There will always be a time when you’ll need to tow a weight behind your Subaru Outback. It barely matters what weight it is, but the best trailer hitch for Subaru Outback would be the ideal companion.
Trailer hitches can handle a variety of heavy loads, from bicycles to cars, depending on the kind. The Subaru Outback’s towing capacity is also an important consideration.
When it comes to an excellent trailer hitch, though, you can’t just go with anyone. It’s critical to choose brands that won’t degrade quickly because of outside environmental variables or break down between travels.
Luckily, after hours of expert research, we are here to help you find out the best hitch for your Subaru Outback.
Can I Put a Hitch on a Subaru Outback?
Yes, you can. In fact, there is a sincere need for you to have a trailer hitch behind your vehicle.
However, the purpose you intend to use a hitch for can only be successful when you have the best hitch for Subaru Outback.
Our Top Picked Best Trailer Hitches for Subaru Outback (Tested and Reviewed)
IMAGE | MODEL | KEY FEATURES | OUR RATING | PRICE |
TOP PICK  | CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch |
| ||
RUNNER UP  | Draw-Tite 76227 class iii Trailer hitch |
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 | CURT 121363 Class 2 Trailer Hitch |
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 | Draw-Tite 36493 |
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1) CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Our Top Pick)
Our favorite best trailer hitch for Subaru Outback is Curt 13390 Class III hitch has 4,000 pound Gross Trailer Weight and 600 lbs Tongue Weight.
CURT class 3 trailer hitches provide the strength needed for severe hauling, whether you’re launching your boat before daylight, preparing your campers before the traffic, or taking a last load to the dump before close.
Curt 13390 Class III hitch makes it simple to hitch up by providing a vehicle-specific fit as well as the towing weight capacity of a wide range of trailers. For pickup trucks and SUVs, the weight-class 3 hitch is the most popular hitch receiver style.
This CURT 13390 Class 3 trailer hitch is suitable for pickup trucks, sport – utility, and personal watercraft, making it an excellent option for 2015 Subaru Outbacks. Because of their towing weight range, they can also be seen on full-size automobiles, crossovers, and minivans.
This CURT 13390 Class 3 hitch installs a standard 2-inch by 2-inch towing hitch receiver on your vehicle, providing for a wide range of towing possibilities. It can be equipped with ball mounts, cargo carriers, gooseneck trailer, bike rack, tow hook, and other accessories.
At CURT’s Detroit engineering facility, every class 3 trailer hitch design is put to the test in real-world, on-vehicle situations. For maximum safety, while hauling, automotive spare hitches are tested to SAE J684 requirements just like the CURT 121336 trailer hitch.
A special dual coat finish of rust-resistant liquid Bonderite protects this tow hitch. The coatings are applied from the inside out and are constructed of high-grade powder finish material. So no need to be worried about the towing hitch wearing out anytime soon. The two finishes are co-cured for superior corrosion, chipping, and UV radiation protection.
This CURT 13390 class 3 hitch is developed with cutting-edge technology, which is one of the reasons you should get it.
In comparison to the other hitches, this Class iii makes it appear functional and long-lasting. On certain Subaru Legacy and Outback model years, this tow hitch delivers a custom factory fit.
This tow hitch has a neat appearance that contrasts with its brute strength. Despite the hitch’s high loading capacity, the joins are expertly welded. As a result, the weld lines are neat. This Class iii tow hitch is tough and can resist rough terrain.
| Things We Liked the most | Things could be better |
|---|---|
| Tested in Detroit engineering facility, according to SAE J684 standards | It’s is quite tedious to put together |
| Instructions for installation are straightforward | |
| Made of heavy duty carbon steel | |
| Designed with cutting-edge technology | |
| Standard hitch receiver | |
| Powder coated finish | |
| Skilfully welded for optimal strength and more weight caring capacity | |
| The trailer hitch offers both custom and factory fits on selective models |
Why this is our best pick
According to our chief reviewers & customer review- If you need a solid framed hitch to place your heavy loads on your Subaru Outback, this might be just what you need.
This is absolutely right for you if you have a folding carrier that sits pretty close to the back of your Subaru when it’s folded. Or if you prefer a hitch that looks like it came from the factory and doesn’t call too much attention to itself.
Besides, it includes all the specs the Subaru Outback trailer hitch should have with an impressive towing capacity. Undoubtedly this is one of the best hitches for Subaru Outback available in the industry.
2) Draw-Tite 76227 class iii Trailer hitch
The strength and durability of a completely welded car trailer hitch cannot be overstated. The Tested Tough guarantee from the Draw Tite hitch ensures that this tow hitch meets or surpasses industry requirements. Combining an e-coat base and a powder coating finish provides excellent rust protection.
The Draw Tite 76227’s Class 3 square and sturdy tow hitch receiver tube size is 2″ x 2″, rated up to 4,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and up to 600 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW). Not warranted for use with towing weight distribution systems, though. All hitches are designed for customers with trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles. It has a clean appearance that attaches to the vehicle’s solid frame and/or bumper.
Your vehicle will tow a trailer and haul a bike rack or carry carrier with this Draw Tite custom fit Class iii trailer hitch. The fully welded steel construction, which was computer-aided, provides strength and longevity to these best hitches. Toughly tested to exceed industry norms in terms of safety and reliability.
Installation is simple and straightforward with existing hardware – no welding required. The Draw Tite tow hitch comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the consumer. Removable ball mount, pin, and clip are sold separately.
| Things We Liked the most | Things could be better |
|---|---|
| Tested to meet industry standards | The package did not provide any installation instructions. We had to look it up on the internet |
| A coat base and powder coat finish | |
| Solidly welded construction | |
| Optimized for fitting perfectly | |
| Designed to withstand any terrain | |
| Made from heavy duty high quality materials | |
| Fairly easy installation | |
| The procedures for installing the device are straightforward | |
| Provides hassle-free performance for years ahead | |
| Delivers exceptional durability and wear resistance | |
| A limited lifetime warranty is provided |
3) CURT 121363 Class 2 Trailer Hitch with Ball Mount
Whether you’re hauling trailers, a boat out on the water, or loading up the mountain bikes on the trails, CURT trailer hitches on your high ground clearance Subaru Outback are the answer to fulfilling your passions. This CURT Class II trailer hitch is ideal for towing a compact trailer such as a boat trailer, camper, or utility trailer. You can also use it to attach a freight carrier or a bike rack to the hitch.
This class 2 trailer hitch, as with all custom CURT trailer hitches, is designed to fit a specific vehicle. It’s designed to work with certain Subaru Outback models.
It has a Gross Trailer Weight capacity of 3,500 pounds and a Tongue Weight capacity of 350 pounds. It also has a 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 hitch receiver for the hitch ball mount. This hitch kit includes a ball mount with a 3/4 trailer ball hole that can be positioned in either a drop or rise mode for balanced hauling for your particular trailer (trailer ball not included).
This class 2 hitch is engineered, built, polished, and tested in the same manner as all their CURT custom receiver hitches. It’s designed for a perfect fit, simple installation, maximum towing capacity, and a seamless appearance on the car.
At CURT’s Detroit plant, each class 2 trailer hitch design is rigorously tested using real trucks in real-world conditions. To give you assurance and reliability on the road, these hitches have been tested to SAE J684 specifications.
Their industry-leading dual-coat method gave this class 2 trailer hitch unrivaled rust, chip, and UV protection. It’s descaled for a smooth finish, dipped in liquid A-coat for rust protection on the interior and out, then finished with a tough powder coat. Finally, it’s co-cured for long-lasting protection against the weather.
For a complete installation, this class 2 hitch includes a hitch ball mount, a hitch pin, and all the hardware. Can be equipped with ball mounts, gooseneck trailers, bike racks, tow hooks, and other accessories.
Now, what else do you need in a trailer hitch to be the best for your Subaru Outback? seriously!
| Things We Liked the most | Things could be better |
|---|---|
| For a tailored fit, a vehicle-specific design was used | During our analysis, we discovered none |
| SAE J684 was used to test the product’s safety | |
| For heavy duty strength and greater fit, precision welding is used | |
| The primary body is made of a sleek round receiver tube | |
| A robust high-gloss black powder coat finish protects the surface | |
| Coated with a rust-resisting liquid bonderite | |
| A Cast Welded Seamless Collar adds strength in terms of extra weight | |
| An open-back hitch receiver is included for simple cleaning | |
| A traditional ball mount can be flipped to produce either drop or rise | |
| A limited lifetime guarantee is included | |
| Made in the USA (may include imported hardware) |
You can also buy this from curtmfg.com
4) Draw-Tite 36493 Class II Frame Hitch
If you need a 1-1/4″ Square Receiver Tube size instead of 2″ like Draw Tite 76227 and Draw Tite 76227 offers, the Draw Tite 36493 Class ii trailer hitch is for you. This custom fit trailer hitch lets you tow a trailer or carry a bike rack or cargo carrier with your vehicle.
Rated up to 3,500 pounds towing Weight Carrying (WC) and 300 lbs tongue weight, whereas Draw Tite 76227 and Draw Tite 76227 offer 4,000 lbs Gross Trailer Weight.
This one, too, has a neat appearance, all frame attachments, with an A-coat base with black powder coat finish like Draw Tite 76227 and Draw Tite hitch 76227.
Allow custom-built to manufacturer and model year that ensures a perfect fit and top towing performance. There was no struggle regarding the hitch mounting to our Subaru Outback 2015 and 2012. The factory holes lined up perfectly. The wire that screws to the bolts worked extremely well for holding the bolt in place during the hitch install.
We recommend having a second person hold the tow hitch (if possible) with you during installation. It’ll make the process much easier than doing it by yourself. We installed and used this with a Saris Superclamp 2 bike hitch, and we found no fault whatsoever.
These corrosion-resistant and Fully welded vehicle trailer hitch receivers are ideal for light-duty towing. The Tested Tough guarantee from Draw Tite confirms that this tow hitch meets or surpasses industry requirements and makes them one of the best hitches available.
Note: The drawbar, pin, & clip can all be purchased individually.
| Things We Liked the most | Things could be better |
|---|---|
| Custom fit with fairly easy installation | Quality Control could be better |
| The fully welded steel construction, which was computer-aided, provides strength and longevity | We found some customer reviews about poor packaging. However, we didn’t face this issue. |
| Industry standards for safety and dependability are met | |
| Bolt-on installation – no welding required | |
| All the hardware kit and installation instructions are included | |
| Black powder coat finish covers the e-coat base for superior rust protection | |
| Sturdy, heavy duty hitch with square receiver tube design | |
| Limited lifetime warranty |
Subaru Outback Trailer Hitches Comparison table
| Brand | CURT 121363 | CURT 13390 | Draw Tite 76227 | Draw Tite 36493 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item Weight | 41 Pounds | 35 pounds | 35 pounds | 39 pounds |
| Class | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 3 | Class 2 |
| Gross trailer weight | 3500 lbs | 4000 lbs | 4000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
| Tongue weight | 350 lbs | 600 lbs | 600 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Vehicle Service Type | Marine-Personal-Crafts, Trailers | Pickup Trucks, Marine-Personal-Crafts, Sport-Utility-Vehicles, Snowmobiles, Passenger Cars, All-Terrain-Vehicles, Trailers | Trucks, Sport-Utility-Vehicles, Vans, Trailers | Trailers |
Things to Remember Before Buying the Trailer Hitch for Subaru Outback
You must account for various aspects before purchasing a trailer hitch. There are numerous trailer hitches for various car models on the market. Making the misstep of choosing one that isn’t compatible with your car type might be costly and dangerous.
It is preferable to avoid such blunders by making your right hitch purchase based on specific factors that will assist you.
Following buying considerations can keep you from purchasing trailer hitches that aren’t compatible with your Subaru Outbreak and may not fulfill the requirements you intended. Being precise about what you need in a trailer hitch for your Subaru Outback is the best way to acquire it.
Before you buy a trailer hitch, there are a few things you should think about:
Vehicle Classification
It is vital to include vehicle type in your buying strategy.
Subaru outbacks aren’t the only ones who need trailer pitching. As a result, if you purchase a different variety than what your car requires, you may run into issues. Issues such as the tow hitch not matching and fitting in the back or a difficult installation process.
Class for trailers
You must get the appropriate trailer hitch for the trailer you intend to tow. Higher class hitch is capable of towing greater weight.
Among the possibilities are
- Up to 2000 lbs. in Class I
- 2000 to 3500 lbs., Class II
- 3500 to 8000 lbs., class III hitch
- 5000 to 12,000 lbs., Class IV
- 10,000 to 25,000 lbs., Class V
A small SUV, such as the Subaru Forester, can tow a Class II trailer hitch like the CURT 12136 Class 2 Trailer Hitch.
Also read: Types of trailer hitches and Hitch classes
Loading amount
Trailer hitches are available in a variety of load capacities. Prior to actually buying a trailer hitch, make sure you know what you’ll be hauling with your vehicle.
Some people think that just because their vehicle can pull a massive amount of weight, any trailer hitch would work.
That, however, is not the case.
Even if your car is capable of hauling trailers with a large load, trailer hitches have their very own load limits. So, before you transport it away, be careful to verify that out & match it to your requirements.
Materials
For utmost safety and durability, opt for a trailer hitch made of strong steel. In that case, our top pick on the list which is CURT 121363 seemed more suitable for us during testing.
With a strengthened tow loop and clevis holes, this tow hitch allows you to pull motorbikes, ATVs, dirt bikes, RVs, agricultural trailers, campsites, utility trailers, & boats, among other vehicles, with your Subaru Outback.
Terrain
For difficult terrains, a sturdy trailer hitch is essential. So, if the route you’ll be going on is bad, don’t cheap upon the quality of the trailer hitch you buy.
Cost
It’s best to think about the price of the trailer hitch you’ll be buying. When making a purchase, the cost might be a difficult aspect to evaluate.
Don’t go overboard with your spending. However, you should avoid purchasing a low-quality trailer hitch. Even if there are cheaper alternatives, it’s usually advisable to wait until you want something great quality and pricey.
Installation
When you’re trying to install a trailer hitch, it can be really frustrating. The fitting of a trailer hitch is among the most significant issues that users face after purchasing one. So, before you purchase one, evaluate your options.
Can you afford to hire a professional to assist you in repairing the trailer hitch? If you can, you won’t have to worry much about the installation’s complexity.
If you prefer to install it yourself, however, look for a trailer hitch that’s also simple to install and ideal without the need for additional assistance.
Safety Requirements
When it comes to safety regulations, your trailer hitch must be put through rigorous testing by reputable industry organizations to ensure the utmost safety while hauling. The top and 2nd top pick in our list have been designed, tested, and inspected to exceed the SAE J684 standards for crash testing and other safety measures.
Durable, high-quality universal tow hitches with safety standards have strong all-welded construction with OEM compatibility.
FAQs
This part will discuss the most frequently asked questions about the Subaru Outback.
How much will an Outback tow?
First and foremost, double-check that your Subaru Outback wagon has all of the necessary hardware! Make absolutely sure that the gear is built to work perfectly the way the manufacturer intended.
Now, if you have the 2.5L engine, you can pull a rated 2,700lbs, and if you have the 2.4L turbo, your final tow rating bumps up to 3,500lbs.
Most portable aluminum or fiberglass boats, lightweight utility trailers, motorbike trailers, compact or light campers, as well as some lightweight horse trailers can all be towed by Subaru Outback hitch.
Remember that while the trailer might be light enough for your Subaru to haul, once you load up the additional cargo (or horses, for example), you must add the extra weight to the trailer weight.
Can you put a 2-inch hitch on a Subaru Outback?
The stealth hitches for Subaru Outbacks are available in two receiver sizes: 1.25-inch and 2-inch.
As a result, you have a choice of bike racks and baggage trays that will work best with the receiver size you select.
Also read: The Best 5 Hitchless Bike Racks for SUV
Does Subaru Outback 2021 have a hitch?
Yes, they do. Although, the 2020-2021 Subaru Outback (not compatible with the Wilderness model) Doesn’t settle for an ordinary tow hitch.
Is a Subaru Outback good for towing?
Yes. We’re sure they are! For decades, the Subaru Outback seems to have been a classic wagon that can tow its fair share.
The Subaru Outback in 2019, 2020, & 2021 can tow up to 2,700 pounds. The 2020 & 2021 Outback Onyx Edition XT, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capability of 3,500 pounds.
Final Verdict
It’s not easy to find such a complete list of thorough information about the best trailer hitch for Subaru Outback. Hopefully, this article has supported you choose the finest tow hitch for your vehicles.
You’re also more likely to get the optimum hitch according to your load size and vehicles if you follow the factors. Whichever option you pick, make sure you’re receiving the best value for your money. Before purchasing a trailer hitch, consider checking your vehicle’s towing capabilities.
When deciding whether to fix it yourself or hire a professional, make sure you know how tough the installation will be.
Now, make use of all the information we’ve provided and get the best trailer hitches on the market and make your journey safe.
Also read:
- 5 Best Trailer Hitches for Subaru Crosstrek
- What are the best drop hitches for lifted trucks?
- 5 Best powerful Hitches for Toyota Sienna
- 5 Best Pintle Hitches for the trailer: A complete Guide
- Quick Hitch Top Link Adapter: Things to know
- Importance of Measuring Trailer Hitch Drop
- How to Use the Safety Chains Properly with a Trailer Hitch?
