3,500 lbs
See article
Factory option
Class II
The Subaru Outback was introduced in the mid-1990s (1995 model year in North America) and is known for combining car-like ride and handling with raised ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and wagon-style practicality.
What is the towing capacity of the 2021 Subaru Outback?
**The 2021 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.** Towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2021 Subaru Outback Tow?
**The 2021 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.** This max rating applies only to turbocharged XT models, while standard four-cylinder models are rated for 2,700 lbs.
The actual towing capacity depends on your specific engine, trim level, and options. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2021 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level
Here’s how each 2021 Outback trim level stacks up for towing:
| Trim | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Base | 2,700 lbs |
| Premium | 2,700 lbs |
| Limited | 2,700 lbs |
| Touring | 2,700 lbs |
| Onyx Edition XT | 3,500 lbs |
| Limited XT | 3,500 lbs |
| Touring XT | 3,500 lbs |
Towing Capacity by Engine
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine
**The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four produces 182 hp and can tow up to 2,700 lbs.** This engine comes standard on Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring trim levels.
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine
**The 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four makes 260 hp and can tow up to 3,500 lbs.** This more powerful engine is available on all XT trim levels including Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-liter flat-4 | 182 hp | 2,700 lbs |
| 2.4-liter turbo-4 | 260 hp | 3,500 lbs |
2021 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity
Payload data is not available for this vehicle. Payload refers to the maximum weight of cargo and passengers you can carry inside the vehicle itself.
2021 Subaru Outback Tow Package
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have a tow package?
Yes, the 2021 Subaru Outback offers a factory tow package as an option. The tow package includes a trailer hitch.
What class hitch does the 2021 Subaru Outback use?
The 2021 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.
No products found.
Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Yes, you can install an aftermarket hitch on the 2021 Subaru Outback. Many aftermarket options are available from various manufacturers.
2021 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation
Installing a trailer hitch on the 2021 Outback typically involves bolting the hitch receiver to mounting points under the rear of the vehicle. Most installations can be completed with basic tools in about 1-2 hours.
What Can You Tow With a 2021 Subaru Outback?
Travel trailers and RVs
- Pop-up campers — These lightweight campers typically weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs and fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
- Small travel trailers — Most small travel trailers weigh 2,500-5,000 lbs, with only the lightest models fitting the 3,500 lb limit.
- Mid-size travel trailers — These trailers weigh 5,000-8,000 lbs and exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
- Large travel trailers — Weighing 8,000-14,000 lbs, these are far too heavy for the Outback to tow.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — These lightweight boats weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer and are easily within the Outback’s capability.
- Bass boats — Most bass boats weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs with trailer and fit comfortably within the towing limit.
- Pontoon boats — These boats weigh 2,000-4,500 lbs with trailer, with smaller pontoons fitting the capacity.
- Ski/wakeboard boats — Weighing 3,000-5,500 lbs with trailer, most exceed the Outback’s 3,500 lb limit.
- Cabin cruisers — These large boats weigh 6,000+ lbs with trailer and are too heavy for the Outback.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — Standard utility trailers weigh 800-1,500 lbs empty and are well within the towing capacity.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — These trailers weigh 2,000-3,500 lbs loaded and fit within the maximum rating.
- Loaded equipment trailer — Heavy equipment trailers weigh 3,000-5,000 lbs and may exceed the 3,500 lb limit when fully loaded.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — A motorcycle and trailer combination weighs 800-1,500 lbs and is easily towable.
- Single ATV with trailer — One ATV with trailer weighs 1,200-1,800 lbs and fits within the capacity.
- Two ATVs with trailer — Two ATVs with trailer weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs and are at the upper limit of the Outback’s capability.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — A jet ski or PWC with trailer weighs 1,000-1,800 lbs and is well within the towing limit.
2021 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors
Here’s how the 2021 Outback compares to similar vehicles in its class:
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Adventure/TRD Off-Road | 3,500 lbs |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | 3,500 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
The Outback matches the best towing capacity in this competitive set at 3,500 lbs when equipped with the turbocharged engine.
2021 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the 2021 Outback compares to other Subaru models from the same year:
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Outback | 3,500 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Legacy | 2,000 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | 1,500 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Outback towing capacity guides:
2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Data Accuracy
We source our towing capacity specifications from official manufacturer documentation and owner’s manuals. Actual towing capacity may vary based on vehicle configuration, options, and condition, so verify specifications with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing.