Subaru is one of those brands whose history beams with victories, innovation, and excellent vehicles that all customers can always count on. Subaru cars are regarded with so much respect for its lineup of all-wheel-drive vehicles, offering a unique blend of performance, safety, and versatility.
While Subaru cars excel in various aspects, their towing capacities might vary across different models and configurations. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or hauling a small boat, Subaru has a vehicle that can handle your towing needs.
So, how much exactly can the Subaru cars tow? Let’s delve into Subaru cars’ towing capacity, exploring the factors that influence it, the models available, and the towing capabilities associated with each.
Subaru Cars and their Towing Capacities
The renowned Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles offers a range of models with impressive towing capacities. Among the most popular Subaru cars when it comes to towing are the Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, and Ascent.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a robust compact crossover SUV that can pull up to 1,500 pounds. This makes it an excellent choice for taking extra gear on your trips. You will love the gas-powered engines too! The SUV has two variants: one with 2.0L and 2.5L Subaru cars’ famous boxer engines that give you reliable towing power.
If you go for the hybrid model from 2021, you get a bit less pull power – about 1,000 pounds, to be exact. But don’t worry! Even in its future models like the ones from 2022 and even as far ahead as 2023, this compact SUV holds its own with a max haul of 1,500 pounds! Whether you use gas or hybrid doesn’t matter much regarding towing with the Subaru Crosstrek!
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is super strong for towing purposes. Its 2023 model can pull up to 3,500 pounds with its turbocharged engine; this power makes it perfect for those who love camping and outdoor fun. However, this doesn’t mean that the older models are any less; the 2021 version of the Outback, for example, could tow up to 2,700 pounds by itself. Also, if you go for the Outback XT model, it can handle a whopping 3,500 pounds, just like its younger sibling! This power gets even better when you add on a special towing package Subaru Outback offers.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is right up there regarding the towing capabilities. However, the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester can vary slightly across different model years and configurations, influenced by engine options and specific trim levels.
The typical towing capacity for the Subaru Forester can go up to 3500 pounds across various model years and configurations. With an optional engine upgrade, that number shoots up to 3,500 pounds! It’s not just about towing, though; the Forester offers plenty of space, too, with a sizeable cargo room measuring 74.2 cubic feet. This capacity allows the Forester to tow smaller trailers, lightweight boats, or other light loads.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent stands out from the rest with its class. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for the Premium, Limited, and Touring trims, it beats many other SUVs. Yet, the basic model is not weakling either, as it can pull up to 2,000 pounds!
From the 2021 model to the 2024 one, Subaru Ascent keeps this high standard of strength steady for their customers’ needs. If you want even more power from your Ascent, just add a handy tow hitch and towing package; this helps to reach that impressive limit of hauling half a tonne, too! So, by all means, the Subaru Ascent has what it takes for heavy-duty tasks in style.
Factors to Consider for Towing with Subaru Cars
When it comes to towing with Subaru cars, there are several important factors to consider. From trailer payload capacity to tongue weight, understanding these elements will ensure a smooth and safe towing experience. Read on to learn more about what you need to know before hitching up your Subaru.
Trailer Payload Capacity
Trailer payload capacity is the weight of what you can safely put in your trailer; that’s why knowing this number is essential. The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester both have a limit of 1,500 lbs, whereas the Outback can handle more, between 2,700 and 3,500 lbs, based on the model. But the Ascent has them all beat with a whopping 5,000 lbs!
Also, don’t forget to check if your vehicle is set up right for towing heavy loads. Your car needs proper towing equipment like hitch receivers or wiring harnesses; this helps keep everything safe while on the road. Another note to consider is not to rush when loading your trailer! You should evenly spread items and secure them well to avoid shifting during travel, as too much weight at one end could cause problems.
Finally, do not go overboard by trying to haul way too much stuff! Observe maximum towing weight, as going beyond may damage your car’s parts or affect its driving control.
Tongue Weight
Tongue weight matters a lot in towing; it’s part of the trailer weight that pushes down on the towing car’s hitch. Each model of the Subaru cars has its tongue weight, so keep that in mind to get it right.
You do this by putting your load from 10 to 15 per cent of the gross towing weight on a ball-mounted hitch. Also, it is worth mentioning that using a weight distribution hitch is not okay with Subaru cars – so avoid that!
Subaru Accessories for Towing
Subaru offers a range of accessories to enhance your towing experience, including hitch receivers, trailer hitches, and wiring harnesses. These accessories are designed specifically for Subaru cars and ensure a secure and reliable connection between your car and the trailer.
Hitch Receivers
Hitch receivers help add ball mounts and other towing tools with ease. There are plenty of hitches, like the CURT 12100 Class 2 Trailer Hitch, which is one good choice. It fits several Subaru cars well and has a slot that measures an inch and a quarter.
Also, Even MetroWest offers a great option for heavy loads up to 1,500 lbs., all thanks to their strong hitch receiver, making it ideal for drivers when they need to tow something big.
Trailer Hitches
Trailer hitches are an essential accessory for towing with a Subaru. Genuine Subaru trailer hitches are made to handle heavy loads and have a towing capacity of up to 3,000 pounds.
They come with a 2-inch receiver and a black powder-coated base, which adds durability and style to your Subaru. Whether you’re planning to tow a camper, boat, or utility trailer, having the right trailer hitch will ensure you can safely and securely transport your cargo.
With easy installation options available, adding a trailer hitch to your Subaru is a good way to enhance its towing capabilities and make it even more versatile for all your adventures on the road.
Wiring Harnesses
Wiring harnesses are important accessories for towing with a Subaru. They make connecting your vehicle to the trailer easier and ensure that all the necessary electrical signals, like braking and signalling, are properly transmitted.
In particular, a wiring harness is needed to install towing accessories in a Subaru Outback Wagon easily. It’s also worth noting that the Subaru Outback towing package includes both a hitch and wiring harness.
For installation of the Subaru Ascent trailer hitch, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified Subaru technician. So, when you’re getting ready for towing adventures with your Subaru, don’t forget the importance of having a reliable wiring harness in place!
Are Subaru Cars Good for Towing?
Subaru Cars are great for towing! They have excellent towing capabilities and can handle campers, boats, and other small recreational vehicles. The towing capacity of Subaru SUVs varies depending on the model, trim level, and weight of the trailer you’re towing.
For example, the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the Ascent has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Outback models from 2023 can tow up to 2,700 pounds, perfect for hauling jet skis or small cargo trailers.
So, if you’re looking for an SUV that can handle your towing needs, Subaru cars are definitely a good choice!
Which One of the Subaru Cars has the Highest Towing Capacity?
Among Subaru cars, the Subaru Ascent typically boasts the highest towing capacity. The Subaru Ascent is a midsize three-row SUV designed to offer a blend of versatility, spaciousness, and towing capabilities.
If you need to tow heavier loads, the Subaru Ascent is your best bet, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. With these options in the Subaru crossover and SUV lineup, you can choose the model that best suits your towing needs.
Can Subaru Cars Tow a Camper?
Subaru cars have different towing capacities depending on the specific model. Some Subaru SUVs, like the Outback and Forester, can tow trailers, including campers. However, you need to consider the camper’s weight and ensure it falls within your Subaru’s towing capacity.
It’s important to check your vehicle’s towing guide to see the maximum weight it can handle. Remember that newer models may have variations in towing capacity compared to older ones.
So, if you’re considering towing a camper with a Subaru, check your vehicle’s specifications first.
In conclusion, Subaru cars have different towing capacities depending on the model and trim level. The Subaru Outback and Forester can tow up to 2,700 pounds, while the Ascent SUV has the highest towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. It’s important to consider factors like trailer weight and tongue weight when towing with a Subaru. With the right accessories and proper planning, you can safely tow with your Subaru for all your outdoor adventures.
