Subaru > Outback > 2017

2017 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

How much can a 2017 Subaru Outback pull? Compare 6 trim levels.

What will it tow?

RV   Car   Boat   Typical trailers



2017 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 - 3580 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 - 1115 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 drive

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

2.5i Touring 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon

3.6R Touring 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 2017 Subaru Outback maximum towing capacity?

When preparing energizing trips outside, you will need to remember the 2017 Subaru Outback towing capacity, that is the key characteristic for such adventure. The towing capacity is actually a the vehicle's greatest volume of weight that it can safely pull. This information can typically be found on a sticker located within the driver's door next to the door latch. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is definitely the maximum functional weight (which includes cargo and passengers) and really should not be exceeded. Typically, the weight of any trailer being towed is recommended to be 10-15 % of the GVWR.

In this section, you may check out the information on the towing capacity of the 2017 Subaru Outback with all trims and generations. You should be aware the maximum towing weight may vary depending on the braking system of what is being pulled. If a trailer is equipped with its own brakes then it is "braked capacity". If not, it would be unbraked capacity. When selecting your RV, you must take into consideration the weight and rating is coming from the trailer's manufacturer plus all of the extra payload you are going to take in it must never surpass the 2017 Subaru Outback towing capacity. Violating this significant rule will affect your capability to control and make a full stop just in time and will in the end cause long lasting damage to your vehicle or even result in crashes on the streets.

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.