2015 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

The Subaru Outback was introduced in 1994 as a lifted, wagon-based model and is known for its standard all-wheel drive, car-like driving feel, and rugged utility.

What is the towing capacity of the 2015 Subaru Outback?

The 2015 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,000 lbs when properly equipped. Towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.

How Much Can the 2015 Subaru Outback Tow?

The 2015 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 lbs. This max capacity is only available with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine.

Models with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine are limited to 2,700 lbs. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.

2015 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level

Here’s how towing capacity breaks down by trim level for the 2015 Outback:

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

Towing Capacity by Engine

2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine

Towing capacity: 2,700 lbs

This base engine produces 175 hp and comes standard on most Outback trim levels. It provides adequate power for light to moderate towing tasks.

3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder engine

Towing capacity: 3,000 lbs

The larger six-cylinder engine generates 256 hp and is only available on the 3.6R Limited trim. It offers the highest towing capacity in the lineup.

Engine	HP	Max Tow
2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder	175 hp	2,700 lbs
3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder	256 hp	3,000 lbs

2015 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity

Payload data is not available for the 2015 Outback. Payload refers to the maximum weight you can carry inside the vehicle and cargo area combined.

2015 Subaru Outback Tow Package

Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have a tow package?

Yes, Subaru offered a factory tow package as an option for the 2015 Outback. The package uses a 2-inch receiver hitch setup.

What class hitch does the 2015 Subaru Outback use?

The 2015 Outback uses a Class II hitch rated to 3,500 lbs with standard ball sizes of 1-7/8″ or 2″. Class II hitches are designed for light to moderate towing applications.

Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2015 Subaru Outback?

Yes, the 2015 Outback requires aftermarket trailer hitch and wiring harness installation. Multiple aftermarket manufacturers make compatible hitches for this vehicle.

2015 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation

Installing an aftermarket hitch on the 2015 Outback typically takes 1-2 hours with basic tools. The process involves mounting the receiver to the vehicle’s frame and connecting the electrical wiring.

What Can You Tow With a 2015 Subaru Outback?

Travel trailers and RVs

• Pop-up campers — Most pop-up campers weighing 1,500-3,000 lbs will fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Small travel trailers — Small travel trailers weighing 2,500-5,000 lbs exceed the 3,000 lb limit for most models.
• Mid-size travel trailers — Mid-size travel trailers weighing 5,000-8,000 lbs are too heavy for the Outback to tow safely.
• Large travel trailers — Large travel trailers weighing 8,000-14,000 lbs far exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.

Boats

• Jon boats/small fishing boats — Small boats weighing 300-800 lbs with trailer are well within the towing capacity.
• Bass boats — Most bass boats weighing 1,500-2,500 lbs with trailer can be towed by the Outback.
• Pontoon boats — Pontoon boats weighing 2,000-4,500 lbs with trailer may exceed the towing limit depending on size.
• Ski/wakeboard boats — Ski boats weighing 3,000-5,500 lbs with trailer exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Cabin cruisers — Cabin cruisers weighing 6,000+ lbs are too heavy for the Outback to tow.

Utility trailers

• Empty utility trailer — Empty utility trailers weighing 800-1,500 lbs are easily handled by the Outback.
• Loaded landscaping trailer — Loaded landscaping trailers weighing 2,000-3,500 lbs may approach or exceed the towing limit.
• Loaded equipment trailer — Loaded equipment trailers weighing 3,000-5,000 lbs exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.

Recreational equipment

• Single motorcycle with trailer — A single motorcycle with trailer weighing 800-1,500 lbs is well within towing capacity.
• Single ATV with trailer — A single ATV with trailer weighing 1,200-1,800 lbs can be towed safely.
• Two ATVs with trailer — Two ATVs with trailer weighing 2,500-3,500 lbs may exceed the towing limit depending on total weight.
• Personal watercraft with trailer — A PWC with trailer weighing 1,000-1,800 lbs fits within the towing capacity.

2015 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors

Here’s how the 2015 Outback compares to similar crossovers and SUVs:

Vehicle	Max Tow
Toyota Venza	3,500 lbs
Honda CR-V	1,500 lbs
Nissan Murano	1,500 lbs
Ford Edge	3,500 lbs
Jeep Cherokee	4,500 lbs

The Outback falls in the middle of the pack for towing capacity among crossover competitors.

2015 Subaru Models Towing Capacity

Here’s how other 2015 Subaru models compare for towing capacity:

Model	Max Towing Capacity
2015 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2015 Subaru Forester	1,500 lbs
2015 Subaru Crosstrek	1,500 lbs
2015 Subaru Legacy	See article
2015 Subaru Impreza	See article
2015 Subaru WRX	See article

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

2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017

Data Accuracy

All towing specifications come from official Subaru documentation and may vary by vehicle configuration. Always verify towing capacity with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing any load.