The table below lists every trim of the 2006 Subaru Outback with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.

Per-trim breakdown

Configuration Engine HP Torque Axle Tow (lb) GVWR Curb Payload
2.5i 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 168 166 4.11 2,700 4,555 3,310 1,245
3.0R L.L. Bean Edition 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan 250 219 4.11 3,000 4,520 3,545 975
2.5i Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan 168 166 3.9 2,700 4,400 3,265 1,135
2.5i Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 168 166 4.11 2,700 4,555 3,365 1,190
2.5XT Limited w/Charcoal Interior 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 250 250 4.11 2,700 4,555 3,500 1,055
2.5XT Limited w/Taupe Interior 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 250 250 4.11 2,700 4,555 3,500 1,055
3.0R 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 250 219 4.11 3,000 4,700 3,600 1,100
3.0R L.L. Bean Edition 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 250 219 4.11 3,000 4,700 3,600 1,100
3.0R VDC Limited w/Navi 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 250 219 4.11 3,000 4,700 3,630 1,070
2.5XT 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 250 250 4.11 2,700 4,555 3,365 1,190

How to interpret the headline tow figure

Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.

How this year compares to 2005

The 2005 Subaru Outback carried a maximum tow rating of 3,000 lb. The 2006 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2005 Subaru Outback page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2006 Subaru models

The rest of Subaru's 2006 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.