Subaru Outback Towing Capacity | All Model Years

From small utility trailers to lightweight campers, the Subaru Outback has long been able to tow—its exact rating just depends on engine, trim, and model year. Below, you’ll find every U.S.-market Outback grouped by years that share the same tow rating. Always verify your vehicle’s specific rating (and tongue-weight limits) in the owner’s manual and ensure you’re properly equipped with the correct hitch and wiring.

2025–2020: 2.5L models up to 2,700 lbs; 2.4L turbo & Wilderness up to 3,500 lbs

For the current generation, most trims with the 2.5-liter BOXER engine are rated to tow up to 2,700 pounds when properly equipped. Models with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine—XT trims and the Outback Wilderness—are rated up to 3,500 pounds. Subaru’s official specs and accessories brochures also list corresponding tongue-weight limits (typically 270 lbs with the 2.5L and 350 lbs with XT/Wilderness).

2019–2017: Up to 2,700 lbs across most trims

For late fifth-generation models, Subaru’s literature shows a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds across the lineup. If you’ve seen some third-party listings indicate higher numbers for certain six-cylinder trims, default to Subaru’s official documentation and your owner’s manual for your exact vehicle.

2016–2015: 2.5i up to 2,700 lbs; 3.6R up to 3,000 lbs

Earlier fifth-gen models split by engine: most 2.5i trims are rated up to 2,700 pounds, while 3.6R six-cylinder trims are rated up to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped.

2014–2010: 2.5i up to 2,700 lbs; 3.6R up to 3,000 lbs

Fourth-generation Outbacks follow the same general pattern: four-cylinder models (2.5i) are typically rated up to 2,700 pounds, and six-cylinder 3.6R models up to 3,000 pounds. Examples include 2014 3.6R (3,000 lbs) and 2012 2.5i (2,700 lbs), with 2010 3.6R also listed at 3,000 lbs.

2009–2005: 2.5L up to 2,700 lbs; 3.0R H6 up to 3,000 lbs

Third-generation models with the 2.5-liter engine (including the 2.5 XT) are commonly rated up to 2,700 pounds, while H6 3.0R versions list up to 3,000 pounds. For instance, a 2009 2.5i shows 2,700 lbs and a 2009 3.0R shows 3,000 lbs; a 2005 2.5 XT is 2,700 lbs.

2004–2000: Rated up to 2,000 lbs

Second-generation Outbacks (and the contemporaneous H6 variants) are typically rated up to 2,000 pounds in U.S. specs. Representative listings for 2002 models—both 2.5L and H6—show 2,000-pound maxima.

1999–1996: Rated up to 2,000 lbs

First-generation Legacy-based Outback models also carry a 2,000-pound tow rating in U.S. publications. You can see this reflected in period resources for 1999 and 1996 model years.

Equipment and setup notes

Factory and Subaru-engineered hitches for recent Outbacks specify both trailer and tongue-weight limits that match the ratings above—commonly 2,700/270 lbs for 2.5L models and 3,500/350 lbs for XT/Wilderness. Using the correct hitch, harness, and (when required) trailer brakes is essential to stay within the vehicle’s designed limits and preserve safety margins. Always follow the lowest-rated component in your towing setup.

Conclusion

No matter which Subaru Outback you drive, there’s a clear towing story by generation: earlier models sit at 2,000 pounds, mid-2000s through 2019 generally move to 2,700 pounds (with certain six-cylinder trims up to 3,000), and today’s turbocharged XT and Wilderness models unlock up to 3,500 pounds. If you’re planning a hitch install or just want help matching a trailer to your Outback, the team at Conley Subaru can walk you through the right equipment and safety checks before you roll out.