Is a Subaru Forester any good for towing?
The Subaru Forester can handle light towing tasks, but it isn’t designed for heavy trailer pulls. For most buyers, the practical limit is around 1,500 pounds (braked) with proper equipment, making it suitable for small campers, utility trailers, and light boats. If you regularly tow heavier loads, you’ll want a more capable vehicle.
What the specs say
Understanding official towing figures helps set expectations for performance, braking, and load safety. Here are the core numbers and limits for contemporary Forester models.
- Maximum towing capacity (braked): 1,500 pounds on most recent Forester trims, when properly equipped.
- Engine and drivetrain: 2.5-liter flat-four with CVT and standard all-wheel drive; no factory heavy-tow upgrade on the mainstream models.
- Tongue weight guidance: typically around 10–15% of the trailer’s weight, which translates to roughly 150–225 pounds for a fully loaded 1,500-pound trailer.
- Braked vs. unbraked: the full 1,500-pound rating applies to braked trailers; unbraked limits are lower and vary by year—always check the owner’s manual for your exact model.
Bottom line: for most Forester buyers, 1,500 pounds braked is the upper practical limit. Heavier loads require a vehicle with a higher tow rating.
What you can tow in practice
In real-world use, the Forester’s light-tow capability supports modest camping gear, small trailers, and light boats or utility trailers. Load management and route planning become more important as you approach the limit.
- Teardrop campers or small utility trailers within the 1,500-pound limit.
- Small boat trailers intended for short trips or inland waterways.
- Bike or cargo trailers used for weekend trips, provided total weight stays within the rating.
For occasional, light-duty towing, the Forester offers a practical solution, especially with its all-wheel-drive system and good maneuverability. If you routinely tow near or beyond the limit, the vehicle’s suspension, brakes, and acceleration will experience more strain—and you’ll want a vehicle designed for heavier hauls.
Safety, setup, and best practices
To tow safely, you need the right equipment, proper setup, and disciplined driving. The following guidelines help ensure stability, braking performance, and control on the highway.
- Confirm the exact towing rating for your year and trim in the owner’s manual, and ensure your hitch is rated for at least 1,500 pounds gross trailer weight (GTW).
- Use a hitch and wiring harness appropriate for the trailer, and install trailer brakes if the trailer has them; consider a brake controller if required by local laws or the trailer’s weight.
- Balance the load carefully: place heavier items toward the trailer’s front axle to maintain proper tongue weight and stability.
- Distribute cargo evenly inside the Forester and avoid overloading the vehicle’s payload. Account for passengers and gear when calculating available towing capacity.
- Adapt driving habits: increase following distance, plan for longer braking distances, and anticipate hills or strong crosswinds; maintain a steady speed and use appropriate gear (or setting) on inclines.
With the right equipment and careful driving, the Forester can tow safely within its designed limits. Pushing past those limits or repeatedly towing heavy loads will degrade performance and could raise safety concerns.
Bottom line and alternatives
The Forester is a solid choice for light towing tasks, especially for those who value practicality, economy, and all-wheel-drive capability. If your needs include frequent or heavy towing—such as larger travel trailers, sizeable boats, or long highway hauls—consider a mid-size SUV or pickup with a higher tow rating and more robust braking capacity.
Summary
For most situations, the Subaru Forester handles light towing up to about 1,500 pounds braked, making it suitable for small campers, utility trailers, and modest boats. It’s not built for heavy towing, so plan accordingly, respect the official limits, and use proper equipment. If heavy or frequent towing is part of your routine, explore higher-tow alternatives to ensure safety and reliability on the road.
Is the Subaru Forester a good tow car?
The Subaru Forester makes most sense if you regularly tow to out-of-the-way campsites and need a reliable car that will pull a caravan off a muddy pitch. However, on tarmac there are better tow cars.
Can you tow anything with a Subaru Forester?
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.
What is the best Forester for towing?
Which Subaru Forester models offer the highest towing capacity? The Subaru Forester towing capacity is the highest in Forester Wilderness models. Specifically, where normal Forester trims (such as Base, Premium, and Sport) can tow 1,500 pounds,1 the Forester Wilderness trim tows 3,000 pounds.
