Towing Capacity of Subaru SUVs

Whether you need to tow your boat, a light trailer, or just occasionally haul equipment, you don't always have to rely on a pickup truck—or your brother-in-law—to get the job done. In fact, many utility vehicles, including Subaru SUVs, are perfectly suited to your needs.

Models like the Subaru Outback, Forester, Ascent, and Crosstrek not only offer the robust Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive, but also boast impressive towing capabilities.

What exactly are the towing capacities of Subaru SUVs? Continue reading to discover their specific towing capabilities, or visit Subaru Montréal to benefit from our expert advice!

2024 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

An all-wheel-drive midsize SUV that is highly popular among outdoor enthusiasts, the 2024 Subaru Outback is the perfect candidate for your next family vehicle. Available in 7 different trims at attractive prices, this rugged SUV is ideally suited for driving on the toughest terrains; if you're into wild camping, the Outback can take you to your favorite spot without any trouble, thanks to its off-road capabilities and high ground clearance.

The technical specs of the 2024 Subaru Outback are competitive; depending on the trim, you can opt for a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower/176 lb-ft of torque, or a powerful 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder that delivers 260 horsepower/277 lb-ft of torque.

The towing capacity of the Subaru Outback varies by trim and engine, ranging from 1225 to 1588 kg (2700 to 3500 pounds), so you can easily tow a tent trailer, a light boat, or a trailer to transport wood, equipment... or help your brother-in-law move!

Finally, the 2024 Subaru Outback offers a generous utility volume ranging from 923 to 2141 liters, depending on whether the rear seats are folded down or not.

2024 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity

The 2024 Subaru Forester, a popular choice among active people, continues to excel in off-road driving, towing capacity, and utility space. With six trims, each more equipped than the last, the Forester features a single engine option across its range - a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Lineartronic CVT.

The 2024 Subaru Forester specs show a towing capacity of 680 kg (1500 pounds), with the more rugged Wilderness trim capable of towing up to 1360 kg (3000 pounds).

Besides its towing capability, the Forester will also impress you with its generous cargo space, ranging from 762 to 1957 liters with the rear seats folded down. The base model offers even more utility space, up to 2101 liters, allowing you not only to tow an ultralight trailer but also carry everything you need for your trip!

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity

The all-wheel drive 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover that excels both in urban and rural settings. And the technical specifications of the Subaru Crosstrek 2024 prove it!

It offers five trims, with engine options including a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Despite its compact size, the Crosstrek's towing capacity reaches 1500 pounds across most trims, with the top-tier Wilderness model boasting an increased capacity of 3500 pounds.

You'll also be impressed by its cargo volume, which varies between 564 and 1549 liters, with the Wilderness trim offering slightly more, from 566 to 1555 liters. This makes it highly competitive against other models that are less spacious or lack any towing capacity, such as the Honda HR-V or VW Taos.

Additionally, its chassis is 10% more rigid, and its suspension is specifically adapted for more challenging terrains. Did we mention it was named Best Subcompact SUV of 2024 by The Car Guide?

2024 Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity

The mid-size SUV outperforms many minivans thanks to its solid towing and off-road capabilities! Capable of accommodating 7 to 8 passengers, the 2024 Subaru Ascent's specs are enviable. The base Ascent trim has a towing capacity of 907 kg (2000 pounds), while the rest of the lineup can tow up to 2270 kg (5004 pounds), which puts it in an excellent position compared to traditional minivans.

This makes it an appealing choice for families who enjoy traveling with a small trailer, especially if you opt for a model offering the greatest towing capacity. Additionally, the cargo volume is ample, ranging from 458 liters behind the third row to 2061 liters behind the first row.

How Is SUV Towing Capacity Calculated?

When shopping for an SUV for towing, it's important not to choose a model where the capacity is too close to what you actually need. For instance, if you have a 4500-pound trailer, an SUV that can tow 5000 pounds might not be sufficient. Why?

There are additional factors to consider, such as the allowed tongue weight and the vehicle's total load capacity, including luggage and passengers... not to mention the towed object itself.

Generally, the allowed tongue weight is 10% of the towing capacity, while a trailer generally applies between 13% and 18% of its weight to the connection point. You'll need to consider these factors when shopping, so as not to ruin your vacation before it's even started!

Summary Table

Here's a table summarizing the capacities of each of the models listed above, which you can find at your

Subaru Montreal dealer. Ask about our great Subaru financing offers!