3,500 lbs
1,069 lbs
Factory Option
Class II
The Subaru Outback was introduced for the 1995 model year as a wagon-based crossover and is known for its standard all-wheel drive, raised ground clearance, and off-road-capable, adventure-oriented practicality.
What is the towing capacity of the 2023 Subaru Outback?
The 2023 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with the turbocharged 2.4L engine.
The exact capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2023 Subaru Outback Tow?
The 2023 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when equipped with the turbocharged 2.4L engine. Models with the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine can tow up to 2,700 pounds.
Actual towing capacity depends on vehicle configuration, trim level, and optional equipment. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2023 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Trim Level
The 2023 Outback comes in nine trim levels with varying towing capacities.
| Trim | Towing Capacity | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| Base (2.5L) | 2,700 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
| Premium (2.5L) | 2,700 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
| Onyx Edition (2.5L) | 2,700 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
| Limited (2.5L) | 2,700 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
| Touring (2.5L) | 2,700 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
| Onyx Edition XT (2.4L Turbo) | 3,500 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
| Wilderness (2.4L Turbo) | 3,500 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
| Limited XT (2.4L Turbo) | 3,500 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
| Touring XT (2.4L Turbo) | 3,500 lbs | 1,069 lbs |
Towing Capacity by Engine
2.5L Four-Cylinder Engine
2,700 lbs maximum towing capacity, 182 horsepower. This naturally aspirated engine comes standard on the Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims.
2.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine
3,500 lbs maximum towing capacity, 260 horsepower. This turbo engine is available on the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER | 182 hp | 2,700 lbs |
| 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER | 260 hp | 3,500 lbs |
2023 Subaru Outback Payload Capacity
All 2023 Outback trims have a maximum payload capacity of 1,069 pounds. This includes passengers, cargo, and tongue weight from any trailer.
2023 Subaru Outback Tow Package
Does the 2023 Subaru Outback have a tow package?
Yes, Subaru offers a factory tow package for the 2023 Outback. The package includes a hitch receiver but not the hitch ball or ball mount, which are sold separately.
The tow package uses a T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for trailer brake lights and turn signals.
What class hitch does the 2023 Subaru Outback use?
The 2023 Outback uses a Class II hitch rated up to 3,500 lbs with a 2-inch receiver. Standard ball sizes are 1-7/8″ or 2″ depending on the trailer tongue coupler.
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Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2023 Subaru Outback?
Yes, multiple aftermarket Class III hitches are available from brands like CURT and Draw-Tite. These aftermarket options may provide different mounting configurations while maintaining the same towing capacity.
2023 Subaru Outback trailer hitch installation
Most aftermarket hitches for the 2023 Outback require basic hand tools and can be installed without drilling. Professional installation is recommended if you’re not comfortable working under the vehicle.
What Can You Tow With a 2023 Subaru Outback?
Travel trailers and RVs
- Pop-up campers — Most weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs and will fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
- Small travel trailers — These weigh 2,500-5,000 lbs, so only the lightest models will work with turbocharged trims.
- Mid-size travel trailers — At 5,000-8,000 lbs, these exceed the Outback’s maximum towing capacity.
- Large travel trailers — At 8,000-14,000 lbs, these are far too heavy for the Outback.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — These weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer and are well within the Outback’s capacity.
- Bass boats — Most weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs with trailer and will work with any Outback trim.
- Pontoon boats — At 2,000-4,500 lbs, smaller pontoons will work but larger ones may exceed capacity.
- Ski/wakeboard boats — These weigh 3,000-5,500 lbs, so only the smallest will work with turbocharged trims.
- Cabin cruisers — At 6,000+ lbs, these exceed the Outback’s towing capacity.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — These weigh 800-1,500 lbs and work with any Outback trim.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — At 2,000-3,500 lbs, most will fit within the Outback’s capacity.
- Loaded equipment trailer — These weigh 3,000-5,000 lbs and only lighter loads will work with turbocharged trims.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — These weigh 800-1,500 lbs and are well within the Outback’s capacity.
- Single ATV with trailer — At 1,200-1,800 lbs, these work with any Outback trim.
- Two ATVs with trailer — These weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs and will work with most Outback configurations.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — At 1,000-1,800 lbs, these fit within the Outback’s towing capacity.
2023 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity vs Competitors
The 2023 Outback competes well against other compact crossovers in towing capacity.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 (gas) | 3,500 lbs |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | 3,500 lbs |
| Ford Bronco Sport | 2,200 lbs |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 1,500 lbs |
The Outback ties with the RAV4 for the highest towing capacity in this class.
2023 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the 2023 Outback compares to other Subaru models for towing.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | 3,500 lbs |
| 2023 Subaru Legacy | 2,700 lbs |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2023 Subaru Impreza | 1,500 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Outback towing capacity guides:
2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025
Data Accuracy
We source our towing specifications from official manufacturer documentation and owner’s manuals. Actual capacity may vary based on vehicle configuration, optional equipment, and local regulations.
Always verify towing specifications with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing any trailer.