How Much Can My Subaru Tow? | Subaru Towing Guide
Your Subaru can handle your off-road adventures, thanks to its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. But, how much can you tow behind your trusty Subaru? Our team has put together a quick Subaru towing reference guide.
Keep in mind that knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity is essential before loading up and hitting the road. Too much weight can cause permanent damage to your Subaru, and no one wants that!
It is also important to note that certain models, such as the Impreza, Legacy, BRZ, WRX and WRX STI are not recommended for towing purposes.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR TRAILER’S EXACT WEIGHT.
The recommendations below are suggestions based on average trailer weight for each trailer specified.
Before towing anything behind your Subaru, it is important to understand some key towing terms.Â
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This measurement is the maximum loaded weight, specified by the specific manufacturer. This includes the weight of the vehicle, passengers and cargo inside.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): GAWR is the maximum distributed weight that can be placed on your vehicle’s front or rear axles. This is also specified by manufacturer.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): This is the total weight of the trailer as well as all of its cargo. This can be calculated by putting the fully loaded trailer onto a vehicle scale.
Tongue Weight (TW): This can be defined as the downward force on the back of your vehicle by the cargo within the trailer. This can be affected by the way the cargo is positioned within the trailer, and it is very important in order to maintain control of your vehicle. Suggested tongue weight is around 10-15% of your vehicle’s Gross Trailer Weight.
It is also important to keep these metrics in mind before you tow any kind of trailer with your Subaru. For example, while your Crosstrek might be able to tow a lightweight aluminum boat, it may not be able to tow the boat, all of your fishing gear, cooler full of beer and snacks. So always make sure your trailer and cargo are the appropriate weight. To help calculate your vehicle’s appropriate towing capacity, you can also take you VIN and vehicles details to find your exact capacity by using the resource tool from Subaru of America.Â
How much can a Subaru Crosstrek tow?
How much can a Subaru Forester tow?
How much can a Subaru Outback tow?
How much can a Subaru Ascent tow?
Subaru’s largest vehicle yet – the Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 lb. All trim levels have a towing capacity of 5,000 lb, besides the Ascent base model, which can tow up to 2,000 lb. Ascent really steps up the Subaru towing game, and is able to tow most  aluminum or fiberglass boats, motorcycle trailers, lightweight utility trailers, horse trailers, and some campers or vacation trailers.
Model | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ascent  | 2,000-5,000 lbs | 2,000-5,000 lbs | 2,000-5,000 lbs | 2,000-5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
BRZ  | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
Crosstrek  | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
Forester  | 3000 lbs | 1,500-3,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
Impreza  | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
Legacy  | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
Outback  | 2,700 to 3,500 lbs | 2,700-3,500 lbs | 2,700-3,500 lbs | 2,700-3,500 lbs | 2,700 lbs | 2,700 lbs | 2,700 lbs | 2,700-3,000 lbs | 2,700-3,000 lbs | 2,700-3,000 lbs |
Solterra  | 2,000 to 4,000 lbs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
WRX  | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
Have any additional questions? Feel free to leave us a comment!Â
29 comment(s) so far on How Much Can My Subaru Tow? | Subaru Towing Guide
I have a 2016 Subaru Impreza hatchback, how much can I tow? I want to pull 2 dirt bikes and a small trailer, thank you
Thanks for reaching out, Drew! According to the owners manual, the 2016 Impreza is not rated for towing. We do not recommend towing anything with your Impreza. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
I gave 4 cyl 2016 outback. What do I need to add to pull Scamp 13’ with front bathroom (additional transmission cooler, wired or wireless braking system, sway bars etc)
For the Outback’s 2700 lb. towing capacity, this would be (at the low end) a recommended tongue weight of 270 lbs. The maximum tongue weight for the Outback is 200 lbs. Does this mean that the Outback should really only be towing a maximum of 2000 lbs to keep the tongue weight within the recommended 10-15% range? Thank you!
my mom has a 2016 forester. it can tow 1,500 pounds
I am looking at the 2020 Forestrer and read your web site and would like to know what the
GVWR, GAWR, GTW and TW are for this vehicle.
Thanks
Steve Derynck
How large of a closed inUhaul trailer can I haul with a 2015 Subaru Forester?
How much weight can my 2001 Subaru Legacy Outback tow?
What do I need to go from 3prong to 7 prong connection, I only have the three prong, but need to be able to use trailer brakes.
I have a 2015 Impreza hatchback, how much can I tow? I am planning to tow my boat next weekend.
Can I tow a 3000 lb GVW trailer in overdrive with a Outback 2700-3500 lb towing capacity or do I need to drive in a lower gear?
It depends on the year. If you have a 2020-2022 Outback, then it should be fine. Older models would be pushing the limits of your vehicle.
I have a 2013 Subaru Forester, 4 cylinder. Can it tow a cargo trailer with a GVWR of 2760 lbs.
A 2013 4-Cylinder Subaru Forester has a gross tow weight of 2,400lb. We would not recommend towing a cargo trailer with a GVWR of 2760lb.
I’m looking at a camper trailer that has the following specs. Can I tow it with a 2022 outback XT?
Gross Dry Weight 2600 Lbs.
Hitch Dry Weight 250 Lbs.
Axle Weight 2350 Lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity 1100 Lbs.
GVWR 3700 Lbs.
Please refer to your Subaru Owners Manual for all towing information. For specifics, please contact your local Subaru service department.
I have a 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6. How much can I tow in GTW? How is this affected by towing to an area of 8000 ft altitude?
A 2012 Outback 3.6R has a gross tow weight of 3,000lb. However, just because this is the max amount your car can handle, it is important to not overload your vehicle. Keep the tow weight at least a few hundred pounds under the GTW. Towing can be affected by altitude, so account for a buffer of 10-15% to give yourself extra power for weather and elevation changes. For more information on how altitude can affect towing, please reference this article.
So I really want to go on a trip, and I drive a Subaru BRZ, I know it’s not recommended, but could I tow a small trailer that weights under 1,000 pounds????
We do not recommend using your BRZ for towing, therefore we can not advise you to do so.
Well-written post. Worth the share. I am pretty sure this would help readers especially those who are new to towing services and how it works. Thanks!!
Hello, I have a 2008 outback XT, it says that I have a 2700lbs towing capacity! Just bought a camper that weight 1700lbs ( empty). I plan to cross so mountain areas with my camper. Just wondering if I should be Ok because it seems like when I climb hills, my engine heats a bit! When I was in manual mode! Seems better! Do you think my 08 Xt will be able to pull it of across the country?
Hello! It is always best to check your Subaru Manual to know specific towing capacity of your vehicle. If you have more questions it is best to call our service department to get the best information! You can reach them at (971) 888-8013
I have a 2017 Outback, would I be able to tow a 2023 Impreza? I’m moving and it would be nice to take both vehicles in one trip
For specific towing capacity we suggest looking at the vehicles manual to get the most accurate information.
Can you comment on whether a bumper mounted hitch is acceptable for a 2016 2.5L Outback for towing vs. a frame mounted hitch? I have to take off a 1 1/4 Class I no matter what, so if a Class III bumper mounted one is good, I’ll swap it on instead of a frame mounted one.
Hello, we recommend reading your cars manual to get specific and accurate information on each model.
I have a 2018 outback with a3.6 engine. How much weight can I tow? What other equipment should I install on my car. I have already add the electrical brakes and towing hitch. What else do I need?
It’s important to note that the dry weight of most travel trailers averages around 5,000 pounds. Dry weight specifically refers to the weight of the trailer without any additional cargo.