What is the payload of a 2001 Subaru Outback?

Answer 1

This is not a simple answer, since payload consists of not only the bags of concrete you throw in the back, but also you, your passengers, fuel load and optional equipment as well as condition of the vehicle and the quality of the roads in your area.

Weight distribution is also important. For example, your car will handle much differently with a 320 pound person in the front seat as compared with 4 eighty pound bags of concrete in the back. I would not quote a number to an inexperienced driver and have my advice used to put him(her)self and others in danger.

Any additional weight you haul will change braking and handling characteristics and you need to decide if you feel safe driving where you have to go. I routinely hauled 500 pounds of corn in my Forester but that was in a rural area that did not tax my driving skills. It made the back of the car drop down enough to make my headlights annoying to other drivers so I did it during daylight hours and I was glad to not have to stop quickly. If you will routinely haul a lot of weight, start low and increase to see if you are still confident that you can handle and stop.

Your owner's manual will give you the best answers to your questions. Stay safe out there.