Outback 2020
The 2020 Subaru Outback comes with a standard and optional engine. The standard one is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine. It produces 182 horsepower at 5800 rpm, 176 lb-feet of torque at 4400 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds.
The second and optional engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower at 5600 rpm, 277 lb-feet of torque at 2000 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
6. Subaru Outback 2021
This all-wheel drive wagon also offers two engines. The standard one is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces a horsepower of 182 at 5800 revolutions per minute (rpm), a torque of 176 at 4400 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds.
The second engine in the 2021 Subaru Outback is a 2.4L direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine that produces a horsepower of 260 and a torque of 277 lb-ft at 2000 rpm. This engine offers a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
7. Subaru Outback 2022
The Outback 2022 features a pair of flat-four-cylinder engines. The first one is a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 182 hp at 5800 rpm, a torque of 176 lb-ft at 4400 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds.
The second engine in Subaru Outback 2022 is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces a horsepower of 260 horsepower at 5600 rpm, a torque of 277 lb-ft 2000-4800 rpm, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Maximum Towing Capacity Of The Subaru Outback 2022 And Its Competitors
Although the Outback has been one of those Subaru vehicles offering above-average towing capacity, its competitors are still much further ahead in the game.
Let’s look at a quick comparison between the towing capacity of the Subaru Outback 2022 and its competitors.
| Competitors of Subaru Outback 2022 | Maximum Towing Capacity | Other Important Features |
| Audi A4 2022 | 4188 pounds | Takes 5 seconds to reach 60 MPH, 201 horsepower |
| Mini Clubman 2022 | 2866 pounds | Covers 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds, 189 horsepower |
| Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2022 | 3306 pounds | Covers 60 MPH in 3.9 seconds, 315 horsepower |
| Toyota 4Runner 2022 | 5000 pounds | Covers 60 MPH in 8 seconds, 270 horsepower |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee 2022 | 7200 pounds | Covers 60 MPH in 6.2 seconds, 293 horsepower |
| Subaru Outback 2022 | 3500 pounds | Covers 60 MPH in 8.65 seconds, 260 horsepower |
Final Thoughts
The Subaru Outback is known for its commuter-friendly design and powerful combination of a Boxer engine and up-to-date towing capacity.
The average towing capacity of a Subaru Outback lies anywhere between 2,700 and 3,500 pounds, depending upon the type of engine.
The Subaru Outback can easily tow hikers, campers, trailers, and much more. If you need more cargo capacity, you can also get a roof box for your Subaru Outback.
FAQs
Which Subaru Vehicle Has The Highest Towing Capacity?
The 2022 Subaru Ascent has the highest towing capacity among Subarus, with a max towing capacity of 5000 pounds. However, you will need to opt for the Subaru Ascent towing package and the Subaru Ascent tow hitch to achieve the highest level of towing power.
Can A Subaru Outback Tow Camper Trailers?
With an average towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, a Subaru Outback can easily tow camper trailers.
Can You Tow An RV With A Subaru Outback?
A Subaru Outback offering a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds or above can easily tow lightweight RVs, like the Timberleaf Pika and Aliner Expedition.
