Subaru Outback as tow vehicle - sorry for double post

Sub's work well...

We had a 1995 Subaru Impreza that we used as a tow vehicle for our 10' popup. It was great. It still got good mileage, was easy to tow and I loved it. It controlled the pup well, stopped it easily, even in the mountains where we live.

I would not hesitate to pull another pup with a Subaru.

I don't think I would try anything taller than a pup because of the wind drag, but it does pull a popup well.

You may want to give the Outback's CVT a couple years of field testing before towing much with it. It is a new transmission, and is a belt-style CVT unlike Nissan's Torroidal CVT. The belt-style CVT have the potential to generate lots of heat. I haven't heard of Subaru having problems with it yet, but it's pretty new and I think its rare for Subaru owners to actually tow.

FWIW - the Tribecca has a traditional automatic still, and also has more carrying capacity than the Outback but the overall footprint is pretty close.

A lot more than some on this forum will want to admit. One thing about Subaru tow ratings is that they ARE NOT based on an empty vehicle like most other trucks are. They are based on the assumption of a fully-loaded vehicle (GVWR) plus a trailer behind. Check the Subaru towing guide, you will see. THis can make a remarkable difference in what would otherwise seem like a narrow choice.

I had a 2004 Forester 2.5x 5-speed manual for about 4 years. Officially it had a "US Spec" tow rating of 2400 pounds. A little research showed me that only in the US (where trucks are pushed down the throats of willing consumers) was that rating so dismal. In Europe and Australia, the EXACT same car with a 2.0l engine had between 3500 and 4000 pounds of tow rating.

Subaru makes a really reliable, durable and dependable vehicle. The advanced independent suspension, 4-wheel disk brakes, all-wheel drive, low torque curve of the boxer motor and low center of gravity all combine to create a tow vehicle that is stable, safe and solid on the freeway.

I installed an aftermarket hitch on mine and was able to tow our rather large and heavy popup with remarkable ease. Holding 70mph on the freeway with the car loaded with people, dogs and gear, AC on and 5th gear was not a problem at all. I managed 25mpg typically. I also had electric trailer brakes, something I strongly recommend over 2000 pounds. We drove and towed with this car for several year trouble-free until I traded it in on my Fusion. I would recommend a Subaru to anyone, towing or not, if they want a practical and versatile vehicle. I even did some off-roading in mine, surprising a lot of pickup trucks in the mud while I was out there!

I hope this information finds you well.

-Jimmy

8 ft pup.