2015 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2015 Subaru Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds. This makes it a capable crossover SUV for light-duty towing needs.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 2,700 lbs (2.5L & 3.6R models)
• Max Payload: 1,029 – 1,164 lbs (varies by trim and engine)
• GVWR: 4,409 lbs (2.5i models); 4,519 lbs (3.6R models)
• GCWR: 6,600 lbs (2.5i models); 7,100 lbs (3.6R models)
• Curb Weight: 3,593 – 3,810 lbs (varies by trim and engine)
• Hitch Class: Class II (recommended for up to 3,500 lbs, with a maximum tongue weight of 350 lbs)

Tow ratings by engine & trim

For the 2015 Subaru Outback, towing capacity remains consistent across all available engine options and drivetrain configurations. Both the 2.5L four-cylinder and the 3.6L six-cylinder engines are rated for the same maximum towing capacity.

It's important to note that the 2015 Subaru Outback was not subjected to the SAE J2807 towing standard. Subaru's ratings are based on their own testing methods at the time.

Tow package contents

Subaru did not offer a traditional "tow package" for the 2015 Outback in the same way heavy-duty trucks might. Instead, key components for towing readiness were often available as dealer-installed accessories or integral to the vehicle's design.

• Trailer Hitch: A Class II receiver hitch was available as a dealer-installed accessory. This hitch typically had a 2-inch receiver opening, suitable for the Outback's towing capacity.
• Trailer Wiring Harness: A 4-pin or 7-pin trailer wiring harness was available as a dealer accessory. The 4-pin harness provides basic trailer lighting functions (running lights, turn signals, brake lights). A 7-pin harness would be necessary for trailers requiring electric brakes or auxiliary power, though an integrated brake controller was not offered from the factory.
• Transmission Cooler: The 2015 Outback, particularly models equipped with the Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for the 2.5L engine, had an adequately sized cooling system for its rated towing capacity under normal conditions. The 3.6R models with their conventional automatic transmission also featured sufficient cooling for their rating. No additional external transmission cooler was offered or generally required for the stated 2,700 lb towing capacity.
• Integrated Brake Controller: The 2015 Subaru Outback did not offer an integrated trailer brake controller from the factory. If towing a trailer equipped with electric brakes, an aftermarket trailer brake controller would be required. This would need to be installed by a qualified technician.
• Trailer Sway Control: The 2015 Outback comes standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which includes a form of electronic stability control. While not specifically branded as "Trailer Sway Control" in the same vein as some larger SUVs or trucks, VDC can help mitigate trailer sway by applying individual brakes and/or reducing engine power when it detects instability. However, a dedicated, more robust trailer sway control system specifically designed for heavy trailer sway was not a standalone feature.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

The 2015 Subaru Outback is not designed for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. These types of hitches are exclusively for heavy-duty trucks and require a much higher towing capacity and a different chassis design than a crossover SUV can provide. Attempting to install or use a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch on a Subaru Outback is unsafe and can lead to severe vehicle damage and accidents.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

For the 2015 Subaru Outback, a weight distribution hitch (WDH) is generally not required for trailers within its 2,700-pound towing capacity, assuming the tongue weight remains within the recommended range (typically 10-15% of the trailer's total weight, or about 270-405 lbs for a 2,700 lb trailer). The maximum tongue weight for the Outback is usually rated at 270 lbs without a WDH.

However, consulting your owner's manual is crucial. If you experience significant rear-end sag, compromised steering, or braking performance when towing, or if your trailer has a particularly high tongue weight, a WDH might be beneficial. Always ensure that any WDH used is compatible with your vehicle and trailer and that it's installed and adjusted correctly. Over-tensioning a WDH can also cause adverse handling characteristics.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Know Your Weights: Always verify the actual weight of your loaded trailer, including cargo, water, and gear, using a public scale. Never exceed the Outback's maximum towing capacity or gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR).
• Balance the Load: Distribute the trailer's cargo to achieve a proper tongue weight (10-15% of the trailer's total weight). Too much or too little tongue weight can lead to dangerous trailer sway or poor handling.
• Check Fluids and Tires: Before each trip, check engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant levels. Ensure all tires on both the Outback and the trailer are properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended cold tire pressure for towing. Over-inflating or under-inflating can lead to blowouts or poor handling.
• Brake Controller: If your trailer has electric brakes, an aftermarket brake controller is essential for safe towing. Ensure it is correctly installed and adjusted.
• Driving Habits: Maintain a safe speed. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Allow for longer stopping distances, as the added weight of the trailer will increase the distance required to stop safely. Use a lower gear when descending long grades to help control speed and reduce brake fade.
• Mirrors: Consider using extended towing mirrors for better visibility around your trailer.
• Regular Maintenance: Adhere to a more frequent maintenance schedule when regularly towing, especially for items like oil changes, transmission fluid changes (if applicable), and brake inspections. Towing puts additional strain on these components.

Common towing-related issues

• Overheating: While the Outback's cooling system is generally adequate, towing in extreme heat, up steep grades, or with an overloaded trailer can lead to engine or transmission overheating. Monitor your temperature gauges closely.
• Trailer Sway: Improper tongue weight, crosswinds, or sudden maneuvers can contribute to trailer sway. Ensuring correct load distribution and using additional sway control devices (friction sway control or a WDH with integrated sway control) can help.
• Brake Wear: The increased weight from towing puts more strain on the braking system, leading to accelerated wear. Regular brake inspections and maintenance are crucial.
• Transmission Strain (CVT): While the Outback's CVT is designed for towing within its limits, continuous heavy towing, especially in hot conditions, can lead to increased wear on the transmission. Following the recommended maintenance schedule is particularly important.
• Suspension Sag: Without proper load distribution or if the tongue weight is too high, the rear suspension may sag, affecting handling and headlight aim. A weight distribution hitch can mitigate this.

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