Alton Brobst If you’re in the market for a new car that can carry all your gear and passengers comfortably, the Subaru Outback might be the perfect fit. With its spacious interior, robust engine, and impressive handling capabilities, this crossover SUV is a popular choice among adventurers, families, and anyone else who needs a reliable and versatile vehicle.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a car is its weight capacity. You want to make sure you can safely transport all your belongings and passengers without overloading the vehicle or compromising its performance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much weight a Subaru Outback can carry, and provide some useful tips for loading and balancing the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- The maximum weight capacity of a Subaru Outback varies depending on the model and configuration.
- The cargo weight limit ranges from 986 to 1,522 pounds, while the passenger weight limit ranges from 825 to 1,100 pounds.
- Adding accessories or towing a trailer can reduce the weight capacity of your Subaru Outback, so it’s important to factor in these variables when calculating your total load.
- To load and balance your vehicle safely, distribute the weight evenly and avoid exceeding the weight capacity of any individual component.
- Consult your owner’s manual or contact your local dealer if you have any questions about your Subaru Outback’s weight capacity or loading specifications.
Cargo Weight Capacity
The amount of weight you can carry in your Subaru Outback’s cargo area depends on several factors, such as the model year, trim level, and optional features. Generally, the cargo weight limit ranges from 986 to 1,522 pounds, which includes both the weight of your cargo and any accessories you may have installed.
To calculate your Subaru Outback’s cargo weight capacity, you’ll need to know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the curb weight of your vehicle. The GVWR is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. The curb weight is the weight of your vehicle without any passengers, cargo, or accessories.
For example, let’s say you have a 2021 Subaru Outback with a GVWR of 4,695 pounds and a curb weight of 3,634 pounds. To calculate your cargo weight capacity, subtract the curb weight from the GVWR:
4,695 - 3,634 = 1,061 poundsThis means you can safely carry up to 1,061 pounds of cargo, including any accessories you may have installed. Keep in mind that adding accessories or towing a trailer can reduce your cargo weight capacity, so it’s important to factor in these variables when loading your vehicle.
Here’s a breakdown of the cargo weight capacity for different Subaru Outback models:
| Model Year | Cargo Weight Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,061 pounds |
| 2020 | 1,522 pounds |
| 2019 | 1,522 pounds |
| 2018 | 1,522 pounds |
| 2017 | 1,522 pounds |
| 2016 | 1,522 pounds |
| 2015 | 1,522 pounds |
Passenger Weight Capacity
In addition to cargo weight capacity, you’ll also need to consider how much weight you can safely carry in the passenger compartment of your Subaru Outback. The passenger weight limit varies depending on the model year and configuration, and ranges from 825 to 1,100 pounds.
To calculate your Subaru Outback’s passenger weight capacity, subtract the curb weight from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, then subtract the weight of any cargo you’ll be carrying:
GVWR - curb weight - cargo weight = passenger weight capacityFor example, let’s say you have a 2021 Subaru Outback with a GVWR of 4,695 pounds, a curb weight of 3,634 pounds, and a cargo weight of 200 pounds. To calculate your passenger weight capacity, subtract the curb weight and cargo weight from the GVWR:
4,695 - 3,634 - 200 = 861 poundsThis means you can safely carry up to 861 pounds of passengers, including the driver.
Here’s a breakdown of the passenger weight capacity for different Subaru Outback models:
| Model Year | Passenger Weight Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 825 pounds |
| 2020 | 1,100 pounds |
| 2019 | 1,100 pounds |
| 2018 | 1,100 pounds |
| 2017 | 1,100 pounds |
| 2016 | 1,100 pounds |
| 2015 | 1,100 pounds |
Impact of Accessories and Towing
It’s important to remember that adding accessories or towing a trailer can have a significant impact on your Subaru Outback’s weight capacity. When you add weight to your vehicle, you increase the strain on the engine, brakes, and other components, which can reduce the vehicle’s overall performance and safety.
Before you add any accessories or tow a trailer, make sure you understand how much weight they will add to your vehicle, and factor this into your calculations. For example, if you plan to tow a trailer that weighs 1,500 pounds, you’ll need to subtract this weight from your Subaru Outback’s cargo weight capacity to determine how much additional cargo you can carry:
Cargo weight capacity - trailer weight = available cargo weightIn this case, if you have a 2021 Subaru Outback with a cargo weight capacity of 1,061 pounds, you’ll have a maximum available cargo weight of 561 pounds if you’re towing a 1,500-pound trailer.
Tips for Loading and Balancing Your Subaru Outback
To load and balance your Subaru Outback safely, follow these tips:
- Distribute the weight evenly: Make sure the weight is distributed evenly throughout the vehicle to avoid putting too much stress on any individual component. Distribute heavy items towards the center of the vehicle and close to the floor to help maintain stability.
- Don’t exceed weight capacity: Make sure you don’t exceed your Subaru Outback’s weight capacity, either for passengers, cargo, or accessories. This will ensure that the vehicle can handle the load and maintain its performance and safety.
- Check tire pressure: Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure to help maintain stability and prevent blowouts.
- Secure your cargo: Always make sure your cargo is securely fastened and will not shift during transit. Use tie-downs or cargo nets to secure loose items, and make sure everything is packed tightly to prevent sliding or rolling.
- Avoid overloading roof racks: If you have a roof rack, make sure you don’t overload it with cargo. This can increase wind resistance and affect the vehicle’s stability and handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I exceed my Subaru Outback’s weight capacity if I’m only driving a short distance?
A: No, you should never exceed your Subaru Outback’s weight capacity, even if you’re only driving a short distance. Overloading your vehicle can cause serious safety issues, such as reduced braking, handling, and stability.
Q: Can I tow a trailer with my Subaru Outback?
A: Yes, you can tow a trailer with your Subaru Outback, but you need to make sure you understand the weight capacity and follow all the necessary precautions. The maximum towing capacity varies depending on the model year and configuration, so consult your owner’s manual or contact your local Subaru dealer for details.
Q: Can I install a roof rack on my Subaru Outback to increase cargo capacity?
A: Yes, you can install a roof rack on your Subaru Outback to increase your cargo capacity, but make sure you don’t overload it and that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
Conclusion
The Subaru Outback is a versatile and capable vehicle that can handle a wide range of loads and passengers. However, it’s important to understand the vehicle’s weight capacity and follow the proper loading and balancing procedures to ensure its safety and performance. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, a family vacation, or simply running errands around town, make sure you know how much weight your Subaru Outback can carry, and plan accordingly.
