2020 Subaru Outback towing capacity
The 2020 Subaru Outback is published in 7 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 2,700 to 3,500 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (3,500 lb) sits in compact SUV / minivan territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 182 | 176 | 3.9 | 2,700 | 4,850 | 3,634 | 1,216 |
| Premium 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 182 | 176 | 3.9 | 2,700 | 4,850 | 3,654 | 1,196 |
| Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 182 | 176 | 3.9 | 2,700 | 4,850 | 3,730 | 1,120 |
| Onyx Edition XT 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 260 | 277 | 4.11 | 3,500 | 5,026 | 3,884 | 1,142 |
| Touring 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 182 | 176 | 3.9 | 2,700 | 4,850 | 3,772 | 1,078 |
| Limited XT 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 260 | 277 | 4.11 | 3,500 | 5,026 | 3,926 | 1,100 |
| Touring XT 4dr All-wheel Drive | — | 260 | 277 | 4.11 | 2,700 | 5,026 | 3,937 | 1,089 |
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 2019
The 2019 Subaru Outback carried a maximum tow rating of 3,000 lb. The 2020 model adds 500 lb on top of that — usually a sign the manufacturer added a tow package option, refreshed the powertrain, or revised hitch class certification. See the 2019 Subaru Outback page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2020 Subaru models
The rest of Subaru's 2020 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2020 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 |
| 2020 Subaru Legacy | 3,000 |
| 2020 Subaru Impreza | 2,600 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 1,500 |
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.