Does a Subaru Forester come with a tow package?
Yes. The Forester can be equipped with an official factory Tow Package that adds a hitch, wiring, and cooling components to enable towing—up to about 2,700 pounds on most 2.5-liter models, with year-by-year variations. Availability depends on trim and model year, so check the exact rating for your specific vehicle.
What the tow package includes
Component overview
The Tow Package for the Subaru Forester typically includes hardware and cooling upgrades that make towing possible and safer. The core elements most buyers will see are:
- 2-inch hitch receiver installed on the rear
- Tow wiring harness for trailer lights
- Transmission cooler to help manage heat during towing
- Additional cooling/upgrades in some years (engine oil cooler or upgraded radiator may appear in certain configurations)
With these components in place, the Forester can tow within its official rating when the vehicle is properly equipped and used according to the owner's manual.
What is the towing capacity and how to know if your Forester has it
Towing capacity varies by model year, engine, and whether the Tow Package is installed. In modern Foresters, the maximum rating with the Tow Package is commonly around 2,700 pounds for most 2.5-liter configurations, while models without the Tow Package tend to have lower capacities. Turbocharged or older XT variants can have different numbers, so the exact figure should always be verified against the official documentation for your specific year, trim, and VIN.
- Check the window sticker or factory build sheet for the "Tow Package" option flag to confirm if the vehicle was equipped from the factory.
- Inspect the rear of the vehicle for a factory 2-inch hitch receiver and a corresponding trailer wiring harness.
- Consult the owner's manual for the stated towing limit for your exact year and trim, or use Subaru's official VIN lookup to verify the rating.
- If in doubt, contact a Subaru dealer with your VIN to get the precise towing capacity for your model.
Knowing the exact rating for your vehicle helps ensure safe towing practices and compliance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How to order or equip a Forester with a tow package
For shoppers seeking to add tow capability, the process typically involves selecting a trim that offers the Tow Package, confirming availability for your region, and completing the installation through a dealer or authorized service center. Here are common steps you’ll encounter.
- Choose a Forester trim that lists the Tow Package as an option or standard equipment in your market and year.
- Confirm with a dealer that the Tow Package is compatible with your chosen transmission and drivetrain configuration, and verify the final towing rating using your VIN.
- Have the Tow Package installed at a Subaru dealership or approved service facility if not already included from factory order; ensure the hitch, wiring, and cooling components are correctly fitted.
- Test and document the towing setup, and review the manual's towing guidance to ensure safe operation.
Adding the Tow Package through a dealer ensures you get the correct hardware, harnesses, and official rating for safe towing performance.
Summary
The Subaru Forester can be ordered with an official Tow Package that enables towing, typically up to about 2,700 pounds on many 2.5-liter models; exact limits depend on year, trim, and whether the package is installed. To know your exact rating, check the vehicle’s VIN, consult the owner's manual, and confirm with a Subaru dealer. If you’re planning to tow, ensure you have the right equipment, follow manufacturer guidelines, and stay within the stated limits for safe operation.
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.
Is a tow package required for a Forester?
For casual towing needs or hitch-mounted applications like bike racks or cargo carriers, the standard 1,500 lbs should be sufficient for most buyers. It's important to note that the hitch receiver is an add-on extra, and is not included with every 2024 Subaru Forester.
Does the Subaru Forester have a towing package?
All Subaru SUVs come with Trailer Stability Assist and available towing packages that include hitches, wiring harnesses, and transmission coolers (on select models).
Do foresters come with a trailer hitch?
Certain Forester models come with an optional towing package that includes a hitch receiver and wiring harness. This package is designed to optimize the vehicle's towing capabilities, making it easier to connect and tow trailers.
