The Subaru Outback has earned its reputation as a reliable, versatile vehicle that blends the ruggedness of an SUV with the comfort of a wagon. For those needing a car that can handle daily commutes and outdoor adventures, the 2019 Subaru Outback is a compelling choice. Its towing capacity is a critical factor that makes it attractive to adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. This article profoundly dives into the 2019 Subaru Outback towing capacity, including its engine options, towing features, and how it compares to competitors.
Table of Contents
Overview of the 2019 Subaru Outback
Before delving into the specifics of towing capacity, it’s essential to understand what the 2019 Subaru Outback offers. The Outback is a midsize crossover that has been a staple in Subaru’s lineup since its introduction. The 2019 model combines spaciousness, advanced safety features, and Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
2019 Subaru Outback Engine Options
The 2019 Subaru Outback is available with two engine options:
- 2.5-Litre Four-Cylinder Engine: This engine produces 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is the standard engine in the base, Premium, and Limited trims.
- 3.6-Litre Six-Cylinder Engine: This more powerful engine generates 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a CVT and is available in the Outback’s top-tier trims, the Limited 3.6R and Touring 3.6R.
2019 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity by Engine
The 2019 Subaru Outback towing capacity varies depending on the engine option chosen. Let’s explore how each engine performs in terms of towing.
2.5-Litre Engine Towing Capacity
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine offers a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (approximately 680 kg). This towing capacity is sufficient for light towing tasks, such as pulling a small trailer, a lightweight boat, or a couple of jet skis.
While the 1,500-pound towing capacity is not exceptionally high, it is essential to consider that the Outback is primarily designed as a crossover vehicle, not a full-sized SUV or pickup truck. The 2.5-litre engine focuses more on fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride than heavy-duty towing capabilities.
3.6-Litre Engine Towing Capacity
For those who require more towing power, the 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine provides a higher towing capacity of 2,700 pounds (approximately 1,225 kg). This additional towing capacity makes the Outback with the 3.6-litre engine more suitable for larger trailers, pop-up campers, or small boats.
The 2,700-pound towing capacity balances everyday usability and the occasional need to tow heavier loads. It’s an excellent option for those who enjoy outdoor activities involving extra gear or equipment.
2019 Subaru Outback Towing Features and Capabilities
Towing capacity alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The 2019 Subaru Outback has several features that enhance its towing capabilities and ensure safety.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a standard feature on all Outback models. This AWD system provides excellent traction and stability, particularly in challenging conditions like rain, snow, or off-road terrain. When towing, the AWD system ensures the vehicle maintains a stable grip on the road, reducing the likelihood of swaying or losing control.
X-Mode and Hill Descent Control
The 2019 Outback also comes with Subaru’s X-Mode, which optimises the vehicle’s performance on slippery or uneven surfaces. X-Mode adjusts the engine output, transmission, and AWD system to provide maximum traction, which is handy when towing on rough or steep terrain.
Hill Descent Control is another feature that comes into play when towing downhill. It automatically controls the vehicle’s speed during steep descents, allowing the driver to focus on steering without worrying about brake control. This feature is invaluable for maintaining control when towing a heavy load down a steep incline.
Trailer Stability Assist
Trailer Stability Assist is another safety feature that helps when towing. This system monitors trailer sway and applies braking to individual wheels to keep the trailer in line. It enhances stability and ensures the vehicle and trailer remain controlled, even in challenging conditions.
2019 Subaru Outback Towing Accessories and Preparation
To tow safely and effectively, having the right accessories and preparing your 2019 Subaru Outback properly is essential. Here are some tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for towing.
Trailer Hitch
The first accessory you’ll need is a trailer hitch. Subaru offers a factory-installed trailer hitch as an option, or you can have one installed aftermarket. The factory hitch is explicitly designed for the Outback, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal towing performance.
Wiring Harness
A wiring harness is essential for connecting the trailer’s lights and brakes to the vehicle. Subaru offers a genuine wiring harness that integrates seamlessly with the Outback’s electrical system. This ensures that all trailer lights function correctly, which is crucial for safety on the road.
Trailer Brakes
Trailer brakes are highly recommended for heavier loads, particularly those approaching the upper limit of the Outback’s towing capacity. Trailer brakes help distribute the braking load between the vehicle and the trailer, reducing wear on the Outback’s brakes and improving overall stopping power.
Weight Distribution Hitch
A weight distribution hitch can also be beneficial, especially for larger trailers. This hitch helps distribute the trailer’s weight more evenly across the vehicle’s axles, improving stability and handling.
Impact on Fuel Economy
Towing with the 2019 Subaru Outback will inevitably impact fuel economy. The additional weight of the trailer and the increased drag mean the engine must work harder, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
2.5-Litre Engine Fuel Economy
The 2.5-litre engine in the 2019 Outback has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway. However, when towing, you can expect a significant reduction in fuel efficiency. Depending on the weight of the trailer and driving conditions, fuel economy could drop by 20% or more.
3.6-Litre Engine Fuel Economy
The 3.6-litre engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway. As with the 2.5-litre engine, towing will reduce fuel efficiency. The extent of the reduction will vary based on factors such as the trailer’s weight, terrain, and driving habits.
Comparisons with Competitors
To understand how the 2019 Subaru Outback towing capacity stacks up against its competitors, let’s compare it to other vehicles in the midsize crossover segment.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester, another popular model in Subaru’s lineup, has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (approximately 680 kg) with its standard engine. This towing capacity is similar to the Outback’s 2.5-litre engine, making the Outback a better choice for those who need more towing power, exceptionally if equipped with the 3.6-litre engine.
Honda CR-V
The 2019 Honda CR-V, a direct competitor to the Outback, has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (approximately 680 kg). This is on par with the Outback’s 2.5-litre engine but falls short of the 3.6-litre engine’s towing capacity.
Toyota RAV4
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 offers a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (approximately 680 kg) with its standard engine and up to 3,500 pounds (approximately 1,588 kg) with the Adventure trim. While the RAV4’s Adventure trim surpasses the Outback’s towing capacity, it’s important to note that the RAV4 Adventure is a more specialised model focusing on off-road capabilities.
Ford Edge
The 2019 Ford Edge has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (approximately 680 kg) with its base engine and up to 3,500 pounds (approximately 1,588 kg) with the available towing package. The Edge’s higher towing capacity with the towing package makes it a strong competitor for the Outback, particularly for those who need more towing power.
Pros and Cons of the 2019 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity
To summarise, let’s explore the pros and cons of the 2019 Subaru Outback towing capacity.
Pros
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Standard on all models, providing excellent traction and stability when towing.
- X-Mode and Hill Descent Control: Enhance towing performance on rough or steep terrain.
- Trailer Stability Assist: Improves safety and control when towing.
- 2,700-pound towing capacity with the 3.6-litre engine: Sufficient for a wide range of trailers, boats, and campers.
Cons
- 1,500-pound towing capacity with the 2.5-litre engine: Limited towing capacity, suitable only for light loads.
- Reduced fuel economy when towing: Towing will significantly impact fuel efficiency.
- Competitors offer higher towing capacities: Some competitors, like the Ford Edge and Toyota RAV4 Adventure, offer higher towing capacities, making them better choices for those with more demanding towing needs.
Conclusion
The 2019 Subaru Outback is a versatile and capable vehicle with a decent towing capacity, particularly with the 3.6-litre engine. While it may not be the top choice for those needing maximum towing power, it balances everyday usability, comfort, and towing capability. With its advanced safety features, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and towing-specific technologies, the 2019 Outback is well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and need a vehicle that can handle both the journey and the equipment that comes with it.
Whether you’re towing a small trailer, a boat, or a camper, the 2019 Subaru Outback provides the reliability and performance you need. While there are competitors with higher towing capacities, the Outback’s unique combination of features makes it a strong contender in the midsize crossover segment.