3,500 lbs
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Factory option
Class II
The Subaru Outback was introduced for the 1995 model year, and it is known as a wagon-based crossover that blends car-like comfort with SUV-style ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive.
What is the towing capacity of the 2022 Subaru Outback?
The 2022 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2022 Subaru Outback Tow?
The 2022 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This maximum applies to turbocharged XT and Wilderness models.
Base models with the 2.5-liter engine are rated for 2,700 pounds. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2022 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level
The following table shows towing capacity for each trim level.
| 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 |
| Wilderness | 3,500 lbs |
Towing Capacity by Engine
2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine
The 2.5-liter engine can tow 2,700 pounds. This naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces 182 horsepower and comes standard on Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims.
2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine
The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine can tow 3,500 pounds. This engine produces 260 horsepower and comes on XT and Wilderness trims.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine | 182 hp | 2,700 lbs |
| 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine | 260 hp | 3,500 lbs |
2022 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity
Payload data is not available for this vehicle.
Payload refers to the maximum weight of cargo and passengers you can safely carry in the vehicle itself.
2022 Subaru Outback Tow Package
Does the 2022 Subaru Outback have a tow package?
Yes, the 2022 Subaru Outback offers a factory tow package. The package includes a trailer hitch and ball mount.
What class hitch does the 2022 Subaru Outback use?
The 2022 Subaru Outback uses a Class II hitch rated to 3,500 lbs. The standard ball size is 1-7/8″ or 2″.
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Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2022 Subaru Outback?
Factory and Subaru-engineered hitches specify both trailer and tongue-weight limits that match the ratings. These limits are commonly 2,700/270 lbs for 2.5L models and 3,500/350 lbs for XT/Wilderness.
2022 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation
Installing a trailer hitch on the 2022 Outback requires accessing mounting points under the rear bumper. The process typically takes 1-2 hours with basic tools.
What Can You Tow With a 2022 Subaru Outback?
Travel trailers and RVs
- Pop-up campers — Weighing 1,500-3,000 lbs, most pop-ups fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
- Small travel trailers — At 2,500-5,000 lbs, only the lightest models work with turbocharged Outbacks, and most exceed the 2.5L engine’s capacity.
- Mid-size travel trailers — Weighing 5,000-8,000 lbs, these exceed the Outback’s maximum towing capacity.
- Large travel trailers — At 8,000-14,000 lbs, these are too heavy for the Outback to tow safely.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — At 300-800 lbs with trailer, these easily fit within any Outback’s towing capacity.
- Bass boats — Weighing 1,500-2,500 lbs, most bass boats work with all Outback engines.
- Pontoon boats — At 2,000-4,500 lbs, smaller pontoons work with turbocharged models but may exceed the 2.5L engine’s limit.
- Ski/wakeboard boats — Weighing 3,000-5,500 lbs, only the lightest models work with turbocharged Outbacks.
- Cabin cruisers — At 6,000+ lbs, these exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — At 800-1,500 lbs, these work with any Outback engine.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — Weighing 2,000-3,500 lbs, these fit within most Outback configurations when loaded appropriately.
- Loaded equipment trailer — At 3,000-5,000 lbs, only lighter loads work with turbocharged models.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — At 800-1,500 lbs, these work with any Outback engine.
- Single ATV with trailer — Weighing 1,200-1,800 lbs, these fit comfortably within the Outback’s capacity.
- Two ATVs with trailer — At 2,500-3,500 lbs, these work with turbocharged models and may challenge the 2.5L engine.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — Weighing 1,000-1,800 lbs, these work with all Outback engines.
2022 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors
Here’s how the Outback compares to other midsize crossovers in towing capacity.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 3,500 lbs |
| 2022 Ford Escape | 3,500 lbs |
| 2022 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2022 Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| 2022 Nissan Rogue | 1,350 lbs |
The Outback ties with the RAV4 and Escape for best-in-class towing capacity among compact crossovers.
2022 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the Outback compares to other 2022 Subaru models.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 3,500 lbs |
| 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Outback towing capacity guides:
2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Data Accuracy
We source towing specs from official manufacturer documentation and owner’s manuals. Actual capacity may vary by specific configuration, so verify with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing.