Can you pull a trailer with a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability, versatility, and all-wheel-drive capability. But if you're considering towing a trailer with your Forester, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll explore whether the Subaru Forester is up to the task and what you need to know before hitching up a trailer.
Understanding the Subaru Forester's Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of a vehicle is the maximum weight it can safely tow, including the trailer and its contents. For most Subaru Forester models, the towing capacity is rated at 1,500 pounds. However, newer models, such as the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness edition, boast an increased towing capacity of up to 3,000 pounds. Always check your specific model's owner's manual for the exact towing capacity.
What Can You Tow with a Subaru Forester?
Given its towing capacity, the Subaru Forester is suitable for towing smaller loads. Here are some examples of what you can tow:
- Small utility trailers
- Lightweight campers or teardrop trailers
- Jet skis or small boats
- Motorcycles or ATVs on a trailer
Keep in mind that the total weight of the trailer and its cargo must not exceed the vehicle's towing capacity.
Preparing Your Subaru Forester for Towing
Before you start towing, it’s essential to ensure your Forester is properly equipped. Here are some steps to prepare your vehicle:
- Install a Trailer Hitch: Make sure you have a compatible trailer hitch installed. Subaru offers factory-approved hitches, or you can opt for an aftermarket option.
- Check the Wiring: Ensure your Forester has the necessary wiring for trailer lights and brakes. This is crucial for safety and legal compliance.
- Distribute Weight Properly: Balance the load on your trailer to avoid swaying and ensure safe handling.
- Inspect Tires and Brakes: Confirm that your Forester’s tires and brakes are in good condition to handle the added stress of towing.
Driving Tips for Towing with a Subaru Forester
Towing a trailer changes the way your vehicle handles, so it’s important to adjust your driving habits. Here are some tips:
- Drive at a moderate speed and allow extra time for braking.
- Use lower gears when driving uphill or downhill to reduce strain on the engine and brakes.
- Be mindful of your vehicle’s turning radius, as towing a trailer requires wider turns.
- Regularly check your mirrors to ensure the trailer is stable and secure.
Conclusion
Yes, you can pull a trailer with a Subaru Forester, but it’s essential to stay within the vehicle’s towing capacity and take the necessary precautions. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or need to haul equipment, the Forester can handle light towing tasks with ease. Just remember to prepare your vehicle properly and drive cautiously to ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size camper can a Subaru Forester tow?
Light Duty for Campers and Mores
The Forester is a light-duty towing vehicle. The 1,500-pound towing capacity allows the Forester to tow lightweight pop-up campers, medium utility, and box trailers, and modestly sized sport or fishing boats; perfect for the outdoor activities Newton has to offer.
Is Subaru Forester a good car for towing?
Impressive Subaru Forester Engine Specs
The engine is a big reason behind the capable towing capacity offered by the Subaru Forester. Enjoy a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder engine in the 2024 model year, allowing towing up to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Subaru Forester?
The price range of a hitch for a Subaru Forester ranges from $150 to $175. U-Haul carries several different classes of hitches and offers different sizes to accommodate both 1¼ to 2-inch receivers. U-Haul offers both installation services at a local U-Haul Moving Center® and will ship your hitch to your home.
What weight will a Subaru Forester tow?
The towing capacity of the 2022 Subaru Forester supports up to 1800kg. This is a braked figure, while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that much in the first place.
Which Subarus can tow 5000 lbs?
2021 Subaru Ascent SUV
The 2021 Subaru Ascent SUV has a max towing capacity of 5000 lbs on selected trim levels when equipped with the available Class III trailer hitch.
What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?
Excessive oil consumption, unexpected acceleration, engine stalling while driving, the check engine light staying on, engine reluctance when accelerating, and the engine catching fire or malfunctioning are among the top engine issues expressed by 2015 Forester owners.
Can I tow a trailer with my Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester can tow anything up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Is a Forester as safe as an outback?
Both the Forester and Outback have the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award and similar crash-test scores. But, they have some differences. The Outback is slightly bigger, which means more cargo space - 75.7 cubic feet versus the Forester's 70.9 cubic feet.
Why are Subaru Foresters not selling?
The popular Forester's five-month drop in sales performance has a lot to do with the economy. Many seniors look at the Forester and compare the price with the Crosstrek and can get an excellent all-wheel-drive vehicle for about $5,000 less—and even more so on the upper Touring trim level.
Can a Subaru Forester tow 3000 lbs?
For those needing the most towing capacity, buyers should consider the new 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness trim level. This rugged, off-road-focused trim level has 3,000 lbs of towing capacity, double that of the other trims, giving the 2024 Subaru Forester even more everyday utility.
