2020 Subaru Outback towing capacity
Up to 3,500 lbs with a conventional ball hitch. That rating is for this configuration: XT, Outback XT (2.4-liter turbo column), 2.4-liter DOHC Direct Injection Turbocharged 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER (260 hp), AWD. The lowest-rated configuration in the same tables is 2,700 lbs, so the answer for your vehicle depends on how it is equipped.
The top figure belongs to one specific build. Find the row that matches your engine, cab, drive and axle, and check the label on your driver's door jamb. Passengers and cargo in the truck come off what you can tow.
2020 Subaru Outback towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2020 Subaru Outback towing capacity chart
All 4 configurations in the source, by hitch type and engine, highest rating first. Each row links to the page it is printed on.
Conventional (ball hitch)
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT, Outback XT (2.4-liter turbo column)Lineartronic CVT High Torquerow label says '(certain limitations apply)', not explained; footnote 1: trailer brakes may be needed; hitch recorded as conventional because the accessory Trailer Hitch text on page 10 rates the ball-type hitch ('Hitch ball not included') at the same figure for this engine | AWD | 3,500 lbs | p. 9 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT, Accessory Trailer Hitch, 2.4L Turbo XTaccessory text: 'Heavy-duty rated at 3,500-lb. towing capacity, 350-lb. tongue weight, for the 2.4L Turbo XT'; ball mount sold separately; trailer brakes may be needed | AWD | 3,500 lbs | Subaru accessory Trailer Hitch; hitch ball not included | p. 10 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback (2.5-liter column)Lineartronic CVTrow label says '(certain limitations apply)', not explained; footnote 1: trailer brakes may be needed; hitch recorded as conventional because the accessory Trailer Hitch text on page 10 rates the ball-type hitch ('Hitch ball not included') at the same figure for this engine | AWD | 2,700 lbs | p. 9 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Trailer Hitch, naturally aspirated 2.5Laccessory text: 'at 2,700-lb. towing capacity, 270-lb. tongue weight, for the naturally aspirated 2.5L'; ball mount sold separately; trailer brakes may be needed | AWD | 2,700 lbs | Subaru accessory Trailer Hitch; hitch ball not included | p. 10 |
Common questions
Which 2020 Subaru Outback engine tows the most?
2.4-liter DOHC Direct Injection Turbocharged 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER (260 hp), at up to 3,500 lbs. Next is 2.4L Turbo at up to 3,500 lbs.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2020 Subaru Outback Brochure V2. Each row in the tables above links to the document and gives the page the figure is printed on.
Towing equipment for the 2020 Subaru Outback
The manufacturer's tables name this equipment for some 2020 Subaru Outback configurations. Equipment does not raise a rating. Check the Needs column for your own build before buying anything.
- Hitch ball, listed for 2 of 4 configurations. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver, listed for 2 of 4 configurations. See on Amazon (paid link)
Parts sold to fit this vehicle. Fitting one does not raise a rating, and the tables above say what each rating needs.
- Trailer wiring harness for the 2020 Subaru Outback. See on Amazon (paid link)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The ratings on this page come only from the documents cited.
Where these numbers come from
- 2020 Subaru Outback Brochure V2, Subaru. Manufacturer spec sheet. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
Page numbers count pages in the linked file, which can differ from the number printed in the corner. Report a number that looks wrong.