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Home / Vehicles / Which Subaru Is Best for Towing a Trailer? A Guide for Adventurers

Which Subaru Is Best for Towing a Trailer? A Guide for Adventurers

Towing with a Subaru? Discover the best Subaru SUVs for hauling campers, boats, and gear. See towing capacities, key features, and recommendations.

With adventure-ready features like standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE for enhanced control on various terrains, and the powerful SUBARU BOXER engine, Subaru vehicles empower you to explore new heights on your next outdoor journey. Subaru offers a versatile SUV lineup, including the full-size Ascent, the midsize Outback, and the compact Forester and Crosstrek. Backed by Subaru’s superior engineering and built for longevity, 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today—outlasting Toyota and Honda. 

If you’ve enjoyed car camping and off-roading but are eager to take your adventures to the next level with a trailer in tow, selecting the right Subaru model is crucial. Whether for camping, boating, or utility purposes this guide outlines the towing capacities of various 2025 Subaru models, to help you plan your next great escape.

Subaru Ascent: The Heavyweight Hauler

Leading Subaru’s lineup in towing capability is the Subaru Ascent. Equipped with a robust 2.4L turbocharged engine, the Ascent boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This makes it ideal for towing mid-sized campers, larger boats, utility trailers, and everything in between. With spacious three-row seating, the Ascent is an excellent option for families or larger groups, providing comfortable seating for up to eight.

The Ascent also features Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), a system that monitors the vehicle and trailer’s motion and detects any signs of sway. TSA selectively applies braking to individual wheels and adjusts engine torque to counteract trailer sway, helping to realign and stabilize the trailer for a safer towing experience. Paired with X-MODE, you can navigate slippery surfaces with maximum traction and descend difficult grades with the confidence and stability of Hill Descent Control. 

2.4L Turbocharged Engine

  • Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
  • Ideal for: mid-size campers, boats, UTVs and ATVs
  • Key features: Trailer Stability Assist, symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-MODE

Subaru Outback: Versatility Meets Capability

The Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV known for its reliability and car-like comfort. The 2.5L engine comes standard, allowing for a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds – perfect for small boats, pop-up campers, or utility trailers to haul your gear, kayaks, and bikes. For increased towing capacity, the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims come equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged engine, boosting the towing capacity to an impressive 3,500 pounds.

2.4L Turbocharged Engine (Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, & Touring XT trims)

  • Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
  • Ideal for: mid-sized boats, heavier pop-up & small campers, heavy utility trailers & gear
  • Key features:  symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-MODE

2.5L Engine (Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, & Touring trims)

  • Towing capacity: 2,700 pounds
  • Ideal for: small boats, pop-up campers, lighter utility trailers & gear
  • Key features:  symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-MODE

Subaru Forester: Compact Yet Capable

If you’re looking for a compact SUV capable of tackling rugged adventures, the Subaru Forester might be the fit. The 2.5L engine and Trailer Stability Assist come standard on all trims, allowing you to confidently and comfortably tow up to 1,500 pounds. Redesigned for 2025, the Forester boasts upgraded technology and a spacious, comfortable interior that sets it apart from the competition.

2.5L Engine

  • Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
  • Ideal for: small teardrop or lightweight campers, lightweight utility trailers, bike racks
  • Key features:  Trailer Stability Assist, symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-MODE (excluding base model)

Subaru Crosstrek: The Mighty Compact

The Subaru Crosstrek is more compact than the Forester, but it doesn’t compromise on features, off-road capability, or towing power. An excellent option for those who need to navigate city streets and parking but still want to explore the unbeaten path, the Subaru Crosstrek features a standard towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. 

The Wilderness trim features enhanced transmission and engine cooling. Combined with a reinforced suspension, these upgrades increase the Crosstrek’s towing capacity to 3,500 pounds—making it capable of hauling boats, small campers, and heavier utility trailers packed with gear.

2L Engine (Base Model) & 2.5L Engine (Premium, Sport, & Limited Trims)

  • Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
  • Ideal for: small teardrop or lightweight campers, lightweight utility trailers, bike racks
  • Key features: symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-MODE

2.5L Engine (Wilderness Trim)

  • Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
  • Ideal for: mid-sized boats, heavier pop-up & small campers, heavy utility trailers & gear
  • Key features: symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-MODE

Experience Subaru Firsthand at Hicks Family Subaru

Planning your next great adventure requires a vehicle that supports your towing needs. Our knowledgeable team at Hicks Family Subaru is ready to assist you in selecting the perfect model tailored to your active lifestyle and towing requirements. Visit us today in Corpus Christi to schedule a test drive and discover the Subaru that’s right for you.

For those with towing needs exceeding Subaru’s capacities, the Hicks Auto Group offers a diverse selection of trucks and larger capacity vehicles, like the Nissan Frontier with an available towing capacity of 6,640 pounds on select models. Hicks Family Subaru and the Hicks Auto Group are here to help you with ensuring you find the perfect match for your hauling needs.

Hicks Family Subaru

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Corpus Christi, TX 78415

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