In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a Subaru Outback tow a horse float? We will discuss the basics of a Subaru Outback and give you ten essential tips for towing a horse float.

Can a Subaru Outback tow a horse float?

A Subaru Outback is capable of towing a lightweight horse float. Outback proves to be a very successful car as the wheel’s slightly high position gives you an overview of the road. Although it has paddles for manual gear shifting, the continuously variable automatic transmission doesn’t appreciate kick down attempts.

Check below for more details on the Subaru Outback and towing a horse float.

Subaru Outback Towing Capacity

Year	Towing Capacity From	Towing capacity To
2021	1500kg	2000kg
2020	0kg	1800kg
2019	1500kg	1800kg
2018	1500kg	1800kg
2017	1500kg	1800kg
2016	1500kg	1800kg
2015	1500kg	1800kg
2014	1500kg	1800kg
2013	1500kg	1800kg
2012	1500kg	1800kg
2011	1500kg	1800kg
2010	1500kg	1800kg
2009	1500kg	1800kg
2008	1500kg	1800kg
2007	1500kg	1800kg
2006	1500kg	1800kg
2005	1500kg	1800kg
2004	1500kg	1800kg
2003	1400kg	1800kg
2002	1400kg	1600kg
2001	1400kg	1600kg
2000	1200kg	1600kg
1999	1200kg	1200kg
1998	1200kg	1400kg
1997	1400kg	1400kg
1996	1400kg	1400kg

Would you choose the Subaru Outback?

Subaru Outback is like a monster-car. Made for hard roads and bad weather, it’s the kind of car that at first glance does not excel at something specific, but with which you do your job.

Preferred by Americans and Australians for reliability, it is underused in Europe, because, perhaps, so far there have been no more humane engines. Since 2014, from the sixth generation, Outback also has a 2.0 diesel engine for the Europeans.

You probably didn’t know, but Subaru is one of the brands with the best customer retention. What this means is that once you buy your first Subaru there is a good chance that your second or third car will bear the same logo.

For Subaru, this weapon has two edges, because the brand’s enthusiasts form a rather small club. Can the new Outback attract new customers and not just ITS drivers pressed by their wives and children for a more spacious car?

Subaru Outback: A Subaru-style crossover

Like the old generation, the new Outback still relies on the book of crossover, i.e. the Swiss Army knife-style car that wants to convince you that it knows and maybe more than a normal car. It looks exactly like a station wagon break from a distance, something that has become fashionable lately.

Only when you approach do you realize that the ground clearance is a little higher than at a regular break and the headbands do not only play a purely aesthetic role. The exterior design wasn’t really a priority for Subaru, and the fact that it looks better than the old generation doesn’t necessarily say much in favour of the Outback.

The really important changes took place at the interior level, where the dull materials you used to find in Subaru cars were almost completely abolished. Realistically speaking, plastics still have some work to do until the level reached by the established premium brands, but the finishes and the general appearance mark an important evolution.

The centre console, for example, is clad in aluminium and not in aluminium-scented plastic, and the airy layout contributes to a clean, elegant image.

From the point of view of interior space, the use of a typical station wagon body is an optimal solution. On the seat, three adults fit without problems, and the trunk measures 525 l or 1,725 l (with the seat folded down).

Subaru Outback – Engine and performance

Equipped with a 2.5 l / 167 hp petrol engine, the Outback has been a bit of a sporty car. The steering is as artificial as possible while the body’s accentuated rolling does not leave you too much hope in the turns’ fast approach.

Instead, the Outback proves to be a very successful cruiser, the imperfections of the asphalt are treated before it reaches the passengers, and the slightly high position at the wheel gives you an overview of the road. Although it has paddles for manual gear shifting, the continuously variable automatic transmission doesn’t appreciate kick down attempts.

Honestly, I was left with the impression that Subaru engineers could build a little more based on the advantages of the boxer engine configuration – all-wheel drive, only through some suspension settings. It would not have irreparably affected comfort, but it would have made a considerable difference on corners.

And because we are finally talking about a crossover, I want to mention that Outback can get to where many crossovers will only see pictures. You just have to be a little careful about the angles of attack and clearance, slightly affected by the length of the consoles typical of station wagons.

The consumption is not bad at all, 7.5 l / 100 km at a legal rate being a respectable value for this class’s car. The money difference for the 2.0 / 150 hp diesel engine is justified only if you use the car frequently in urban areas, where the gasoline engine consumes a little more (12-13 l).

Tips for towing a horse

Now let’s move to a few safety tips for towing a horse float:

When we carry a single horse in a trailer for two, it is important to always load it on the driver’s side.

Food: the horse will need fresh hay for the trip. Depending on the expected duration, we must bring enough food, and make periodic stops to give him a drink so that he is always well hydrated.

If the horse is especially tall, a protector must be placed on its head so that it does not hit when entering or in a bump in the road.

It is important to always carry an emergency kit or complete first-aid kit.

Travel accessories for the horse: The horse must wear a halter during the trip. Many experts suggest that leather (not rope or plastic) are best suited; in an emergency, they are easier to cut. It may be that if the weather is warm it is not necessary to cover the horse with a blanket, but you should always carry one.

The booties or protectors for the legs are essential since they provide security and protection during the trip and in the loading and unloading. They must fit perfectly to the legs of the animal since they could not be more annoying than safe.

We also suggest that you prepare before a longer trip, gaining experience on short trips.

If possible, get a trailer at least 10 inches taller than your horse.

Prepare an alternative plan when travelling long distances or for several days. It is good that another vehicle accompanies the horse to help in an emergency, or if you have to go to the vet, etc.

Horses are not used to entering confined and dark spaces, so they can be afraid and hurt themselves if the driver is not very attentive. You should try to practice the manoeuvre in advance, so that they are not so scared when they are put on the trailer or truck, as when they go down.

The ideal time to start the trip is at dawn, and if possible, load the horses when there is daylight. That way it looks better if everything is well attached and placed.

The bottom line

If you don’t expect your next family car to look like an SUV, but you want it to have similar hard terrain capabilities, the Subaru Outback is worth at least a test drive. We believe in its capacities of towing a horse float. Do you?

If you are an Outback owner or if you wish to share your experience with towing a horse float, please let us know!

FAQ on Can a Subaru Outback tow a horse float?

What kind of trailer can a Subaru Forester pull?

With an average towing capacity of 1600 -1800 kilograms, a Subaru Forester can pull a small or medium-sized caravan, horse trailer with one horse, a small boat or sports equipment.

What weight can a Subaru XV tow?

The weight that a Subaru XV can tow is between 1250 and 1400 kg braked capacity.

What weight can the Subaru Crosstrek tow?

Subaru Crosstrek has a towing capacity of 680 kg or 1500 pounds, making it great for towing small campers, a flatbed or a bicycle trailer.

Is the Subaru XV a good car?

Overall, Subaru XV is a very good car, quite comfortable on high-speed and the torque has a good value, of 350 Nm, being reached very low, from 1,600 rpm.

References

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

RVs

Others

Homes

Can a Subaru Outback tow a horse float?