Towing Capacity of 2011 Subaru Outback With 2.5L Engine and Parts Needed to Tow

Updated 08/14/2019 | Published 08/13/2019

Question:

What is the maximum towing capacity for a 2011 Subaru Outback with a 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engine

asked by: Alan

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2011 Subaru Outback and it stated for models with your 2.5 liter engine the maximum towing capacity is 2,700 lbs for a trailer with brakes, or 1,000 lbs for a trailer without brakes.

To tow you will need to start with a trailer hitch and I highly recommend the options from Draw-Tite because of how reliable they have proven to be. Assuming you do not have a Sport model you have two options for hitches, the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75673 or Draw-Tite # 76227. The biggest difference between these two hitches is that the latter will be completely hidden under the bumper, as you can see in the accompanying photo of this hitch installed on an Outback which a customer sent in.

You will also need a wiring harness to power your trailer's lights, the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118467, which is a simple installation, as you can see in the linked install video of this harness being installed on an '11 Outback.

I have also added links to video installs of these hitches for you to take a look at and linked the written install instructions.

expert reply by: Kyle S