2025 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity : What You Should Know
2025 Subaru Outback towing capacity —When you are preparing to do something fun this weekend – camping trip or going with your little boat, the first thing that crosses your mind is, would my Outback be able to do it?
Which version do you want to have the answer. The different towing capabilities available on the 2025 Subaru outback are based on the engine and the trim and therefore, the figures are slightly different. We shall deal with the specifications and see what combination is best suited to your towing intentions.
In this guide, I will address the towing capacity of the 2025 Outback (in pounds and kilograms), the variations in trims (2.5L vs. 2.4L turbo), payload and tongues, towing safety considerations, geographical considerations, and the performance in comparison to its competitors, in this guide.
Quick Overview
| Specification | 2025 Subaru Outback* |
| Engine Options | 2.5L naturally aspirated / 2.4L turbocharged |
| Max Towing (lbs) | 2,700 / 3,500 |
| Max Towing (kg) | ~1,225 / ~1,588 |
| Max Tongue Weight | 270 / 350 lbs |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT |
| Drive System | Symmetrical AWD |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in (standard) / 9.5 in (Wilderness) |
| Price (U.S.) | Starts in the upper $20,000s |
| Trim Levels | Base, Onyx, XT, Wilderness, etc. |
These are factory figures based on proper equipment. Always confirm your exact numbers with the dealer before towing.
2025 Outback Towing Specs by Engine & Trim
2.5L Naturally Aspirated (Base, Premium, Onyx, Limited, Touring)
The standard 2.5L BOXER® engine gives you a towing capacity of up to 2,700 lbs with a 270-lb tongue weight.
That’s roughly 1,225 kg of towing power and 122 kg tongue load. These numbers apply to trims like Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring.
In practical terms, 2,700 lbs is enough for small campers, light utility trailers, jet skis, or pop-up trailers. But if you’re planning on pulling something heavier, you’ll want to look at the turbocharged option.
2.4L Turbocharged (XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT)
The turbocharged 2.4L BOXER® engine increases capability to 3,500 lbs of towing capacity and 350 lbs of tongue weight.
You’ll find this setup on trims like Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. In metric terms, that’s about 1,588 kg of towing capacity and 159 kg tongue weight.
The turbo variant is ideal for heavier campers, boats, or trailers. The Wilderness version, in particular, is built for rougher roads, with added suspension height and cooling enhancements that make off-road towing easier.
Subaru’s official documentation confirms both ratings — 2,700 lbs for non-XT trims and 3,500 lbs for XT/Wilderness versions.
👉 Check the official 2025 Subaru Outback specs on Subaru.com
Payload, GVWR, GCWR & Hitch Class
Towing safely isn’t just about the headline numbers. It’s also about understanding how payload, GVWR, and GCWR work together.
- Payload: The total weight your Outback can carry — passengers, cargo, and tongue load included.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum safe total weight of the vehicle including everything inside it.
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The combined total of your loaded vehicle and trailer.
- Tongue Weight: The downward pressure your trailer puts on the hitch.
While Subaru doesn’t list GCWR publicly, we can estimate based on payload and hitch requirements.
Hitch Class & Brake Controller
- To use the full towing potential, Subaru recommends a Class III hitch (2-inch receiver), installed correctly.
- For heavier loads, a trailer brake controller is either legally required (in many U.S. states and Canadian provinces) or highly recommended.
- Weight distribution and sway control are also important for longer or heavier trailers.
Example (Estimated Values)
| Metric | Approx. Value* |
| Curb Weight (base) | ~3,640 lbs |
| Payload Range | ~1,000–1,400 lbs |
| Tongue Weight | 270 / 350 lbs |
| Towing Limit | 2,700 / 3,500 lbs |
Always check your owner’s manual or window sticker for exact figures.
Real-World Towing Tips
Numbers are helpful, but towing well depends on setup and common sense. Keep these in mind:
Weight Balance
Distribute your load so about 10–15% of trailer weight sits on the tongue. This prevents sway and improves stability. Use weight-distribution hitches if necessary.
Braked vs. Unbraked Trailers
In the UK and Europe, unbraked trailers have much lower limits — usually around 1,500–1,750 lbs. The Outback’s top figure (3,500 lbs) assumes you’re using a braked trailer.
Transmission Care
Towing puts extra demand on the CVT. If you tow in hot or hilly conditions, make sure your transmission stays cool. Some owners even add auxiliary coolers for peace of mind.
AWD & X-MODE Benefits
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system and X-MODE features help control traction on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces. The Wilderness trim’s tuning makes it even better for challenging terrain.
Environment & Performance
At high altitudes or steep grades, power naturally dips. Plan ahead, give your Outback room to breathe, and avoid pushing it too hard under heat or load.
Fuel Economy
Expect a noticeable drop in mileage — sometimes 20–40% lower while towing. For context, turbo models average around 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (XT) or 21 / 26 mpg for the Wilderness when unladen.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Before hitting the road:
- Check tire pressure on both vehicle and trailer.
- Inspect brakes, fluids, and wiring.
- Ensure lights and connections work properly.
- Tighten the hitch and ball mount.
- Drive a few miles, then re-check everything once more.
Speed & Legal Limits
Most states and provinces impose lower speed limits for vehicles towing trailers — usually around 55–65 mph. In the UK, the general limit is 60 mph on motorways. Stick to these for safety and compliance.
2025 Outback vs. Competitors
| Model | Max Towing (lbs) | Notes |
| Subaru Outback (2.5L) | 2,700 | Great for light trailers |
| Subaru Outback (2.4L Turbo) | 3,500 | Excellent mid-SUV towing |
| Toyota RAV4 | ~3,500 (with tow package) | Similar capability |
| Honda CR-V | ~1,500–3,000 | Usually less powerful |
| Mazda CX-50 / CX-5 | ~3,500 (turbo) | Competitive option |
Among these, the Outback’s turbo trims hold their ground well — especially given their AWD system and real-world usability.
Conclusion
The 2025 Subaru outback is still showing that being pragmatic and capable of doing things can coexist. The 2,700 lb on the 2.5L and 3,500 lb on the turbo trims make it very appropriate with small trailers, boats and outdoor equipment.
The 2.5L handles the task with aplomb in case you have modest requirements. However, when you intend to do more towing (or on more challenging roads) then the 2.4L turbo (XT or Wilderness) is the wiser one.
All one has to keep in mind is to keep within the rated limits, have the appropriate equipment and observe local towing regulations. The Outback has one of the most towing-ready SUVs in its category due to the engineering of this model; as a car, it has AWD grip, smart safety systems, and thoughtful design.
Discover expert car tips, towing guides, and vehicle insights at CarFact.online.
FAQs : 2025 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity
Q: How much can the 2025 Subaru Outback tow?
A: Standard 2.5L trims can tow up to 2,700 lbs, while turbo 2.4L XT/Wilderness versions increase that to 3,500 lbs.
Q: What’s the tongue weight limit?
A: It’s 270 lbs for non-turbo models and 350 lbs for turbo trims.
Q: Can it tow a camper or boat?
A: Yes — smaller boats, pop-up campers, and teardrop trailers fit comfortably under the Outback’s range when loaded properly.
Q: Do I need a trailer brake controller?
A: Most regions require one above ~3,000 lbs, and it’s always a smart safety move.
Q: Does adding passengers affect towing?
A: Absolutely. Passengers and cargo eat into your payload, so always factor them in before loading your trailer.
Have questions about the 2025 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity? Contact us—we’re here to help you find the right answers.