Subaru Outback as a pull vehicle?

brookings · January 2018

Thanks. I plan on some mountain driving. I'll Test it out.

Roamey · May 2018

From a review of the Subaru Ascent:

The Premium (model) endows the Ascent with a 5,000 lb towing capacity courtesy of oil and transmission coolers that are absent on the base car. Hooked to a 4,200 lb Airstream camper, the Subaru rolled through a parking lot slalom at 25 mph without complaint. The receiver hitch is hidden behind a plastic panel on the rear bumper and has all the kit for burly safety chains like on my full-sized truck at home. No weight distribution bars were fitted.

One towing oddity was the trailer brake controller, a dealer-installed unit that’s tucked away under the dash and not accessible without removing the fusebox cover. Doing so is the only way to adjust the electric trailer brake gain and would quickly become a chore. A dash-mounted integrated controller would go a long way to helping Subaru further stand out in the crowded three-row segment.

Despite targeting the Pilot, Pathfinder, Explorer, et al during development (all of which are available with a six – some only with a six), the company formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries is imbuing the biggest passenger vehicle they’ve ever made with a four-cylinder engine. At first blush, this seems like a mistake, especially with a tasty 3.6-liter boxer six in the corporate cupboard. That is, until you drive it. This engine, despite its lack of cylinders and displacement, actually makes more horsepower and torque than the 3.6-liter. Rated at 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, the four out-torques its larger stablemate by 30 lb-ft and out-twists all the above mentioned competitors save for the EcoBoosted Fords. The challenge for sales staff at Subaru dealers will be getting conquest buyers behind the wheel. If they can do that, the engine will speak for itself. While many boxers run on adrenaline, this one runs on regular unleaded. Bank on fuel economy in the mid-twenties.

avi8or · May 2018

Look up the tow rating for your same vehicle in Australia. They are much higher than in the U.S. you still shouldn’t go over what the manufacturer recommends, but cars can handle quite a bit. If you are near the max rated weight, you need to slow down on the highway. Like 60 MPH.

Verna · May 2018

But, you are towing in the United States, governed by rules established in the United States, insured by insurance companies in the United States. It does not matter what another country rates as their towing capacity. Your insurance company will determine if you are in compliance with the rules governed by this country.

Howdy, Stranger!

Quick Links

Categories

Subaru Outback as a pull vehicle?

Comments