2010 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

The 2010 Subaru Outback is a midsize crossover wagon that offers versatility for both daily driving and light towing duties.

What is the towing capacity of the 2010 Subaru Outback?

The 2010 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 lbs.

The capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, trim level, and other factors covered in this guide.

How Much Can the 2010 Subaru Outback Tow?

The 2010 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,000 lbs when properly equipped. The exact capacity depends on your engine and trim level. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.

2010 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level

Here’s how towing capacity breaks down by trim level for the 2010 Subaru Outback.

Trim	Towing Capacity
2.5i	2,700 lbs
2.5i Premium	2,700 lbs
2.5i Limited	2,700 lbs
3.6R	3,000 lbs
3.6R Premium	3,000 lbs
3.6R Limited	3,000 lbs

Towing Capacity by Engine

2.5i 4-cylinder Boxer Engine

Max towing capacity: 2,700 lbs

The 2.5-liter flat-four produces 170 horsepower and provides adequate power for light towing tasks. This engine comes standard on most 2010 Outback trims.

3.6R 6-cylinder Boxer Engine

Max towing capacity: 3,000 lbs

The 3.6-liter flat-six delivers 256 horsepower and offers the highest towing capacity in the 2010 Outback lineup. This engine is available on the 3.6R trims only.

Engine	HP	Max Tow
2.5i 4-cylinder Boxer	170 hp	2,700 lbs
3.6R 6-cylinder Boxer	256 hp	3,000 lbs

2010 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity

Payload capacity data is not available for the 2010 Subaru Outback. Check your owner’s manual or contact your dealer for specific payload information.

2010 Subaru Outback Tow Package

Does the 2010 Subaru Outback have a tow package?

Yes, the 2010 Subaru Outback offers a factory tow package as an option. The specific contents of the tow package are not detailed in available documentation, but it typically includes necessary wiring and mounting hardware.

What class hitch does the 2010 Subaru Outback use?

The 2010 Subaru Outback uses a Class II hitch rated to 3,500 lbs. The standard ball size is 1-7/8″ or 2″. Class II hitches are designed for light to moderate towing applications and work well with the Outback’s towing capacity range.

You can find a compatible hitch for the 2010 Subaru Outback on Amazon:

Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2010 Subaru Outback?

Aftermarket Class II and Class III-style receiver hitches are commonly installed on the 2010 Outback. The exact capacity should always defer to the vehicle’s rated capacity of 2,700 to 3,000 lbs depending on engine. Check individual hitch manufacturer ratings and ensure they meet or exceed Subaru’s tow rating for this model year.

2010 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation

Installing a trailer hitch on the 2010 Subaru Outback typically requires basic tools and can be completed in about an hour. Most aftermarket hitches bolt to existing mounting points under the rear of the vehicle.

What Can You Tow With a 2010 Subaru Outback?

Travel trailers and RVs

With a 3,000 lb maximum capacity, the 2010 Outback can handle most pop-up campers (1,500-3,000 lbs) but will be at or near its limit with larger units. Small travel trailers (2,500-5,000 lbs) exceed the Outback’s capacity in most cases. Mid-size travel trailers (5,000-8,000 lbs) and large travel trailers (8,000-14,000 lbs) are too heavy for safe towing.

Boats

The Outback easily handles jon boats and small fishing boats (300-800 lbs) plus most bass boats (1,500-2,500 lbs). Pontoon boats (2,000-4,500 lbs) may work if they’re on the lighter end, but many will exceed the 3,000 lb limit. Ski and wakeboard boats (3,000-5,500 lbs) and larger cabin cruisers (6,000+ lbs) are too heavy for the Outback.

Utility trailers

Empty utility trailers (800-1,500 lbs) work well with the Outback and leave plenty of capacity for cargo. Loaded landscaping trailers (2,000-3,500 lbs) may work depending on the total weight, but many will approach or exceed the limit. Loaded equipment trailers (3,000-5,000 lbs) are generally too heavy.

Recreational equipment

The Outback handles single motorcycles with trailers (800-1,500 lbs), single ATVs with trailers (1,200-1,800 lbs), and personal watercraft with trailers (1,000-1,800 lbs) without issue. Two ATVs with a trailer (2,500-3,500 lbs) may work with lighter ATVs and trailers, but many combinations will exceed the 3,000 lb capacity.

2010 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors

Here’s how the 2010 Subaru Outback stacks up against similar vehicles in its class.

Vehicle	Max Tow
Toyota Highlander (2010, V6 with tow package)	5,000 lbs
Toyota RAV4 (2010, V6 with tow prep package)	3,500 lbs
Ford Escape (2010, V6)	3,500 lbs
2010 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
Subaru Forester (2010)	2,400 lbs
Honda CR‑V (2010)	1,500 lbs

The Outback offers competitive towing capacity for its class, though some competitors provide higher ratings.

2010 Subaru Models Towing Capacity

Here’s how the 2010 Outback compares to other Subaru models from the same year.

Model	Max Towing Capacity
2010 Subaru Tribeca	3,500 lbs
2010 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2010 Subaru Forester	2,400 lbs

Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Outback towing capacity guides:

2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012

Data Accuracy

We source our specs from official manufacturer documentation and trusted automotive databases. Towing capacity may vary by configuration, options, and other factors. Always verify specs with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing.