The Subaru Solterra is a battery electric SUV produced from the 2023 model year onward in the United States. It is co-developed with Toyota on a shared electric platform and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Towing capacity varies depending on drivetrain selection, with AWD-equipped models carrying the higher trailer weight rating.
This guide provides year-by-year towing specifications for the Solterra, including maximum trailer weight, payload limits, tongue weight, and hitch class. Staying within manufacturer-rated towing limits is critical for battery thermal management, braking performance, and electric drivetrain longevity in this vehicle type.
Electric vehicles experience measurable driving range reduction while towing due to increased motor load and aerodynamic drag. Planning routes with available charging infrastructure is an operational requirement when towing near maximum capacity.
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2025 Subaru Solterra Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (AWD); Single Motor (FWD) |
| Drivetrain | AWD (dual motor) / FWD (single motor) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) — AWD only |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) — AWD only |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 750 lbs (340 kg) — verify on door jamb sticker |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Refer to owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1-1/4-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (AWD models only) |
The 2025 Subaru Solterra AWD supports a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs when equipped with the factory-approved hitch assembly. Front-wheel drive variants of the Solterra do not carry a towing capacity rating and should not be used for trailer towing. Towing near the 2,000-lb limit will reduce battery range significantly compared to unladen operation; range reduction of 40 to 60 percent is common under heavy tow loads in real-world conditions.
2024 Subaru Solterra Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (AWD); Single Motor (FWD) |
| Drivetrain | AWD (dual motor) / FWD (single motor) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) — AWD only |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) — AWD only |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 750 lbs (340 kg) — verify on door jamb sticker |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Refer to owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1-1/4-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (AWD models only) |
The 2024 Subaru Solterra maintains the same towing specifications as the prior model year, with 2,000 lbs maximum trailer weight available only on AWD configurations. The tongue weight limit of 200 lbs requires careful trailer loading to keep hitch load within safe operating range. Payload capacity must account for all occupants and cargo in addition to tongue weight transferred from the trailer.
2023 Subaru Solterra Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (AWD); Single Motor (FWD) |
| Drivetrain | AWD (dual motor) / FWD (single motor) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) — AWD only |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) — AWD only |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 750 lbs (340 kg) — verify on door jamb sticker |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Refer to owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1-1/4-inch receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (AWD models only) |
The 2023 Subaru Solterra was the launch year for this model in the US market and established the 2,000-lb towing capacity for AWD variants. FWD-equipped Solterras do not have a published towing capacity rating from the manufacturer and are not approved for trailer towing. Operators should plan charging stops before reaching 50 percent battery state of charge when towing, as range depletion accelerates under load.
Towing Equipment and Setup Tips
Electric vehicles have specific towing requirements that differ from internal combustion engine platforms. The following covers the key towing equipment considerations for the Subaru Solterra.
Tow Package
The factory tow package for the Solterra AWD includes the hitch receiver assembly and trailer wiring harness. The tow package is available only on AWD configurations. Installing a third-party receiver hitch with a higher independent capacity does not change the vehicle’s manufacturer-rated maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.
Trailer Brake Controller
For trailers approaching the Solterra’s 2,000-lb towing limit, a trailer brake controller improves stopping distance and reduces stress on the vehicle’s regenerative and friction braking systems. The Solterra does not include a factory-integrated electronic brake controller. An aftermarket proportional brake controller is recommended for trailers above 1,500 lbs gross weight.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
The Solterra uses a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4-inch receiver. This class is not compatible with standard weight-distributing hitch systems, which are designed for Class III and larger receivers. Proper trailer loading, with 10 to 15 percent of total trailer weight at the tongue, is the correct method for managing load balance on this platform.
Battery and Range Management
The Solterra does not use a conventional transmission, so a transmission cooler is not applicable. However, battery thermal management is a key operational concern while towing. High motor load sustained over long distances increases battery temperature and can trigger power reduction modes. Avoid extended towing in extreme heat without planned rest intervals for thermal recovery.
Proper Tire Load Ratings
Tires must support the combined weight of the vehicle, occupants, cargo, and tongue weight transferred from the trailer. The Solterra’s door jamb sticker lists the correct tire inflation pressures for loaded conditions. Underinflated tires under towing load are a leading cause of tire failure and vehicle instability.
Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway is a risk at speeds above 45 mph with trailers approaching the maximum trailer weight. The Solterra includes electronic stability control, which applies individual brakes to counteract sway. Proper load distribution within the trailer, combined with correct tongue weight, reduces sway risk more effectively than electronic systems alone.
Normal Towing vs. Heavy Towing Setup
| Configuration Factor | Light Load (Under 1,000 lbs) | Heavy Load (1,500 to 2,000 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer Brake Controller | Not required | Recommended or legally required |
| Weight-Distributing Hitch | Not compatible / Not required | Not compatible with Class I receiver |
| Battery Range Planning | Moderate reduction expected | Plan for 40 to 60 percent range reduction |
| Tire Inflation | Standard pressure | Verify against owner’s manual load chart |
| Tow Package | Required | Required |
| Charging Stop Frequency | Standard intervals | More frequent intervals required |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Subaru Solterra?
The Subaru Solterra has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs (907 kg) on AWD-equipped models. Front-wheel drive variants do not carry an approved towing rating from Subaru. This towing limit applies to all model years from 2023 through 2025.
How much can a Subaru Solterra tow with a tow package?
With the factory tow package installed on an AWD model, the Subaru Solterra can tow up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg). The tow package includes the receiver hitch and trailer wiring harness specific to AWD configurations. Towing this rated limit will reduce battery driving range considerably compared to unladen highway operation.
Does AWD affect Subaru Solterra towing capacity?
Drivetrain selection directly determines whether the Solterra can tow at all. AWD models with dual electric motors carry the 2,000-lb towing capacity rating. FWD single-motor variants have no manufacturer-approved towing capacity and should not be used to tow trailers.
What trailer weight is safe for a Subaru Solterra?
Any conventional trailer at or below 2,000 lbs gross weight is within the manufacturer’s towing limits for AWD Solterra models. Operating at 80 percent of the maximum towing capacity (approximately 1,600 lbs) reduces drivetrain strain and provides a buffer against load miscalculation. Tongue weight must not exceed 200 lbs regardless of trailer type.
How does towing affect Subaru Solterra battery range?
Towing reduces the Solterra’s driving range by an estimated 40 to 60 percent depending on trailer weight, road grade, speed, and ambient temperature. At highway speeds with a load near the maximum trailer weight, real-world range may fall well below the EPA-rated unladen figure. Charging stop planning is a required part of any towing trip in this vehicle.
Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Subaru Solterra?
A weight-distributing hitch is not compatible with the Solterra’s Class I 1-1/4-inch receiver. The vehicle is not designed to accept this equipment. Tongue weight must be managed through proper trailer load distribution, keeping it between 10 and 15 percent of total trailer weight and within the 200-lb tongue weight limit.
Conclusion
The Subaru Solterra offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs (907 kg) on AWD-equipped models across all production years from 2023 through 2025. FWD variants carry no manufacturer-approved towing rating. The towing capacity is consistent across model years because the powertrain configuration has not changed.
Towing with the Solterra requires attention to tongue weight limits, payload capacity, and battery range reduction. The 200-lb tongue weight limit and Class I receiver restrict this vehicle to lighter trailer types such as small utility trailers, lightweight boat trailers, and teardrop campers within the rated weight. The factory tow package is a prerequisite for any trailer towing on AWD models.
Always verify towing specifications using the vehicle’s owner’s manual and door jamb placard before towing, and plan charging stops based on expected range reduction under load.
