2016 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

The Subaru Outback was introduced in the mid-1990s (1995 model year in the U.S.) as a wagon-based crossover known for its standard all-wheel drive, car-like ride, and light off-road and all-weather capability.

What is the towing capacity of the 2016 Subaru Outback?

The 2016 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 lbs with the 3.6L engine and 2,700 lbs with the 2.5L engine.

The actual towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.

How Much Can the 2016 Subaru Outback Tow?

The 2016 Subaru Outback can tow a maximum of 3,000 lbs when properly equipped. Towing capacity depends on your engine choice and specific configuration.

You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.

2016 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level

The 2016 Outback offers different towing capacities across its trim levels based on the engine option.

Trim	Towing Capacity
2.5i 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon	2,700 lbs
2.5i Premium 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon	2,700 lbs
2.5i Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon	2,700 lbs
3.6R Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon	3,000 lbs

Towing Capacity by Engine

2.5i DOHC BOXER Engine

Towing capacity: 2,700 lbs

This 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine is the standard powerplant across most Outback trim levels.

3.6R DOHC BOXER 6-cylinder Engine

Towing capacity: 3,000 lbs

The larger six-cylinder engine delivers 256 horsepower and provides the highest towing capacity in the lineup.

Engine	HP	Max Tow
2.5i DOHC BOXER	175 hp	2,700 lbs
3.6R DOHC BOXER 6-cylinder	256 hp	3,000 lbs

2016 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity

Payload data is not available for this vehicle. Payload refers to the maximum weight of passengers and cargo that can be safely carried inside the vehicle.

2016 Subaru Outback Tow Package

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have a tow package?

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Outback offers a factory tow package as an option. The tow package includes a hitch rated at 3,000 lbs maximum towing capacity with the 3.6L engine (2,700 lbs maximum with the 2.5L engine) and 200 lbs maximum tongue weight.

The package comes with a 1-1/4 inch receiver and 4-pole trailer wiring connector.

What class hitch does the 2016 Subaru Outback use?

The 2016 Subaru 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 2016 Subaru Outback?

Yes, but a frame-mounted hitch is required for the 2016 Outback. Bumper towing is not allowed and could damage the vehicle.

2016 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation

Installing a trailer hitch on the 2016 Outback requires mounting to the vehicle’s frame. Most installations can be completed with basic tools in about an hour.

What Can You Tow With a 2016 Subaru Outback?

Travel trailers and RVs

• Pop-up campers — These typically weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs and most will fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Small travel trailers — Weighing 2,500-5,000 lbs, only the lightest models will work with the Outback.
• Mid-size travel trailers — At 5,000-8,000 lbs, these exceed the Outback’s 3,000 lb capacity.
• Large travel trailers — Weighing 8,000-14,000 lbs, these are far too heavy for the Outback.

Boats

• Jon boats/small fishing boats — At 300-800 lbs with trailer, these are well within the Outback’s capacity.
• Bass boats — Weighing 1,500-2,500 lbs with trailer, most bass boats can be towed by the Outback.
• Pontoon boats — At 2,000-4,500 lbs, only smaller pontoons will fit the 3,000 lb limit.
• Ski/wakeboard boats — These 3,000-5,500 lb boats are at or above the Outback’s maximum capacity.
• Cabin cruisers — At 6,000+ lbs, these boats exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.

Utility trailers

• Empty utility trailer — At 800-1,500 lbs, empty trailers are easily handled by the Outback.
• Loaded landscaping trailer — Weighing 2,000-3,500 lbs, light loads will work but heavy loads may exceed capacity.
• Loaded equipment trailer — At 3,000-5,000 lbs, these typically exceed the Outback’s 3,000 lb limit.

Recreational equipment

• Single motorcycle with trailer — At 800-1,500 lbs total, this is well within the Outback’s capacity.
• Single ATV with trailer — Weighing 1,200-1,800 lbs, most single ATV setups will work.
• Two ATVs with trailer — At 2,500-3,500 lbs, this may exceed the 3,000 lb capacity depending on ATV size.
• Personal watercraft with trailer — Weighing 1,000-1,800 lbs, jet skis are easily towed by the Outback.

2016 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors

Here’s how the 2016 Outback compares to other compact crossovers in towing capacity.

Vehicle	Max Tow
2016 Ford Escape	3,500 lbs
2016 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2016 Subaru Forester	2,400 lbs
2016 Mazda CX-5	2,000 lbs
2016 Honda CR-V	1,500 lbs
2016 Toyota RAV4	1,500 lbs

The Outback offers strong towing capability in this class, trailing only the Ford Escape.

2016 Subaru Models Towing Capacity

Here’s how the 2016 Outback compares to other Subaru models for towing capacity.

Model	Max Towing Capacity
2016 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2016 Subaru Legacy	2,700 lbs
2016 Subaru Forester	2,400 lbs
2016 Subaru Crosstrek	1,500 lbs
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid	1,500 lbs
2016 Subaru Impreza	1,500 lbs
2016 Subaru WRX	0 lbs
2016 Subaru WRX STI	0 lbs
2016 Subaru BRZ	0 lbs

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

2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018

Data Accuracy

These specifications come from official manufacturer documentation. Actual towing capacity may vary by configuration, so verify before towing.