Does a Subaru Forester come with a trailer hitch?
Yes. A 2-inch trailer hitch can be added to a Forester—via Subaru’s factory towing package or through a dealer/aftermarket installation—and the vehicle can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Across recent model years, hitch availability depends on the year and trim. Subaru offers a factory towing package that installs a 2-inch receiver and a wiring harness, and buyers can also opt for dealer-installed or aftermarket hitches. This article explains how to obtain a hitch, what the towing limits are, and what to check before towing.
Understanding hitch availability on the Forester
The Forester can be equipped with a trailer hitch, but it is not universally standard on every trim. The common path is the factory towing package, which provides a 2-inch receiver hitch and the necessary wiring. If the factory option isn’t chosen, dealers or skilled aftermarket installers can add a compatible hitch and harness, allowing the vehicle to tow within its rated limit.
Key options to add a hitch
Below are the main routes buyers use to obtain a trailer hitch for the Forester.
- Factory towing package: This built-in option includes a 2-inch hitch receiver and a wiring harness, and it enables towing up to the model’s rated limit when properly equipped.
- Dealer-installed hitch: If the factory option isn’t selected, Subaru dealers can install a 2-inch receiver and wiring harness as a certified accessory installation; this can be coordinated with a new-car order or as a retroactive addition.
- Aftermarket hitch: Third-party hitch receivers compatible with the 2-inch standard are available for installation by a qualified technician; verify compatibility with Subaru’s towing specifications and warranty terms.
Bottom line: Any of these routes provides a 2-inch receiver suitable for light towing up to the Forester’s rated limit, provided you meet the necessary equipment and weight allowances. Always confirm exact specs for your year and trim with Subaru or your dealer.
Tow capacity and safety considerations
The Forester’s official maximum towing rating is about 1,500 pounds when properly equipped with the towing package. This rating assumes the appropriate hitch, wiring harness, and any required trailer brakes per the owner's manual. To tow safely, you must adhere to the vehicle’s limits, use the correct hitch setup, and follow all guidance in the manual and the towing package documentation.
Before towing, consider these practical checks to ensure a compliant setup.
- Hitch class and receiver: Use a 2-inch receiver installed and secured, with the electrical connections correctly wired to the trailer.
- Wiring harness: Verify a functioning 4-pin connector (and any additional wiring if your trailer requires it) for lights and signals.
- Weight limits: Do not exceed the official 1,500-pound towing limit or tongue-, gross-, and payload-weight guidelines for your specific year and trim.
- Brake controller considerations: Trailers with their own electric brakes may require a brake controller for certain weights or jurisdictions; consult local requirements and the towing package guidance.
In short, the hitch and towing setup must stay within the Forester’s designated limits, and you should follow the official guidance in the owner’s manual and the towing package documentation.
Summary
The Subaru Forester can indeed be equipped with a trailer hitch, typically via the factory towing package, a dealer installation, or an aftermarket solution. The standard 2-inch receiver and a 4-pin wiring harness are common features of the tow setup, with a maximum towing capacity around 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Availability varies by year and trim, so check with a Subaru dealer for your exact model to confirm whether the hitch is included or must be added, and ensure you stay within the vehicle’s recommended towing limits.
