The table below lists every trim of the 2009 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 170 170 4.11 2,700 4,435 3,357 1,078
2.5i Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 170 170 4.44 2,700 4,435 3,481 954
2.5XT Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 243 241 4.44 2,700 4,545 3,546 999
3.0R Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Wagon 245 215 3.27 3,000 4,635 3,631 1,004

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 2008

The 2008 Subaru Outback carried a maximum tow rating of 3,000 lb. The 2009 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 2008 Subaru Outback page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2009 Subaru models

The rest of Subaru's 2009 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.