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2021 Subaru Outback towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,500lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 2,800 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
3,500 lb
80% rule
Up to 2,800 lb
Margin
700 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
II, up to 3,500 lb
Share of curb weight
72% of 3,885 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 16-21 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 2,800 lbRating: 3,500 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 2,800 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating
3,500 lb
80% of the rating
2,800 lb
Hitch class at max
II, up to 3,500 lb
What it can pull at 2,800 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbYes
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbNo
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 3,500 lb: Onyx Edition XT AWD, $35,145.

2021 Subaru Outback tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingCurb weightMSRP
Onyx Edition XT AWD2.4L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,885 lb$35,145
Limited XT AWD2.4L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,926 lb$37,995
Touring XT AWD2.4L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,937 lb$39,945
AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,635 lb$26,795
Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,655 lb$29,045
Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,730 lb$33,595
Touring AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,772 lb$37,495

No rating listed: 8 trims.

Max rating by year

01,0002,0003,0004,0002009201220152018202120242026
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2010: 3,000 lb to 2,700 lb.
  • Changed in 2011: 2,700 lb to 3,000 lb.
  • Changed in 2017: 3,000 lb to 2,700 lb.
  • Changed in 2020: 2,700 lb to 3,500 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Honda Passport5,000 lbSport AWD$34,790
Subaru Ascent5,000 lbPremium AWD$34,795
Subaru Outback (this car)3,500 lbOnyx Edition XT AWD$35,145
Toyota RAV43,500 lbAdventure AWD$33,455
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$25,350
Subaru Crosstrek1,500 lbAWD$22,245
Subaru Forester1,500 lbAWD$24,795

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked