2026 Subaru Outback Engines & Towing

The 2026 Subaru Outback is engineered for everyday efficiency, dependable towing strength, and trail-ready capability. The powertrain lineup of the Outback includes two SUBARU BOXER® engines, each paired with symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), delivering confident all-weather, all-terrain performance on highways, back roads, and rugged trails. Continue reading this guide from the team at McLaughlin Subaru to compare engine options and see which has the power and towing capacity you need for your outdoor adventures. Visit our detailed Subaru Outback review for a closer look at features, design, and color choices.

You can explore our inventory, along with our current finance and lease offers, to find a new Subaru Outback that fits your driving needs. Experience its capability and performance by scheduling a test drive at our Subaru dealership in Moline, IL. Reach out to our associates online or by phone at (309) 797-5654 if you have any questions, and we'll be happy to assist you.

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2026 Subaru Outback Exterior Parked On Canyon Edge

2026 Subaru Outback Engine Options

The two available engines of the 2026 Subaru Outback are designed for efficient daily driving and rugged terrain. The standard 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque while delivering up to 31 highway MPG and a 2,700-pound towing capacity. Its advanced symmetrical AWD, X-MODE® traction management system, and Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) help provide confident traction, smooth power delivery, and controlled handling across changing road conditions.

The Outback Wilderness and XT trims introduce a 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine that increases performance to 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Non-Wilderness trims equipped with this engine are capable of maintaining up to 29 highway MPG, while the Outback Wilderness can achieve up to 27 highway MPG. This powertrain adds dual-function X-MODE with snow/dirt and deep snow/mud settings, along with low-speed gradient control and a raised electronically controlled damping suspension for exceptional off-road capability.

Compare the following 2026 Outback engine specifications:

Engine2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder
Horsepower180 HP260 HP
Torque178 lb.-ft.277 lb.-ft.
DrivetrainSymmetrical AWDSymmetrical AWD
TransmissionLineartronic CVTLineartronic CVT
MPG (City/Hwy)25 / 3121 / 29 (non-Wilderness) 21 / 27 (Wilderness)
Range*558 mi.522 mi.
Max. Towing Capacity2,700 lbs.3,500 lbs.

*Based on EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and a full tank of fuel. Actual mileage and range may vary.

2026 Subaru Outback Maximum Towing Capacity

Towing capability in the 2026 Subaru Outback is trim-based, giving you flexibility to choose depending on your needs. The Outback Premium, Limited, and Touring trims are standard with the 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine and can tow up to 2,700 pounds, making them well-suited for trailering small recreational vehicles, a motorcycle, or compact teardrop campers. With the 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, included on the Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims, towing capacity increases to 3,500 pounds, providing added strength for heavier loads such as small utility trailers, fishing boats, or travel trailers.

Compare the following 2026 Outback towing capacities:

Engine2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder
Max. Towing Capacity2,700 lbs.3,500 lbs.

FAQs About the Subaru Outback

What are the capabilities of the AWD system of the Subaru Outback?

The symmetrical AWD system of the Subaru Outback continuously distributes power between the front and rear axles to help maintain balanced traction and stability. Integrated with X-MODE or dual-function X-MODE traction management and active torque vectoring, it adjusts wheel power and braking response to deliver enhanced control on low-traction surfaces and uneven terrain.

What is the fuel economy of the Subaru Outback with each engine option?
  • 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine
    • Up to 25 city/31 highway MPG
  • 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine
    • Non-Wilderness trims: Up to 21 city/31 highway MPG
    • Outback Wilderness: Up to 21 city/27 highway MPG
Does the Subaru Outback require premium fuel for the turbocharged engine?

No, the turbocharged engine is designed to run on unleaded gasoline with an 87-octane rating.

2025 Subaru Outback Towing & Payload Capacity Available | McLaughlin Subaru

The 2025 Subaru Outback offers excellent performance capabilities and the ability to tow light trailers with ease. With two engine options, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and available off-roading capabilities, this Subaru mid-size SUV is ready to handle various situations. For more details, be sure to read through this 2025 Subaru Outback engine and performance guide crafted by the team at McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL. For a more general overview of the Outback as a whole, be sure to check out our review as well. 

If you have an interest in seeing the new Subaru Outback in person, be sure to find it in our inventory and match your ideal model with a finance or lease offer. Use our online form to schedule a test drive of your preferred model. If you have any questions, give us a call at (309) 797-5654 or message us online. We are proud to serve residents of Bettendorf and Davenport, IA, as well as surrounding communities. 

Available Engine Options

There are two energetic 2025 Subaru Outback engines available — the 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder and 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder. The 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine is standard, and offers the best fuel economy of the two engine options — up to 32 MPG on the highway. The 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine becomes standard on the Onyx Edition XT and higher level trims and offers up to 260 horsepower. Both engines are standard with a Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT), which comes with paddle shifters. 

Available 2025 Subaru Outback engine specs are shown in the following table for your reference.

Engine

2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder

2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder

Horsepower

182 HP

260 HP

Torque

176 lb.-ft.

277 lb.-ft.

MPG (City/Hwy)

26 / 32

22 / 29

Towing Capacity

2,700 lbs.

3,500 lbs.

Drivetrain

Symmetrical AWD

Transmission

Lineartronic CVT

Subaru Outback Maximum Towing Capacity

How much can the 2025 Subaru Outback tow? That depends on which engine is under your hood. The standard 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder tows up to 2,700 pounds. If you opt for the 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine instead, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds. 

Subaru Outback All-Wheel Drive Capabilities

Most Subaru models, including the 2025 Subaru Outback, come standard with Subaru symmetrical AWD. This ensures you have access to all four wheels should you need them. This is especially helpful during the winter months when snow and ice can make driving conditions hazardous. 

Off-roading Capabilities

The 2025 Subaru Outback boasts available off-roading features engineered for smooth adventures. Standard with X-MODE® with hill descent control, a traction control system, and vehicle dynamics control, the Outback will make off-roading fun. All of these systems work together to optimize the AWD system, improve traction, and apply the brakes as needed. If you choose an Onyx Edition or Wilderness model, you’ll find traversing through wintry conditions is easier with dual-function X-MODE, which comes with snow/dirt and deep snow/mud modes. Wilderness models are also equipped with 9.5 inches of ground clearance to make going over rough terrain easier — all other Outback models are standard with an 8.7-inch ground clearance.

2023 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity & Engine Options

Considering the 2023 Subaru Outback and want to know more about its engine options? You’ve come to the right place! The McLaughlin Subaru team has put together information on both SUBARU BOXER® engine options available on the 2023 Outback. Continue reading to learn more about how it works and the type of performance you can expect.

If you have any questions for our Subaru dealership in Moline, IL, and serving Bettendorf and Davenport, IA, please contact us online or by phone at (309) 797-5654. You can also schedule a test drive to experience the Outback for yourself.

Be sure to browse our new inventory for available trim packages and color options, and take a look at current finance and lease offers to find a great deal.

2023 Subaru Outback Engine Differences

Both stellar options, the 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine and 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine deliver the precise power and performance you’re looking for. Whether you’re traversing a new trail or navigating an old favorite, the engine options on the 2023 Subaru Outback are perfect for meeting your driving demands.

While horsepower, torque, and MPG ratings differ, both engines are paired with the Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), a killer combination of supportive power and stability. Also standard, X-MODE® technology optimizes the Symmetrical AWD system to boost traction on slippery surfaces.

2.5L SUBARU BOXER® Four-Cylinder

A longtime Subaru engine design, the SUBARU BOXER engine is designed for the pistons to move together but opposite each other, resembling the one-two combo boxer’s technique. The 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine gets 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Expect 26 city and 33 highway MPG.

2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER Four-Cylinder

Using the same SUBARU BOXER technology, the 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine offers extra power for a more exciting daily drive. It delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, and gets up to 23 city and 30 highway MPG.

2023 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

With the 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, you can tow up to 2,700 pounds. With the 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, you can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Engine Model Availability

In terms of model availability, the Outback Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring are all standard with the 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine. The Onyx Edition, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT are standard with the 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine.

Learn More About the 2023 Subaru Outback

If the Outback powertrain options are intriguing to you, then you’ll surely appreciate its other great features. For a general overview of the 2023 Outback, read our review, and for a trim-by-trim comparison, check out our Outback trim level research.

Please get in touch with McLaughlin Subaru by calling (309) 797-5654 if you have any questions. We’re more than happy to assist you!

Test Drive a New Subaru Outback Near Moline, IL

Browse our new inventory to find a Subaru Outback configured with the performance and towing capability you need. Schedule a test drive at our Subaru dealership in Moline, IL, to experience how it handles real-world conditions. Contact us online or by phone at (309) 797-5654 if you have any questions.

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* Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.

**The arrival timeline is an estimate. It may vary due to circumstances beyond Subaru’s or the retailer’s control.

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