Subaru Outback — 2015 - 2019 — EcoHitch® Trailer Hitch
IN STOCK
Looking for a solid trailer hitch for your Subaru Outback? This one offers impressive performance and a quality build you can count on.
Unlike bulky “diaper hitches” that hang low across your bumper and scrape, our streamlined design features a 100% concealed cross tube with a receiver that is angled upward just enough, offering you superior ground clearance and assuring your rack and bikes remain level and avoid scraping damage.
Featuring our 2" receiver, EcoHitch delivers unparalleled stability with a tongue weight rating of 525 pounds, this hitch is designed to haul E-Bikes, cargo trays, camping gear, or other adventure essentials without breaking a sweat. Engineered for seamless compatibility, it lets you use all your existing hitch accessories without the need for extra adapters that cause rattling, noise, or instability—giving you a smooth, quiet, and secure driving experience every time. Best of all, EcoHitch is the only hitch for the Subaru Outback that maintains full hands-free kick sensor functionality, so you never lose the convenience you love.
Built to outlast and outperform, EcoHitch is the ultimate hitch solution for Subaru Outback owners.
Trailer Hitch Part Numbers: X7601(2”)
Hitch receiver type: Hidden
Receiver size: 2”
Weight Rating: 3,500 pounds towing, 525 pounds tongue weight at the trailer ball ***
How to Install a Hidden EcoHitch® on a 2015-2019 Subaru Outback: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Install the EcoHitch on a 2018 Subaru Outback: Complete Guide
Ground clearance: 14.5″†
Ground clearance (inside top of receiver): 17″†
*Used to help determine which ball mount is used to tow a trailer
This kit ships complete. Kit includes bolt/accessory kits
† Estimated ground clearance on a stock vehicle. Actual clearance may vary based on suspension, cargo, vehicle options, and other factors.
More Accessories:
- SKU
- XV1SUBOUT02
Shipping Info
All Torklift products ship in 5 business days or less.
If you order multiple products, they may ship from different warehouses in separate shipments
Don't see your EcoHitch® listed? Click here!
Applications Include:
- 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i trailer hitch
- 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium trailer hitch
- 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited trailer hitch
- 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited trailer hitch
- 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i trailer hitch
- 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium trailer hitch
- 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited trailer hitch
- 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited trailer hitch
- 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i trailer hitch
- 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium trailer hitch
- 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited trailer hitch
- 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring trailer hitch
- 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring trailer hitch
- 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i trailer hitch
- 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium trailer hitch
- 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited trailer hitch
- 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited trailer hitch
- 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring trailer hitch
- 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring trailer hitch
- 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i trailer hitch
- 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium trailer hitch
- 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited trailer hitch
- 2019 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited trailer hitch
- 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring trailer hitch
- 2019 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring trailer hitch
Key Features:
- Versatile Combo Rack and Tow Hitch: The EcoHitch allows you to tow or use a bike rack without needing any additional accessories. Some other hitches require separate adapters for towing, the EcoHitch is designed to do it all, providing seamless integration for all your towing and bike rack needs.
- Completely Concealed Hidden Design: Only the receiver is visible, maintaining your Outback’s sleek appearance.
- Easy Installation: 100% bolt-on installation, no drilling required, meeting national SAE J684 towing safety standards.
- Impressive Towing Capacity: Rated for 525 pounds tongue weight at the trailer ball and 3,500 pounds towing weight.***
- E-Bike Rated: Planning your set up? Be sure to use our new Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator to be certain you are not overloading your trailer hitch or your vehicle. EcoHitch features many hitch designs engineered to handle the extra weight of E-Bikes without requiring the use of additional straps. EcoHitch offers some of the highest tongue weight capacity available— for securely transporting bikes, cargo trays, additional gear, etc.
- Class 3 Compatible? – Check Your Setup: Most E-Bike rack manufacturers require a Class 3 hitch. Many EcoHitches feature designs similar to Class 3 performance standards, but not all hitch offerings support every one of the Class 3 standards. Whether you're using an EcoHitch or another hitch, maintain your confidence that your hitch combination can safely carry your E-Bike setup- use our Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator to estimate your set up.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Does not interfere with auto-latching and unlatching hatches on vehicles that include this feature.
- Unmatched Ground Clearance: Every EcoHitch® is designed to be angled upward just enough to keep your hitch accessories level and avoid scraping.
- Aerodynamic Compatibility: Complements the aerodynamic contours of your Outback.
- Armor Pro Finish:Torklift’s exclusive premium finish, engineered to outperform traditional powder coat with a tougher barrier against rust, road salt, harsh weather, moisture, and everyday towing abuse. Armor Pro Finish is backed by 2,000+ hours of salt spray testing, up to 8x longer than standard powder coat finish.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with 100% recycled and recyclable materials.
- Lightweight: No added bulk to your vehicle.
- Free Shipping: Available for the lower 48 states.
- Made in the U.S.A.: Proudly American-made.
- Legendary Lifetime Warranty: Rest assured with our unwavering commitment to quality.
Simple Installation
Designed for simplicity, our hitch offers a 100 percent bolt-on installation that won’t disrupt your vehicle’s aerodynamics or require roof-mounted cargo.
EcoHitch® Trailer Hitch Strength
Coated in high-impact powder coat with a Chasm Black finish, our hitches are meticulously sandblasted for maximum durability. Made from a combination of aerospace-grade aluminum, stainless steel, and steel.
American-Made with a REAL Warranty
Proudly Made in America, our Outback hitch is backed by our Legendary Lifetime Warranty. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with installation and support.
*WARNING* Your vehicle may have a lower tow rating than this trailer hitch. If your vehicle’s tow rating is less than the rated towing capacity on your Torklift Central trailer hitch, your trailer hitch capacity is limited to your vehicle’s factory rated towing capacity.
***IMPORTANT NOTICE:
While EcoHitch®️ trailer hitches are built with high-strength materials and tested for exceptional weight ratings, your vehicle’s factory towing capacities are the ultimate limit. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine its maximum towing and tongue weight ratings. No aftermarket hitch or accessory can increase your vehicle’s factory-rated towing capacities.
Using hauling accessories like extensions, cargo trays, bike racks, or other accessories that extend the load out from the trailer hitch, will significantly reduce the tongue weight capacity of your hitch system.
To estimate how your setup will affect tongue weight, we recommend using our Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator before hauling your payload (cargo trays, bike racks, etc).
Disclaimer: It is the user’s responsibility to ensure safe towing practices and to confirm that all loads fall within the limits of the lowest-rated component in the towing system. Torklift is not liable for any damage or injury resulting from the misuse or overloading of towing/hauling equipment.
Additional Online Part Numbers: 306-X7601 Etrailer ECHX7601
*Depending on the application, the product can include a combination of up to three qualified materials
What is the EcoHitch for the 2015-2019 Subaru Outback?
The EcoHitch for the 2015-2019 Subaru Outback is a hidden trailer hitch with a 2" receiver designed specifically for these model years, using a completely concealed cross tube with only the receiver visible to maintain your vehicle's sleek appearance. This concealed hitch layout is driven by Outback owner preference for a factory-like look during daily driving while still adding a receiver for towing and hitch accessories. Fitment and rear-end packaging are confirmed during development so the cross tube stays hidden as described when installed per instructions.
What is the weight capacity of this trailer hitch?
The EcoHitch weight capacity is rated for 3,500 pounds towing capacity and 525 pounds tongue weight at the trailer ball. Use our Maximum Hitch Weight (Tongue Weight) Estimator to verify allowable load and ensure you are within safe limits.
Can I install the EcoHitch myself?
Yes, you can install the EcoHitch yourself because it features 100% bolt-on installation with no drilling required, and the kit ships complete with all necessary bolts and accessories. This approach supports customers who want a straightforward trailer hitch install that avoids permanent vehicle modifications and arrives as a complete kit ready for installation. The bolt-on design is developed to use the intended mounting points so the hitch installs as directed when installed per instructions.
Will this hitch work with bike racks and cargo trays?
Yes, this hitch works with bike racks and cargo trays because the EcoHitch is a versatile combo rack and tow hitch that supports bike racks, cargo trays, and towing without requiring additional adapters, and it is rated to handle the extra weight of E-Bikes. This adapter-free setup matches how Outback owners typically use a 2-inch receiver for multiple tasks, keeping accessory compatibility simple while supporting heavier bike loads as specified.
Does the EcoHitch maintain ground clearance?
Yes, the EcoHitch maintains ground clearance because it offers 14.5"† ground clearance and features an upward-angled receiver design to keep accessories level and avoid scraping, unlike bulky "diaper hitches" that hang low across the bumper. This geometry is aimed at real driving conditions like steep driveways and ramps where low-hanging hitches and accessories can contact the ground, and the upward receiver angle helps keep racks level as described. Ground clearance and receiver positioning are confirmed during development so the hitch matches the stated clearance characteristics when installed per instructions.
Will this hitch interfere with my Outback's hands-free liftgate?
No, this hitch will not interfere with your Outback's hands-free liftgate because the EcoHitch is the only hitch for the Subaru Outback that maintains full hands-free kick sensor functionality and does not interfere with auto-latching and unlatching hatches. Retaining hands-free access and normal hatch operation is a common Outback owner requirement when adding a concealed trailer hitch, and this application is developed to preserve those functions as stated when installed as directed. This lets you add towing and accessory capability without giving up the convenience features built into the vehicle.
What warranty does the EcoHitch come with?
The EcoHitch comes with Torklift Legendary Lifetime Warranty and is proudly made in the USA, providing long-term coverage and support aligned with the hitch’s design and manufacturing controls. Torklift Legendary Lifetime Warranty coverage is included with the EcoHitch as stated, giving Outback owners warranty-backed confidence for towing and accessory use over the long term.
What receiver size does this hitch have?
This hitch receiver size is a 2" receiver that delivers unparalleled stability and allows you to use all your existing hitch accessories without extra adapters that cause rattling. A true 2-inch receiver is widely used for bike racks, cargo carriers, and towing equipment, which is why many Outback owners prioritize a 2-inch receiver for direct accessory compatibility.
Can I install this at home, or do I need a certified mechanic?
You can install the EcoHitch for the 2015 - 2019 Subaru Outback at home because it is a bolt-on installation using standard hand tools, though professional installation support is available if you prefer that option. If you prefer for installation to be done by a professional installer, we have a large network of certified installers across the country. Visit our Certified Dealer Locator here.
† Estimated ground clearance on a stock vehicle. Actual clearance may vary based on suspension, cargo, vehicle options, and other factors.
Customer Reviews
Easy one person installation if you review the step-by-step Torklift installation video and written instructions and ....
*Wearing a camping headlamp makes seeing everything so much easier in the wheel wells and under the bumper.
*Measure to confirm the center line of the bumper with the metal tailgate latch or anything that is not on the bumper (I explain below)
*I hung the lights up and out of my way with a bungee cord from the tailgate lift brackets, rather than risk damaging a bulb or clip to remove each bulb.
*There is one wire harness connector clip (for the backup sensors) on the driver's side, under the light, that can be disconnected, from underneath, before removing the bumper. You can remove the bumper first, but then you have to support the bumper and un-clip the harness. The clip is secured by a white slip clip to an adjacent metal bracket. It is the first one you see when looking under the corner of the bumper.
*Must have a 14mm DEEP SET socket (6 pin) to remove the bumper beam nuts. Standard set is too short and won't reach the nuts.
*Don't forget to bend the center metal tab up before placing the hitch onto the bumper beam bolts.
*Do use a level to center the hitch before tightening the bumper beam nuts. I lined it up with the chrome tailgate latch. (The hitch has some left and right play). Now, when you measure your cut for the bumper fascia, the hitch will line up in the middle of the bumper contours.
*Before cutting the fascia, confirm your measurements so the "mark out" is in the middle. After making the cuts, you have to carefully shave or whittle down the remaining thick push pin edge to get the Trim-Lok to fit.
*I suggest starting at one end and carefully pushing and squeezing the entire Trim-Lok in place, inch by inch, at the same time crimping it with a pliers to make it stay in place (it has a thin sleeve of metal inside). There will be extra to trim off.
*Don't bother trying to re-install the foam pad. I tried to put the bumper fascia on over the foam pad. The fascia tabs would not line up on the sides. Just throw it away - like the video says.
*When re-installing the mud flaps make sure to keep the black metal screw tabs over the holes. The screws, and the mud flap, will not be secured going into plastic alone. The tabs are hard to see as they are black on black plastic.
Took me about 2 1/2 hours because I was pausing the Torklift installation video on my iPad and was deliberately slow and careful.
It is solid and looks great!
Tools needed were a long handled Phillips, a small (I used an electrical) flat head, 10 mm drive, 9/16 drive (though it may have really been a 14mm drive - I would expect it to be metric, 9/16 was the nearest on to hand which fit) - I needed a deep socket to remove the bumper but a normal drive with a cheater bar to reinstall. I used a box cutter to shape the cutout in the bumper cover. If you have radar you will need to disconnect that as well, but its a simple pop out. I used the nuts provided by Torklift on the reinstall rather than reused the Subaru ones. The nuts on the top - inside are a little tricker to get a ratchet in tighten, but once you have them most of the way you can get a cheater back in to tighten all the way. Also make sure you get all the pushpins, a couple where hidden under splash guards, and there were a couple of small hidden ones as well; if you feel more resistance than you should when pulling things off you probably missed one; also the covers on the lights were a little fiddly, not sure if there is a clip holding them down, but when I put the electrical screwdriver in the right spot it lifted off easily; just take care, it does not need a lot of force..
Last time I installed a receiver was on a Jeep Cherokee and that sucked because you had to fish around in the frame, this was so easy I would recommend to any Subaru owner, and most likely you can do it yourself....
Super dumb mistake as it's useless if you have 4 bikes. Not knocking Thule but perplexed at why Subaru thinks that a tiny hitch is the only thing they should offer.
Got that corrected satisfactorily with the dealer, but we were left hitchless.
I ordered this; it arrived quickly. My husband put it on yesterday with a minimum of hassle following Torklift's instructions. He's mechanically adept but had not removed a bumper before or installed a hitch. I was worried about knocking some of the rear sensors out of alignment but there was no impact. He saved us a couple hundred dollars and a few hours.
After it was on, he said "Now THAT'S a hitch!" - it's definitely beefy.
The EcoHitch is a great hitch, installs really clean, true No Drill option which I am extremely happy with and would recommend to anyone in a heart beat.