2017 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

The Subaru Outback was introduced for the 1995 model year as a wagon variant of the Legacy and is known for its carlike ride, standard all‑wheel drive, and light off‑road and adventure-ready capability.

What is the towing capacity of the 2017 Subaru Outback?

The 2017 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.

How Much Can the 2017 Subaru Outback Tow?

The 2017 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.

Your actual towing capacity depends on your specific trim level, engine, and equipment options. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.

2017 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level

The 2017 Subaru Outback is available in six trim levels with two different towing capacities.

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

Towing Capacity by Engine

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 175 horsepower and can tow up to 2,700 pounds.

This engine is standard on the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, and 2.5i Touring trim levels.

3.6-liter six-cylinder engine

The 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine produces 256 horsepower and can tow up to 3,000 pounds.

This engine is only available on the 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring trim levels.

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

2017 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity

Payload capacity data is not available for the 2017 Subaru Outback.

Payload refers to the maximum weight of passengers and cargo your vehicle can carry in the cabin and bed.

2017 Subaru Outback Tow Package

Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have a tow package?

Yes, Subaru offers a factory tow package option for the 2017 Outback. This package is required to achieve the maximum towing capacity.

What class hitch does the 2017 Subaru Outback use?

The 2017 Subaru Outback uses a Class II trailer hitch rated to 3,500 pounds. Standard ball sizes are 1-7/8 inch or 2 inches.

Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2017 Subaru Outback?

Yes, you can install an aftermarket trailer hitch on the 2017 Subaru Outback. Many aftermarket options are available from companies like Curt, Draw-Tite, and Hidden Hitch.

2017 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation

Installing a trailer hitch on the 2017 Subaru Outback typically takes 1-2 hours and requires basic hand tools. Most aftermarket hitches use existing mounting points and do not require drilling.

What Can You Tow With a 2017 Subaru Outback?

Travel trailers and RVs

• Pop-up campers — Most pop-up campers weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs and fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Small travel trailers — Small travel trailers weigh 2,500-5,000 lbs and exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Mid-size travel trailers — Mid-size travel trailers weigh 5,000-8,000 lbs and exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Large travel trailers — Large travel trailers weigh 8,000-14,000 lbs and exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.

Boats

• Jon boats/small fishing boats — Small fishing boats weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer and fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Bass boats — Bass boats weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs with trailer and fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Pontoon boats — Pontoon boats weigh 2,000-4,500 lbs with trailer and may exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Ski/wakeboard boats — Ski boats weigh 3,000-5,500 lbs with trailer and exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Cabin cruisers — Cabin cruisers weigh 6,000+ lbs with trailer and exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.

Utility trailers

• Empty utility trailer — Empty utility trailers weigh 800-1,500 lbs and fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Loaded landscaping trailer — Loaded landscaping trailers weigh 2,000-3,500 lbs and may exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Loaded equipment trailer — Loaded equipment trailers weigh 3,000-5,000 lbs and exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.

Recreational equipment

• Single motorcycle with trailer — A motorcycle with trailer weighs 800-1,500 lbs and fits within the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Single ATV with trailer — An ATV with trailer weighs 1,200-1,800 lbs and fits within the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Two ATVs with trailer — Two ATVs with trailer weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs and may exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
• Personal watercraft with trailer — A personal watercraft with trailer weighs 1,000-1,800 lbs and fits within the Outback’s towing capacity.

2017 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors

The 2017 Subaru Outback offers competitive towing capacity compared to other crossover SUVs in its class.

Vehicle	Max Tow
2017 Ford Escape	3,500 lbs
2017 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2017 Mazda CX‑5	2,000 lbs
2017 Honda CR‑V	1,500 lbs
2017 Toyota RAV4	1,500 lbs
2017 Subaru Forester	1,500 lbs

The Outback ranks second among these competitors, trailing only the Ford Escape.

2017 Subaru Models Towing Capacity

Here’s how the 2017 Subaru Outback compares to other Subaru models from the same year:

Model	Max Towing Capacity
2017 Subaru Outback	3,000 lbs
2017 Subaru Legacy	2,700 lbs
2017 Subaru Forester	1,500 lbs
2017 Subaru Crosstrek	1,500 lbs
2017 Subaru Impreza	1,500 lbs
2017 Subaru WRX/WRX STI	1,000 lbs
2017 Subaru BRZ	1,000 lbs

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

2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017