The Subaru Solterra was introduced into Subaru’s lineup as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2002 and remains available through today. The Solterra is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Subaru Solterra?
The Subaru Solterra is not recommended for towing by Subaru in the United States. However, the Subaru Solterra has a braked towing capacity of 3,000 pounds and an unbraked towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about Subaru Solterra towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Subaru Solterra Towing Capacity
The 2023 Subaru Solterra can tow 3,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Subaru Solterra can tow.
Note: Subaru does not recommend using the Solterra for towing.
| Subaru Solterra Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| 2023 Subaru Solterra Premium | 3,000 lbs / 1,360 kg |
| 2023 Subaru Solterra Limited | 3,000 lbs / 1,360 kg |
| 2023 Subaru Solterra Touring | 3,000 lbs / 1,360 kg |
Here’s a video showing the Subaru Solterra in a real-world review by Alex on Autos::
Subaru Solterra Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Subaru Solterra Braked Towing Capacity: 3,000 lbs.
Subaru Solterra Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Subaru Solterra Towing Capacity Factors
There’s only one factor that affects the Subaru Solterra tow capacity, which is the weight of cargo and passengers you’ve got in the Solterra when towing something.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Subaru Solterra, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Subaru Solterra Tow Package Info
Does The Subaru Solterra Have A Tow Package?
Subaru does not offer a towing package for the Solterra, but they offer a receiver hitch that’s called an activity hitch, which is intended for things under 100 pounds such as bike carriers or small cargo carriers.
This means you’ll need to have a tow hitch and wiring harness installed if you want to do any towing with your Solterra.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Subaru Solterra?
If you plan on towing anything with your Subaru Solterra, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Subaru Solterra Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Subaru Solterra uses a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch.
Subaru Solterra Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Subaru Solterra Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Solterra, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Subaru Solterra?
The Subaru Solterra stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.
Does My Subaru Solterra Have A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Solterra to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Solterra.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your Solterra has any towing packages or features installed on it.
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Subaru Solterra Owner’s Manuals on Subaru’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Subaru Solterra.
