Can I tow with a Subaru Forester?
Yes — you can tow with a Forester, but capacity varies by year and engine. In most US-market models, the towing limit hovers around 2,700 pounds; older turbo variants could reach roughly 3,500 pounds. Always verify the exact rating for your vehicle in the owner's manual or Subaru's official specifications for your VIN.
Understanding the Forester's towing capacity
The Forester's ability to tow is governed by engine choice, transmission setup, and whether the vehicle is equipped with the factory towing package. The numbers below reflect common ranges for recent models; always use the VIN-specific rating from Subaru.
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine (most current U.S. Foresters): up to about 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg) with proper equipment.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (older 2.0XT variants): up to about 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) on models that offered the turbo option; these variants are not standard on the latest Forester line in the U.S.
It's important to note that any tow weight must stay within the vehicle's towing rating, tongue weight limits, and payload capacity. The actual safe towing weight depends on how the trailer is loaded and local regulations.
What you need to tow safely with a Forester
To tow safely, you must have the right hitch setup, lighting, brakes (if required), and weight distribution considerations. Here is a checklist of essentials:
- Class II or higher hitch rated for the trailer's gross trailer weight (GTW).
- Trailer wiring harness to ensure proper brake and signal lights.
- Trailer brakes and a braking controller if the trailer's GTW exceeds state or local requirements (often around 2,000–3,500 pounds, depending on jurisdiction).
- Proper tongue weight (roughly 10–15% of the trailer's weight) and adherence to GVWR/GCWR limits.
- Regular tire, brake, and cooling checks; ensure the cooling system is adequate for pulling up gradients.
With the right equipment and weight management, the Forester can tow typical camping trailers, utility trailers, or small boats, but never tow heavier loads than rated or disable essential safety features.
Model-year snapshot: what to expect in recent Foresters
In the contemporary US market, the Forester lineup centered on the 2.5-liter engine with CVT, delivering a towing rating around 2,700 pounds when properly equipped. Earlier generations offered the 2.0-liter turbo (2.0XT) with higher ratings, but those variants are no longer standard in the latest models. For any year, verify the exact rating for your vehicle using Subaru's official documentation or your vehicle's door jamb placard.
Safety tips and best practices for towing with a Forester
Before you hit the road with a trailer in tow, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Never exceed the published tow rating; consider towing a bit under the limit to account for trailer weight, passengers, cargo, and fuel.
- Distribute weight properly on the trailer; aim for 10–15% of the total weight on the tongue.
- Check and maintain trailer lights, brakes, and coupling to avoid road-side failures.
- Plan for longer braking distances and acceleration; avoid high-speed towing on steep grades if not necessary.
- Consult your dealer for VIN-specific ratings and optional towing packages the model may require.
Following these steps helps ensure safe, legal towing with your Forester and reduces the risk of damage to drivetrain or suspension.
Summary
The Subaru Forester can tow, with realistic limits tied to engine choice, model year, and equipment. Most current models top out near 2,700 pounds, while older turbo variants could tow up to about 3,500 pounds. Always confirm the exact rating for your vehicle, equip the proper hitch and wiring, respect tongue weight and payload limits, and adhere to local towing laws. With careful preparation, many owners successfully tow campers, small boats, and utility trailers using a Forester.
Notes for readers
Always reference your owner's manual and Subaru's official spec sheets for precise numbers based on your VIN and configuration. This article provides general guidance and may not reflect your vehicle's exact rating.
Which Subaru Forester can tow?
2024 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim
- Subaru Forester (Base) - 1,500 lbs.
- Subaru Forester Premium - 1,500 lbs.
- Subaru Forester Sport - 1,500 lbs.
- Subaru Forester Limited - 1,500 lbs.
- Subaru Forester Touring - 1,500 lbs.
- Subaru Forester Wilderness - 3,000 lbs.
How do I know if my forester can tow something?
Can a Subaru Forester Tow a Trailer? The Subaru Forester can tow anything up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. If you'd like to tow a small trailer that weighs up to this threshold for the Subaru Forester, you're in luck. However, you'll need to be careful to stay within that amount.
What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?
Oil Consumption
Many drivers have reported that they need to get their oil changed more frequently than they have had to in other cars. This is likely due to oil cracks or leaks in the camshaft and crankshaft seals as well as the oil pump seal.
Is a Subaru Forester good for towing trailers?
Subaru rates the Forester Wilderness up to 3,000 pounds and pairs it with Trailer Stability Assist from the factory. This rating carries through from its 2022 debut into the 2025 model year. For small boats or a teardrop camper that creeps past 1,500 pounds loaded, Wilderness is the correct choice.
