2013 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

The Subaru Outback was originally introduced for the 1995 model year as a wagon-based crossover and is known for its standard all-wheel drive, carlike ride, and light off-road and towing capability as an alternative to traditional SUVs.

What is the towing capacity of the 2013 Subaru Outback?

The 2013 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.

How Much Can the 2013 Subaru Outback Tow?

The 2013 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds. This maximum rating applies to models equipped with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, while four-cylinder models are rated for 2,700 pounds. Actual towing capacity depends on your specific trim level, engine, and equipment. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.

2013 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level

Here’s how towing capacity breaks down across the 2013 Outback trim levels:

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 Limited	3,000 lbs

Towing Capacity by Engine

2.5-liter DOHC BOXER 4-cylinder (FB series)

Towing capacity: 2,700 pounds

The base four-cylinder engine produces 173 horsepower and handles lighter towing duties. This engine is found in the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, and 2.5i Limited trims.

3.6-liter DOHC BOXER 6-cylinder

Towing capacity: 3,000 pounds

The six-cylinder engine delivers 256 horsepower and the highest towing rating. This engine comes standard in the 3.6R and 3.6R Limited models.

Engine	HP	Max Tow
2.5-liter DOHC BOXER 4-cylinder (FB series)	173 hp	2,700 lbs
3.6-liter DOHC BOXER 6-cylinder	256 hp	3,000 lbs

2013 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity

Payload capacity data is not available for the 2013 Subaru Outback.

2013 Subaru Outback Tow Package

Does the 2013 Subaru Outback have a tow package?

Yes, the 2013 Subaru Outback offers a factory tow package as an option. The package includes the necessary components for safe trailer towing.

What class hitch does the 2013 Subaru Outback use?

The 2013 Subaru Outback uses a Class II hitch rated to 3,500 pounds. Standard ball sizes are 1-7/8 inch or 2 inch. Class II hitches are designed for moderate towing applications like small boats, utility trailers, and lightweight campers.

Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2013 Subaru Outback?

Yes, you can install an aftermarket hitch on the 2013 Outback. The 2013 Outback uses a unibody construction and is commonly fitted with aftermarket 1-1/4 inch or 2 inch receiver hitches according to owner forums.

2013 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation

Installing a trailer hitch on the 2013 Outback typically requires basic hand tools and moderate mechanical skill. Most aftermarket hitches bolt to existing mounting points without drilling or cutting.

What Can You Tow With a 2013 Subaru Outback?

Travel trailers and RVs

The 2013 Outback’s 3,000-pound maximum capacity handles most pop-up campers, which typically weigh 1,500-3,000 pounds. Small travel trailers weighing 2,500-5,000 pounds exceed the Outback’s limits in most cases. Mid-size travel trailers (5,000-8,000 pounds) and large travel trailers (8,000-14,000 pounds) are too heavy for the Outback.

Boats

The Outback easily tows jon boats and small fishing boats (300-800 pounds) and most bass boats (1,500-2,500 pounds). Pontoon boats (2,000-4,500 pounds) may work if they’re on the lighter end of the range. Ski and wakeboard boats (3,000-5,500 pounds) and larger cabin cruisers (6,000+ pounds) exceed the Outback’s 3,000-pound capacity.

Utility trailers

Empty utility trailers (800-1,500 pounds) work well with the Outback and leave room for cargo. Loaded landscaping trailers (2,000-3,500 pounds) fit within the weight limit but use most of the available capacity. Loaded equipment trailers (3,000-5,000 pounds) meet or exceed the towing limit.

Recreational equipment

Single motorcycles with trailers (800-1,500 pounds) and single ATVs with trailers (1,200-1,800 pounds) stay well within the 3,000-pound limit. Personal watercraft with trailers (1,000-1,800 pounds) also work fine. Two ATVs with trailers (2,500-3,500 pounds) may exceed the weight capacity depending on the specific models.

2013 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors

Here’s how the 2013 Outback compares to similar crossovers and SUVs in towing capacity:

Vehicle	Max Tow
2013 Ford Escape	3,500 lbs
2013 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2013 Subaru Forester	2,400 lbs
2013 Kia Sportage	2,000 lbs
2013 Toyota RAV4	1,500 lbs

The Outback ranks in the middle of the compact crossover segment for towing capacity.

2013 Subaru Models Towing Capacity

Here’s how the 2013 Outback compares to other Subaru models for towing:

Model	Max Towing Capacity
2013 Subaru Tribeca	3,500 lbs
2013 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2013 Subaru Forester	2,400 lbs
2013 Subaru Impreza	See article

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

2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015

Data Accuracy

These specifications come from official manufacturer documentation and testing. Actual towing 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 equipment.