2025 Subaru Outback XT - Discover Towing Power & Features

The Subaru Outback has been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts who want an adventure-ready vehicle with practical features. The 2025 Outback XT trims have everything you need and the towing capacity to take your excursions to the next level. Join us as we delve into the 2025 Subaru Outback's XT packages and towing capacities.

Towing Capacity: Unlock the Outback's Hauling Potential

The Subaru Outback comes in nine trims to suit your needs and budget. Among them, the Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT stand out due to their performance equipment and turbocharged engine. Let's explore the 2025 Subaru Outback's towing capacity and how it can help you in your daily life.

Maximum Capacity and Usage

The 2025 Subaru Outback's towing capacity varies depending on the trim. The lower Outback trims, with their 2.5-liter BOXER engines and Lineartronic continuously variable transmissions, tow up to 2,700 pounds. Meanwhile, the XT models come with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, which increases the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

This increase in towing capacity lets you easily tow small campers, such as the Airstream Bambi or Scamp, or a pair of Jet Skis for a day of fun at the beach. If you like fishing, you can tow a small boat to the lake and wet a line or tow a pair of ATVs to your cabin in the woods.

The Subaru Outback towing capacity remains a favorite for DIYers. You can use a utility trailer to pick up supplies at the lumber yard, haul junk to the dump, or remove yard waste. When you need to help a friend move or pick up a new washer and dryer, the Outback and a utility trailer are indispensable.

Cargo Space and Usage: Customize for Every Trip

Every Subaru Outback has 32.6 cubic feet of space behind the back seat, accessible through the hands-free power rear gate. That's plenty of room to haul groceries or beach gear.

You can expand the cargo space in the Subaru Outback to 75.6 cubic feet by folding the rear seat to accommodate larger items. You can load up your camping equipment for a quick weekend getaway or load up on supplies at the big box store.

The Subaru Outback's versatile cargo handling extends outside the vehicle thanks to its raised roof rails with integrated crossbars that adjust to fit different items and retract when not in use. You can mount kayaks or a canoe for your aquatic adventures, a pair of mountain bikes to explore around your campsite, or a cargo carrier to haul more gear.

When you aren't towing a trailer, you can use hitch-mounted accessories, such as a bike rack to carry up to four bikes. A hitch-mounted cargo rack can carry larger items, such as an electric mobility device, coolers, or extra fuel.

Towing Features and Technology: Experience a Better Drive

Every Outback model has Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system with X-MODE for enhanced stability and control. This system constantly measures acceleration, braking, and cornering as it delivers power to all four wheels. When the system detects slippage, it automatically transfers power to the wheels with the most grip. X-MODE optimizes the Symmetrical AWD system for maximum traction in slippery conditions. 

To get the most out of your Outback, consider getting the Onyx Edition. It features Subaru's Dual Function X-MODE, which features two settings — Snow/Dirt Mode and Deep Snow/Mud Mode — to get you out of tough conditions.

Snow/Dirt Mode

When traveling on loose gravel or slippery surfaces, this mode simultaneously adjusts engine output and throttle response to reduce wheelspin and redirects the Symmetrical AWD system's torque to the wheels with the most grip. The Snow/Dirt Mode automatically engages the hill-descent control system to keep the Outback at a slow, steady pace without driver input so you can focus on steering.

Deep Snow/Mud Mode

In certain conditions, wheelspin can help you get out of a difficult situation. The Deep Snow/Mud Mode allows some wheelspin to prevent the vehicle from becoming stuck in deep snow, mud, or other sticky situations.

Ground Clearance

Launching a set of Jet Skis or a small boat requires you to back your trailer into the water, which could present challenges for any other vehicle. However, the Outback XT boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing you to get your trailer into deeper water without submerging your rear axle. An elevated ride height also allows you to traverse larger obstacles but can align your trailer tongue more evenly with your Outback. A well-aligned trailer helps maintain stability, particularly if you need to tow on unpaved surfaces.

Engine Power and Performance: Discover the Perfect Build for You

If you rarely need to tow, the 2.5-liter engine has all the capability you need, pushing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque and towing up to 2,700 pounds. However, if you need to tow regularly, we recommend choosing a turbocharged engine, which you can find on any XT trim. These powerhouses deliver 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque and tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Test-Drive the 2025 Subaru Outback at McGrath Evanston Subaru

At McGrath Evanston Subaru, we understand what you need in a vehicle to elevate your adventurous lifestyle. That's why we stock an expansive inventory of new Outback models at competitive prices. We invite you to browse our online inventory to gain insight. Once you find a vehicle you want a closer look at, you can visit our Skokie, Illinois, dealership and speak with one of our friendly, professional staff. They'll answer your questions, demonstrate the Outback's capabilities, and coordinate a test-drive of your preferred model.