3,000 lbs
See article
Factory option
Class II
The 2011 Subaru Outback is a midsize crossover wagon that combines cargo space with all-weather capability.
What is the towing capacity of the 2011 Subaru Outback?
The 2011 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped. Towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, trim level, and other factors covered in this guide.
Contents
How Much Can the 2011 Subaru Outback Tow?
The 2011 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. Models with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine are rated for 2,700 pounds. The maximum capacity depends on your specific trim level and engine choice. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2011 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level
Here’s how towing capacity breaks down by trim level.
| Trim | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2.5i | 2,700 lbs |
| 2.5i Premium | 2,700 lbs |
| 2.5i Limited | 2,700 lbs |
| 3.6R | 2,700 lbs |
| 3.6R Premium | 3,000 lbs |
| 3.6R Limited | 3,000 lbs |
Towing Capacity by Engine
2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine
Towing Capacity: 2,700 pounds
The base 2.5-liter engine produces 170 horsepower. It provides adequate towing power for small trailers and boats.
3.6L 6-Cylinder Engine
Towing Capacity: 2,700 to 3,000 pounds
The 3.6-liter six-cylinder makes 256 horsepower and offers the highest towing capacity on the 3.6R Premium and Limited trims.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylinder | 170 hp | 2,700 lbs |
| 3.6L 6-cylinder | 256 hp | 3,000 lbs |
2011 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity
Payload capacity data is not available for this vehicle.
2011 Subaru Outback Tow Package
Does the 2011 Subaru Outback have a tow package?
Yes, the 2011 Subaru Outback offers a factory tow package as an option.
What class hitch does the 2011 Subaru Outback use?
The 2011 Subaru Outback uses a Class II hitch rated to 3,500 pounds. Class II hitches accept standard ball sizes of 1-7/8″ or 2″. The 2″ ball size works best for most trailer tongue couplers.
- Made in USA
- 2 inch receiver opening
- Black powder coat finish
- Ball mount and ball sold separately
- See product description below for ratings and details
Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2011 Subaru Outback?
Yes, several aftermarket companies make trailer hitches for the 2011 Subaru Outback. These bolt-on hitches install using existing mounting points under the vehicle.
2011 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation
Most aftermarket hitches for the 2011 Outback install in about an hour with basic tools. The hitch bolts to factory mounting points behind the rear bumper.
What Can You Tow With a 2011 Subaru Outback?
Travel trailers and RVs
The 2011 Outback can tow pop-up campers weighing 1,500-3,000 pounds, but only the lightest models will stay within the 3,000-pound limit. Small travel trailers weighing 2,500-5,000 pounds exceed the Outback’s capacity. Mid-size and large travel trailers are too heavy for this vehicle.
Boats
The 3,000-pound towing capacity handles jon boats and small fishing boats (300-800 lbs) and bass boats (1,500-2,500 lbs) with ease. Most pontoon boats weighing 2,000-4,500 pounds will exceed the weight limit, as will ski boats and wakeboard boats at 3,000-5,500 pounds.
Utility trailers
An empty utility trailer weighing 800-1,500 pounds leaves room for 1,500-2,200 pounds of cargo within the 3,000-pound limit. Loaded landscaping trailers at 2,000-3,500 pounds may work if kept on the lighter end. Loaded equipment trailers weighing 3,000-5,000 pounds exceed the capacity.
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). Two ATVs with a trailer at 2,500-3,500 pounds may exceed the 3,000-pound limit depending on the specific models.
2011 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors
Here’s how the 2011 Subaru Outback compares to similar vehicles for towing capacity.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| 2011 Toyota Venza | 3,500 lbs |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2011 Nissan Murano | 3,500 lbs |
| 2011 Ford Edge | 3,500 lbs |
| 2011 Subaru Outback | 3,000 lbs |
| 2011 Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
The 2011 Outback trails most midsize crossover competitors but outperforms the Honda CR-V.
2011 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the 2011 Subaru Outback compares to other 2011 Subaru models.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2011 Subaru Outback | 3,000 lbs |
| 2011 Subaru Legacy | 2,700 lbs |
| 2011 Subaru Forester | 2,400 lbs |
| 2011 Subaru Tribeca | 2,400 lbs |
| 2011 Subaru Impreza | 1,000 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Outback towing capacity guides:
2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Data Accuracy
We source our towing capacity specifications from official manufacturer documentation and owner’s manuals. Actual capacity may vary based on vehicle configuration, options, and condition. Always verify towing specifications with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing any trailer or load.