TOWING- MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC?

86,145

Asked by Mark Oct 23, 2015 at 05:57 PM about the 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited

Question type: General

Do you find it easier to tow with an automatic vs. manual-transmission?   
And,  how do you fare on hills with the 2.5 Four and CVT transmission?

6 Answers

86,145

Thanks Kelly, yeah, this was a rethorical question. I agree that it's much easier with the automatic transmission and the CVT changes ratios so seamlessly especially on hills, you never feel anything. The car just keeps climbing and pulling. I know a lot of people don't like CVT for various reasons, mainly because they don't understand or have any direct experience with it. As far as I'm concerned, it just works. And saves fuel, what's wrong with that?

1 people found this helpful.

From what I have read the CVT's don't handle towing well. Automatics work fine for towing but don't over heat them. If you tow all the time consider adding a transmission cooler but keep in mind the towing capacity of a Subaru is minimal and you may want to get a pickup instead.

1 people found this helpful.
86,145

Full_of_Regrets- adding a transmission cooler on the Subaru CVT transmission is NOT ADVISED. It has a transmission cooler built into the unit, and adding another component is another source of failure, if a hose breaks. As far as towing capacity is concerned, the stated tow rating on this car is 2,700 pounds. Did you say that your Forrester has the CVT transmission or manual?

3 people found this helpful.
10

Can u damage a transmission by towing it in the front in 2 wheel mode on a 2014 Subaru Outback ?

1 people found this helpful.

Check the owners manual for towing information but I think you need a trailer (not a car dolly) to safely tow your Outback.

Your Answer:

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 38,655 nationwide Outback listings starting at $1,300.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2010 Subaru Outback

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,250
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,320
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,310
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
1,139 Great Deals out of 26,183 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota RAV4
2,020 Great Deals out of 29,090 listings starting at $1,350
Used Honda CR-V
2,029 Great Deals out of 42,027 listings starting at $1,100
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,171 Great Deals out of 18,642 listings starting at $960
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,987 Great Deals out of 32,643 listings starting at $2,295
Used Subaru Legacy
316 Great Deals out of 7,023 listings starting at $499
Used Subaru Impreza
378 Great Deals out of 7,561 listings starting at $800
Used Toyota Highlander
1,291 Great Deals out of 18,675 listings starting at $500
Used Toyota Camry
2,007 Great Deals out of 35,015 listings starting at $500
Used Ford F-150
6,133 Great Deals out of 132,912 listings starting at $1,300
Used Honda Accord
1,516 Great Deals out of 29,615 listings starting at $500
Used Honda Pilot
979 Great Deals out of 29,349 listings starting at $711

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Subaru Outback For Sale
129 Great Deals out of 24,685 listings starting at $27,000
2023 Subaru Outback For Sale
110 Great Deals out of 1,422 listings starting at $24,417
2022 Subaru Outback For Sale
92 Great Deals out of 1,870 listings starting at $18,887
2021 Subaru Outback For Sale
161 Great Deals out of 2,247 listings starting at $15,985
2020 Subaru Outback For Sale
126 Great Deals out of 1,468 listings starting at $15,988

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.