Best Hitch for Subaru outback 2026

Towing with your Subaru Outback becomes effortless when you’re equipped with the right trailer hitch. Whether you’re hauling bikes for a weekend getaway, towing a small trailer, or carrying heavier loads, a reliable hitch is essential for safe and stress-free travel.

Choosing a durable, high-quality trailer hitch not only enhances towing performance but also protects your vehicle from unnecessary strain or damage. That’s why, after thorough research and hands-on evaluation, CartoolsGuide has carefully selected the 7 Best hitches for Subaru Outback—each offering excellent durability, safety, and value for money.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand what to look for and how to choose the perfect trailer hitch to match your towing needs and driving lifestyle.

Comparison Table of 7 Best Hitch for Subaru outback 2026

Features of 7 Best Hitch for subaru outback

Reese Towpower 44581 Hitch Review

If you’re looking for a trailer hitch that can handle extra weight without breaking the bank, the Reese Towpower 44581 is an excellent choice—priced under $200 and built for serious performance.

Why Choose the Reese Towpower 44581?

This hitch is engineered for long-term durability, featuring strong, precision welding that ensures a secure and stable towing experience. Its heavy-duty construction allows it to manage higher loads with confidence, making it a solid upgrade for your Subaru Outback.

While the Subaru Outback is classified as a Class II vehicle, this hitch is built to Class III standards, offering support for up to 400 lbs of tongue weight and 4,000 lbs of towing capacity. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual to confirm safe towing limits.

Wide Vehicle Compatibility

The Reese Towpower 44581 is compatible with a variety of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, vans, cars, and trailers. The 2-inch receiver tube provides greater flexibility, allowing you to use a wider range of ball mounts and towing accessories. Additionally, its MetalShield® protective coating offers superior corrosion resistance compared to standard powder-coated hitches, ensuring long-lasting performance in all weather conditions.

Quick & Easy Installation

Designed specifically for a custom fit, this hitch allows for a straightforward, bolt-on installation with no complicated modifications required. This makes installation quicker and hassle-free, saving both time and effort.

Features

• Welded construction provides durability.
• Comes with a 2 inch square receiver tube opening.
• It can carry up to 400 pounds tongue weight and gross towing weight of 4000 pounds

Pros

Provides a powder coated finish.

Provides a perfect fit and ease on installation.

Available at a budget friendly price.

Cons

Warranty period is not mentioned. If you want to have a hitch that is backed by limited lifetime warranty then have CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch.

CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Review

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly trailer hitch under $200 that’s easy to install and built to perform, the CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is an excellent option.

Why Choose the CURT 13390?

This trailer hitch delivers outstanding value for money, backed by a limited lifetime warranty and a solid set of premium features. Constructed from high-strength, high-quality steel, it’s designed to handle demanding towing tasks with ease. Precision welding enhances overall stability and durability, allowing it to support up to 4,000 lbs of gross trailer weight and 600 lbs of tongue weight—ideal for heavier towing needs.
(Always verify your vehicle’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual.)

Wide Vehicle Compatibility

The CURT 13390 is compatible with a wide range of vehicles and equipment, including pickup trucks, SUVs, cars, trailers, ATVs, snowmobiles, and marine crafts. Its standard 2-inch × 2-inch receiver provides versatile towing options, making it easy to pair with various ball mounts and accessories.

Safety & Long-Lasting Durability

Safety is a priority with CURT. Each Class 3 hitch is rigorously tested to SAE J684 standards, ensuring dependable performance and peace of mind while hauling. The hitch also features a dual-coat finish, offering excellent resistance to rust, corrosion, and UV damage—so it performs reliably even in harsh weather and extreme heat.

Simple, Hassle-Free Installation

Designed with a custom, factory-style fit, this hitch allows for a quick and straightforward bolt-on installation, with no complex modifications required. You can get it installed and ready to tow in no time.

Features

• It has a gross trailer weight rating of 4000 lbs and 600 lbs of tounge weight.
• Fully tested according to SAE J684 standards 
• Has 2 inch receiver tube opening.

Pros

Backed by limited lifetime warranty.

Provides a perfect fit to Subaru Legacy and outback.

Its UV and corrosion resistant increases the durability.

Cons

Price is on the higher side. If you want to have budget friendly trailer hitch then have Reese Towpower 44581 Hitch

Draw-Tite 76227 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Review

If you regularly carry extra loads with your Subaru Outback, the Draw-Tite 76227 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is a solid choice.

Why Choose Draw-Tite 76227?

This trailer hitch is compatible with Subaru Outback models from 2010 to 2019. Many users have found the installation process to be simple—just follow the included instructions.

Strength and Durability

Its solid build and welded construction ensure maximum strength and safety, making it reliable for carrying extra loads. This Class 3 hitch can support up to 4,000 pounds of gross trailer weight and 600 pounds of tongue weight.

Compatible with Multiple Vehicles

This hitch works well on trucks, SUVs, vans, and trailers. The 2-inch square receiver tube increases mounting options, giving you more flexibility when towing.

Sleek and Weather-Resistant Finish

The powder-coated finish not only gives the hitch a sleek look but also provides protection against corrosion, ensuring durability even in bad weather.

Reliable Performance

This trailer hitch is highly reliable for hauling, so you can tow with confidence.

Features

• Compatible with 2010-2019 Subaru outback.
• Its 2 inch square receiver tube opening increases the mounting options.
• It has a gross trailer weight rating of 4000 lbs and 600 lbs of tounge weight.

Pros

Easy to install.

Provides powder coated finish.

Perfect option for carrying extra load on a regular basis.

Cons

None.

Draw-Tite 36493 Class II Frame Hitch Review

If you’re looking for a hitch for light-duty towing, the Draw-Tite 36493 Class II Frame Hitch is a great option under $200.

Why Choose Draw-Tite 36493?

This hitch is built with strong, all-welded construction, ensuring top performance and safety even in tough conditions. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds of gross trailer weight, which is lower than the capacity of the Draw-Tite 76227 Class 3 hitch. So, if you need to carry more load, the Class 3 hitch might be a better choice.

Easy to Install

The installation process is straightforward if you follow the instructions. However, if it’s your first time, calling a professional for help is recommended.

Durable and Corrosion-Resistant

The black powder coat finish not only gives the hitch a sleek look but also protects it from rust, ensuring a longer service life. This hitch also has a 1-1/4″ square receiver tube opening, providing reliable towing options.

Features

• It has comes with a 1/4″ Square Receiver Tube Opening
• Designed to carry up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight

Pros

Easy to install.

Perfect option for light duty hauling.

Its powder coat finish gives both great look and resistance against corrosion.

Cons

Not perfect option for heavy towing.

CURT 12136 Class 2 Trailer Hitch Review

If you’re looking for a Class 2 hitch for light truck use, the CURT 12136 is a great option for less than $200.

Why Choose CURT 12136?

This hitch is perfect for light towing, with a capacity of 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds of tongue weight. However, if you need to tow heavier loads, this may not be the right hitch for you.

Durability and Compatibility

Despite its lower towing capacity, the CURT 12136 is highly durable, made from carbon steel with an extra powder coat for added strength. It’s compatible with selected Subaru Outback models and works well with trucks, SUVs, trailers, marine crafts, and cars.

Towing Options

This hitch has a 1-1/4-inch receiver, ideal for towing small trailers, mounting a cargo carrier, or attaching a bike rack.

Easy Installation and Weather Resistance

Installing this hitch is easy, and it’s designed to resist UV rays and corrosion, making it reliable in both hot and rainy conditions. The powder-coated finish not only adds to its durability but also gives it a sleek look.

Tested for Safety

This hitch is tested to meet SAE J684 safety standards, ensuring safe and confident towing on the road.

Features

• It has a gross trailer weight rating of 3500 lbs and 350 lbs of tounge weight.
• Tested to SAE J684 specs
• It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch.
• Compatible with selected Subaru outback.

Pros

Easy to install.

Made up of durable materials.

UV resistant and corrosion resistant trailer hitch.

Cons

Not perfect choice for towing heavy loads. If you are looking for a trailer hitch that has the capability to tow heavy load then have CURT 99308 Class 3 Trailer Hitch.

CURT 99308 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Review

If you need to tow heavy loads with your Subaru Outback, the CURT 99308 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is a solid choice for under $250.

Why Choose CURT 99308?

Before buying, ensure that this hitch is compatible with your Subaru Outback model, as it fits various versions. This Class 3 hitch has a gross trailer weight capacity of 4,000 pounds and a tongue weight limit of 600 pounds, making it ideal for heavier towing needs.

Durable and Versatile

With a 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, it offers versatile towing options. The high-quality steel construction ensures long-lasting durability, so you can rely on it for heavy loads.

Easy to Install

The installation process is simple, so you won’t need to worry about complicated setups.

Safety and Protection

Tested according to SAE J684 standards, this hitch ensures road safety. Its dual-coat finish protects against corrosion and UV rays, making it resistant to extreme weather conditions, whether it’s hot or rainy.

Features

• It has a gross trailer weight rating of 4000 lbs and 600 lbs of tounge weight.
• It is equipped with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver
• It is tested in accordance with SAE J684.
• Compatible with various Subaru outback models

Pros

Easy to install.

Provides resistance against  corrosion, chipping and UV damage.

Cons

Price is on the higher side. If you want to have the budget friendly one then have Reese Towpower 44581 Hitch.

Curt 13410 56040 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Review

Curt 13410 56040 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Review

If you want an easy-to-install trailer hitch, the Curt 13410 56040 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is a great choice for under $250.

Why Choose Curt 13410 56040?

This hitch is compatible with Subaru Outback models from 2010 to 2019. It can tow up to 4,000 pounds of gross trailer weight and handle 600 pounds of tongue weight.

Strength and Durability

Built from high-quality steel with precise welding, this hitch can carry more weight than many competitors. It also works well with trucks, SUVs, marine crafts, cars, and trailers.

Weather Protection

The hitch is topped with a double-coat finish that protects it from corrosion and chipping, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Easy Installation

This hitch is designed for quick and easy installation, so you can set it up without hassle.

Features

• It is compatible with 10-19 Subaru Outback.
• It has a gross trailer weight rating of 4000 lbs and 600 lbs of tounge weight.
• Made up of durable material.

Pros

Easy to install.

Provides protection against corrosion and chipping.

Cons

None.

Buyers Guide of Best Hitch for Subaru outback 2026

If you’re thinking of buying a Subaru Outback hitch without any knowledge, it can be a waste of your hard-earned money. Many low-quality hitches are available at cheaper prices, but they won’t last long. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for.

Here’s what you should focus on before buying the best hitch for your Subaru Outback:

Compatibility
Make sure the hitch is compatible with your Subaru Outback model. If it’s not, the hitch will be useless. For broad compatibility, consider the CURT 99308 Class 3 Trailer Hitch.

Installation
Choose a hitch that’s easy to install. If it’s difficult to install, you’ll have to hire a professional, which costs extra. For easy installation, check out the Reese Towpower 44581 Hitch.

Towing Capacity
Always look for a hitch with a higher towing capacity. If you need to tow heavier loads, the Draw-Tite 76227 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is a great choice.

Build Material
For durability, go for a hitch made from strong steel. The CURT 12136 Class 2 Trailer Hitch is a good steel-built option.

UV and Corrosion Resistance
If you need a hitch that performs well in both hot and rainy weather, make sure it is UV and corrosion-resistant. The CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch offers this protection.

Tested for Safety
To ensure safety on the road, choose a hitch that has been thoroughly tested. The CURT 12136 Class 2 Trailer Hitch is one of the tested options for confidence.

Warranty
Select a hitch with a long warranty, so if something goes wrong after a few months, you can get it replaced. The CURT 13390 Class 3 Trailer Hitch offers a good warranty.

By following these tips, you can avoid poor selections and get the best hitch for your Subaru Outback!

Conclusion

As we have came towards the ending porting of this article we are going to do wrap up of the whole article. At first we have started with a small introduction where we have described the main reason for having Subaru outback hitch.

After that we have discussed about the features of 7 best hitch for subaru outback so that you can avoid poor selection.

In the end we have given a small buyers guide where we have described about the important features which you should notice before having it.