How Much Can a Subaru Outback Tow?

If you’re eyeing a Subaru Outback for weekend trips to the boat ramp, a small camper, or hauling gear to the coast, the towing number matters. The short version: it depends on the engine under the hood. Here’s the honest, trim-by-trim breakdown, plus what those pounds actually let you pull around Jacksonville.

How much can a Subaru Outback tow?

A Subaru Outback tows between 2,700 and 3,500 pounds depending on the trim and engine. Standard 2.5-liter models are rated at 2,700 pounds. Trims with the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, including the XT versions and the Wilderness, step up to 3,500 pounds. Always match the number to the specific trim you’re buying.

Which Outback trims tow the most?

The turbocharged Outback trims tow the most. Any XT-badged model and the Wilderness use the 2.4-liter turbo and carry a 3,500-pound rating, while the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter trims are rated at 2,700 pounds. If towing is your priority, the extra torque of the turbo is what buys you that higher number.

The Outback’s turbocharged trims are rated to tow 3,500 pounds, per Subaru of America’s published specifications, compared with 2,700 pounds on the standard-engine trims.

Engine / Trim group	Towing rating
2.5L (Base, Premium, Limited, Touring)	2,700 lbs
2.4L Turbo XT trims (Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, Touring XT)	3,500 lbs
Wilderness (2.4L Turbo)	3,500 lbs

Note on the newest model year: Subaru refreshed the Outback lineup for the 2026 model year, and we recommend confirming the exact rating for any 2026 trim against that vehicle’s window sticker and Subaru of America’s current specifications before you hitch up. If you’re shopping our lot, just ask a Hanania Subaru of Orange Park team member to pull the figure for the specific VIN.

What can you actually tow with 2,700 or 3,500 pounds?

Plenty of common loads fit under those ratings. A 2,700-pound Outback comfortably handles a small utility trailer, two personal watercraft, or a lightweight pop-up camper. A 3,500-pound turbo Outback opens up single small boats on a trailer, teardrop and compact travel trailers, and heavier hauls to the beach or campground.

• Small utility trailer with yard gear: typically 1,000–1,800 lbs loaded — fine for any Outback.
• Two personal watercraft on a trailer: often 1,800–2,400 lbs — within the 2,700 lb trims.
• Teardrop or compact travel trailer: commonly 1,500–3,000 lbs — best matched to a 3,500 lb turbo trim.
• Small aluminum fishing boat and trailer: often 1,500–2,500 lbs — comfortable for turbo trims, doable on standard trims if you stay under the rating.

One rule that trips people up: the towing rating includes the weight of the loaded trailer, not just the empty trailer. Add your cargo, fuel, water, and gear before you compare against the number.

How do you tow safely with an Outback in Jacksonville?

Tow safely by staying under your trim’s rating, distributing weight so about 10–15% sits on the tongue, and using the factory-style hitch and proper wiring for your load. In Florida heat, watch your transmission and engine temperatures on longer pulls, and give yourself extra stopping distance on I-295 and the Buckman Bridge.

A few practical Jacksonville notes:

• Boat ramps along the St. Johns River and Intracoastal get busy on weekends — a backup camera and the Outback’s ground clearance help on wet, sloped ramps.
• Summer afternoon storms mean slick roads; a lighter, balanced trailer is much easier to control.
• For anything near your maximum rating, have the hitch, wiring, brakes, and cooling checked before a long trip. Our service team can inspect the setup and confirm your specific trim’s rating.

Florida law also requires trailer brakes on heavier trailers, so confirm your trailer’s requirements before you load up. When in doubt, the lighter turbo trims give you the most margin for the kinds of loads most local drivers actually pull.

Is the turbo Outback worth it just for towing?

For many buyers, yes. The 2.4-liter turbo adds roughly 800 pounds of towing capacity and noticeably more low-end pull, which makes hills, on-ramps, and loaded trailers feel easier. If you tow only a light utility trailer a few times a year, the standard 2.5-liter trim and its 2,700-pound rating may be all you need.

Come by Hanania Subaru of Orange Park and we’ll walk you through the trims, show you the exact ratings, and help you match an Outback to what you actually plan to tow.

Tags: Jacksonville, Outback towing, Subaru Outback, Subaru specs, towing capacity
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