Skip to content
GizmoDriver

2023 Subaru Outback towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,500lb

Pick another car

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
71% of 3,934 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 14-18 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: Wilderness AWD, $38,445.

2023 Subaru Outback tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingCurb weightMSRP
Wilderness AWD2.4L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,934 lb$38,445
Onyx Edition XT AWD2.4L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,921 lb$38,595
Limited XT AWD2.4L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,931 lb$39,695
Touring XT AWD2.4L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,946 lb$42,295
AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,641 lb$28,395
Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,661 lb$30,695
Onyx Edition AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,692 lb$33,495
Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,735 lb$35,295
Touring AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,700 lb3,651 lb to 3,931 lb$39,845

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

2023 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Honda Passport5,000 lbEX-L AWD$41,100
Subaru Ascent5,000 lbAWD$33,895
Subaru Outback (this car)3,500 lbWilderness AWD$38,445
Toyota RAV43,500 lbAdventure AWD$34,470
Subaru Forester3,000 lbWilderness AWD$34,320
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$28,410
Subaru Crosstrek1,500 lbAWD$23,645

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