2014 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 2014 Subaru Outback?

The 2014 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped. The actual capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, trim level, and other factors covered in this guide.

How Much Can the 2014 Subaru Outback Tow?

The 2014 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,000 pounds when equipped with the 3.6L H6 engine. Models with the 2.5L H4 engine are rated for 2,700 pounds. These ratings assume proper towing equipment and configuration. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.

2014 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level

Here’s how towing capacity breaks down across 2014 Subaru Outback trim levels:

Trim	Towing Capacity
2.5i (H4, manual)	2,700 lbs
2.5i Premium (H4, manual/CVT)	2,700 lbs
2.5i Limited (H4, CVT)	2,700 lbs
3.6R Limited (H6, automatic)	3,000 lbs

Towing Capacity by Engine

2.5L H4 Engine

Max Towing: 2,700 lbs – The 2.5L SUBARU BOXER DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Active Valve Control System produces 173 horsepower.

3.6L H6 Engine

Max Towing: 3,000 lbs – The 3.6L SUBARU BOXER DOHC 24-valve 6-cylinder produces 256 horsepower and offers the highest towing capacity.

Engine	HP	Max Tow
2.5L SUBARU BOXER DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Active Valve Control System (AVCS)	173 hp	2,700 lbs
3.6L SUBARU BOXER DOHC 24-valve 6-cylinder	256 hp	3,000 lbs

2014 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity

Payload data is not available for this vehicle.

2014 Subaru Outback Tow Package

Does the 2014 Subaru Outback have a tow package?

Yes, the 2014 Subaru Outback offers a factory tow package as an option.

What class hitch does the 2014 Subaru Outback use?

The 2014 Subaru Outback uses a Class II hitch rated to 3,500 pounds. 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.

Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2014 Subaru Outback?

Aftermarket hitches are commonly installed on the 2014 Subaru Outback, but no standardized specs are available from major manufacturers. You should consult hitch manufacturer fit guides for your specific installation needs.

2014 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation

Installing a trailer hitch on the 2014 Subaru Outback typically requires basic tools and moderate mechanical skills. The process involves mounting the hitch to existing frame attachment points and running wiring for trailer lights.

What Can You Tow With a 2014 Subaru Outback?

Travel trailers and RVs

With its 3,000-pound maximum capacity, the 2014 Subaru Outback can handle most pop-up campers (1,500-3,000 lbs) but only the lightest end of the range. Small travel trailers (2,500-5,000 lbs) are mostly too heavy, with only the smallest units fitting within the 3,000-pound limit. Mid-size travel trailers (5,000-8,000 lbs) and large travel trailers (8,000-14,000 lbs) are well beyond the Outback’s capabilities.

Boats

The Outback can easily tow jon boats and small fishing boats (300-800 lbs) and most bass boats (1,500-2,500 lbs). Some lighter pontoon boats may work if they stay under 3,000 pounds total weight with trailer, but many exceed this limit. Ski and wakeboard boats (3,000-5,500 lbs) are right at or above the capacity limit, making them risky choices. Larger cabin cruisers (6,000+ lbs) are definitely too heavy.

Utility trailers

An empty utility trailer (800-1,500 lbs) leaves plenty of capacity for cargo, allowing 1,500-2,200 pounds of payload. A loaded landscaping trailer (2,000-3,500 lbs) may work if kept to the lighter end, but fully loaded versions exceed capacity. Loaded equipment trailers (3,000-5,000 lbs) are at or above the 3,000-pound limit and generally too heavy.

Recreational equipment

Single motorcycles with trailer (800-1,500 lbs) and single ATVs with trailer (1,200-1,800 lbs) work well within the 3,000-pound capacity. Personal watercraft with trailer (1,000-1,800 lbs) also fit comfortably. Two ATVs with trailer (2,500-3,500 lbs) are right at the capacity limit and may exceed it depending on the specific models and trailer weight.

2014 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors

Here’s how the 2014 Subaru Outback compares to other crossovers in its class:

Vehicle	Max Tow
2014 Ford Escape	3,500 lbs
2014 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2014 Mazda CX-5	2,000 lbs
2014 Toyota RAV4	1,500 lbs
2014 Honda CR-V	1,500 lbs
2014 Subaru Forester	1,500 lbs

The Outback offers competitive towing capacity in this segment, trailing only the Ford Escape.

2014 Subaru Models Towing Capacity

Here’s how the 2014 Subaru Outback compares to other Subaru models from the same year:

Model	Max Towing Capacity
2014 Subaru Tribeca	3,500 lbs
2014 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2014 Subaru Legacy	2,700 lbs
2014 Subaru Forester	1,500 lbs
2014 Subaru Crosstrek XV	1,500 lbs

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

2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016

Data Accuracy

These specifications come from official manufacturer documentation, but actual towing capacity may vary by configuration. Always verify current specs with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing.