Subaru > Outback > 2016

2016 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

How much can a 2016 Subaru Outback pull? Compare 4 trim levels.

What will it tow?

RV   Car   Boat   Typical trailers



2016 Subaru Outback Trims
Towing capacity by engine

Choose a towing vehicle wisely. Make sure the engine has enough power, the gearbox is capable of withstanding heavy loads, and the axle ratio is optimal for hauling.

  • 3.6L H-6, 4.11 axle ratio, 256 hp, 247 lb/ft - 3,000 lbs
  • 2.5L H-4, 4.11 axle ratio, 175 hp, 174 lb/ft - 2,700 lbs

2.5i 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon

Maximum Towing Capacity - 2700 lb

The maximum weight that Subaru Outback is allowed to tow. The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 3280 ft (1,000 m) above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and therefore the car's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced air density, so the maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the car and trailer must be reduced by 10% for every further 3280 ft (1,000 m) (or part thereof).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - 4695 lb

This is the maximum amount of weight Subaru Outback is rated to carry (engine, chassis, fluids, passengers, cargo, load - everything). It is often determined by the manufacturer and is indicated in the owner's manual or on the inside of the drive's door panel.

Curb Weight - 3593 lb

This is how much Subaru Outback weighs sitting on the curb with no driver, passengers, no cargo and no load with all standard options.

Payload Capacity - 1102 lb

Payload is considered all the extra stuff you put inside your vehicle, whether it be passengers or a pile of rocks, that weight is all considered payload. You can increase it by:

  1. Upgrading the Rear Springs.
  2. Adding Coil-Over Shock Absorbers.
  3. Installing a Longer Truck Bed.
  4. Attaching a Trailer.
  5. Adding Bed Racks.

Horsepower - 175 hp

The higher the power of your engine, the more weight your car can pull.

Torque - 174 Lb-Ft

High torque is essential for towing because it allows you to pull the trailer at a lower RPM, reducing the strain on the engine.

Axle Ratio - 4.11

It is the same for all trims.

The higher the axle ratio, the more power your vehicle produces, and as a result, the more weight this car can tow.

Drive Type - all wheel

It is the same for all trims.

All-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicles are best suited for towing, while front-wheel drive vehicles can haul much less weight.

Transmission - Lineartronic 6-spd CVT w/OD

It is the same for all trims.

Do not overload your vehicle while towing, as this can cause the transmission to overheat and fail. If your transmission has "Towing mode" - be sure to turn it on.

Turbocharger - no data

Turbocharged engines produce more power, so if you need a vehicle for towing, choose the one equipped with a turbo.

Wheelbase - 108.1

It is the same for all trims.

The longer your vehicle's wheelbase, the less likely the trailer you tow will push down on the rear axle and lift the front end.

Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - no data

It is the maximum allowable weight that can be placed on a front axle of your Subaru Outback.

Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - no data

It is the maximum allowable weight that can be placed on a rear axle of your Subaru Outback.

2.5i Premium 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon

2.5i Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon

3.6R Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon




Trailers that Your Vehicle Can Tow

or

RVs

Inside the RV, you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay, even away from civilization.



Car Trailers

If you need to transport your car over a long distance - use a car trailer - this method is much safer and more reliable than towing with a rope.

Choose the car you want to haul:

RW

Boat Trailers

If you need to transport a boat, make sure you choose the right size trailer.


Boat trailer

Typical Trailers

Whatever your needs, you can find a trailer that's perfect for you.


Boat trailer

What is a 2016 Subaru Outback maximum towing capacity?

When preparing much-awaited trips into the great outdoors, you have to bear in mind the 2016 Subaru Outback towing capacity, which is the most important quality for such adventure. The towing capacity in reality is the vehicle's optimum volume of weight that it can safely tow. This information can generally be discovered on a sticker label positioned on the inside of the driver's door next to the door latch. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the greatest operating weight (such as cargo and passengers) and really should not be surpassed. As a good rule of thumb, the body weight of the trailer being towed is usually recommended to be 10-15 percent of the GVWR.

In this section, we offer the info on the towing capacity of the 2016 Subaru Outback with all trims and generations. You should be aware the maximum towing weight may vary based on the braking system of what is being towed. If your trailer features its own brakes then it is "braked capacity". If not, it is called unbraked capacity. When reviewing options for the future RV, you should take into account that its weight and score is provided by the the trailer's maker plus all the extra payload you might put into it must never exceed the 2016 Subaru Outback towing capacity. Violating this essential guideline will have an impact on your capability to handle and make a full stop in time and will eventually bring about long lasting harm to your automobile or even lead to crashes on the roadways.

If you're in the market for a new car, you may be wondering what the towing capacity is of the Subaru Outback 2016. Its towing capacity ranges from 2,700 to 3,000 lb, depending on the trim and some other characteristics.

In this article, we'll take a look at the towing capacity of the Subaru Outback as well as some of its features. We'll also discuss why the Subaru Outback is a great choice for those who need a vehicle that can tow heavy loads.

How Much Can A 2016 Subaru Outback Tow?

This car has several trim levels: 2.5i 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon, 2.5i Premium 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon,  2.5i Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon, and 3.6R Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon. The latter has the biggest tow capacity - 3,000 lb, while all other models feature 2,700 lb.

Their characteristics determine how many pounds the car is capable of towing. So, if you want the highest tow capacity, you need a model with a 3.6L engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

What else does the Subaru Outback offer? If you choose the Subaru Outback for your towing needs, you won't be disappointed. This car has many other features that make it an excellent choice. It offers good fuel economy and plenty of cargo room in the trunk. The all-wheel-drive system also makes it great for driving on rough terrain or slippery roads.

The less powerful model with 175 hp is still able to tow a good amount, so you don't have to sacrifice power for capacity. Plus, it is fairly affordable compared to other vehicles with similar capabilities.

So if you're looking for a reliable and capable car that can tow heavy loads, the Subaru Outback 2016 could be the perfect choice for you. With its various trim levels, you can find one that best fits your needs and budget. And with its strong towing capacity, you'll be able to easily transport whatever items or equipment you need. No matter what your needs are, the Subaru Outback will provide an excellent solution.

Aspects To Consider When Buying Subaru Outback 2016 For Towing

When buying a car for towing, there are several things you should take into account. First of all, make sure the vehicle has enough power and torque to pull your load. Also, look at other features such as fuel economy, cargo room, and whether or not it’s an all-wheel-drive system. 

Additionally, safety features such as stability control and anti-lock brakes should be taken into consideration. Finally, always check the towing capacity of the vehicle before making your purchase.

The horsepower of a car also plays a significant part in its towing capacity. Generally, the more powerful a car is, the higher its towing capacity will be. That’s why you should pay close attention to this aspect when choosing your vehicle.

The payload capacity, curb weight, and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) are also important factors that should be taken into account when considering towing capacity.

Bottom Line

In case you are an off-roader who strives for reliability and comfort and need a car with good towing capacity, the Subaru Outback 2016 is an excellent choice. With its various trim levels and features, you can find one that fits your requirements and budget. Just remember to check the specs before making your purchase.

How much can a 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6 tow?

The 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R can tow up to 3,000 lbs and has a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs.

Is Subaru Forester or Outback better for towing?

The 2021 Subaru Outback can tow up to 3,500 lbs., while the 2021 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs.

PAY ATTENTION

Drivers must not exceed the Subaru Outback towing capacity as it can have serious consequences such as interfering with your car's braking ability

Subaru Outback of another year

Select the year

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has developed the J2807 set of recommended practices. The tow test procedures designed by the big brains at the SAE consist of a series of rigorous real-world challenges to determine the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of a vehicle and trailer combination.