The Subaru Baja was introduced into Subaru’s lineup as a four-door utility vehicle in 2003 and was discontinued after the 2006 model year. The Baja is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from modern vehicles, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Subaru Baja?
The Subaru Baja has a towing capacity of up to 2,400 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
There’s a bit more to know about Subaru Baja towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2006 Subaru Baja Towing Capacity
The 2006 Subaru Baja can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
A 2006 Subaru Baja Sport can tow 2,400 lbs.
A 2006 Subaru Baja Turbo can tow 2,400 lbs.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2006 Subaru Baja can tow.
| Subaru Baja Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Subaru Baja Sport | 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg |
| Subaru Baja Turbo | 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Subaru Baja being put to a real-world towing test towing a van:
Subaru Baja 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 Baja Braked Towing Capacity: 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg
Subaru Baja Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs / 453 kg
Subaru Baja Towing Capacity Factors
There’s only factor that affects the Subaru Baja tow capacity, which is how many passengers you have in it while towing.
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 Baja, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Subaru Baja Tow Package Info
Does The Subaru Baja Have A Tow Package?
Subaru did not offer a Baja towing package, so you’ll need to have a towing hitch installed on your vehicle.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Subaru Baja?
If you plan on towing anything with your Subaru Baja, 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 Baja Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Subaru Baja uses a Class 1 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class I Subaru Baja trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this aftermarket tow hitch kit is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch is designed to factory fit select model years of the Subaru Baja
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Baja:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Subaru Baja Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Subaru Baja trailer hitch installation:
Subaru Baja Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Baja, 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 Baja?
The Subaru Baja 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.
How Do I Know If My Subaru Baja Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Baja 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 Baja.
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 vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2005 Subaru Baja Towing Capacity
The 2005 Subaru Baja can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
A 2005 Subaru Baja Sport can tow 2,400 lbs.
A 2005 Subaru Baja Turbo can tow 2,400 lbs.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2005 Subaru Baja can tow.
| Subaru Baja Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Subaru Baja Sport | 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg |
| Subaru Baja Turbo | 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg |
2004 Subaru Baja Towing Capacity
The 2004 Subaru Baja can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
A 2004 Subaru Baja Sport can tow 2,400 lbs.
A 2004 Subaru Baja Turbo can tow 2,400 lbs.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2004 Subaru Baja can tow.
| Subaru Baja Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Subaru Baja Sport | 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg |
| Subaru Baja Turbo | 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg |
2003 Subaru Baja Towing Capacity
The 2003 Subaru Baja can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
A 2003 Subaru Baja Sport can tow 2,400 lbs.
A 2003 Subaru Baja Turbo can tow 2,400 lbs.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2003 Subaru Baja can tow.
| Subaru Baja Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Subaru Baja Sport | 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg |
| Subaru Baja Turbo | 2,400 lbs / 1,087 kg |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Subaru Baja 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 Baja.
