Is the Subaru Forester a good car for towing?
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its all-wheel-drive capability, spacious interior, and reliable performance. However, when it comes to towing, the Forester's capabilities are more limited compared to larger SUVs or trucks. In this article, we'll explore the Forester's towing capacity and whether it's a suitable choice for those who need to tow heavy loads.
Towing Capacity of the Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. This means the Forester can handle light-duty towing tasks, such as small trailers, boats, or lightweight recreational vehicles. However, it's important to note that the towing capacity can vary depending on the specific model year, engine, and other factors.
For comparison, larger SUVs and trucks typically have higher towing capacities, often ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 pounds or more. These vehicles are better suited for heavier towing tasks, such as large trailers, campers, or heavy equipment.
Factors to Consider When Towing with the Subaru Forester
While the Forester's towing capacity is limited, there are a few factors to consider when using it for towing:
- Payload Capacity: The Forester's payload capacity, which is the maximum weight it can carry, including passengers and cargo, is also relatively low compared to larger vehicles. This means the Forester may not be able to handle the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and a heavy trailer or load.
- Driving Dynamics: Towing a trailer or load can significantly affect the Forester's handling, braking, and overall driving dynamics. The added weight and momentum of a trailer can make the vehicle more difficult to control, especially in emergency situations or on steep inclines.
- Fuel Efficiency: Towing a trailer or load will also impact the Forester's fuel efficiency, as the engine has to work harder to move the additional weight. This can result in decreased gas mileage and increased fuel costs.
It's important to carefully consider the weight and size of any trailer or load you plan to tow with the Forester, and ensure that you stay within the vehicle's recommended towing capacity and payload limits.
Alternatives to the Subaru Forester for Towing
If you regularly need to tow heavy loads or trailers, the Subaru Forester may not be the best choice. Instead, you may want to consider larger SUVs or trucks with higher towing capacities, such as the Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, or Chevrolet Silverado. These vehicles are designed to handle heavier towing tasks with greater ease and stability.
Ultimately, the Subaru Forester is a capable and versatile compact SUV, but its towing capabilities are more limited compared to larger vehicles. If your towing needs are relatively light, the Forester may still be a suitable option, but for heavier towing tasks, you may want to explore alternative vehicles that are better equipped for the job.
What is the best Subaru for pulling a trailer?
Subarus generally are not ideal for towing a lot. The best Subaru to buy for towing would be the Ascent, with the towing package, but even that won't let you tow as much as your 4Runner or a truck.
What is the biggest issue with a Subaru Forester?
And 178 lb feet of torque. That's not a lot of power for a modern vehicle with each iteration the Forester becomes heavier and heavier.
Is a Subaru Forester or Outback better for towing?
The 2025 Subaru Forester excels in offering a compact, efficient, and affordable SUV option for daily driving and family use, while the 2025 Subaru Outback provides more power and off-road capability, perfect for adventure seekers who need towing capacity and extra performance.
What year to avoid a Subaru Forester?
Forester Model Years To Avoid: First Generation 1998-2001
The Foresters from 2001 and before had the most significant gasket head problems, with the 1998 being the worst of the first-generation models. The problem was caused by a single-layer head gasket that was too weak.
Which Forester can tow 3,000 pounds?
2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness
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.
What is the best engine for towing a Subaru?
The 2.5L engine has enough power to help you tow up to 2,700 pounds. You can maximize towing capacity by climbing the trim ladder and upgrading to the turbocharged 2.4L engine, which offers an impressive 3,500-pound towing capacity.
Is a Subaru Forester any good for towing?
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.
Why get a Forester instead of an Outback?
The wagon-adjacent Outback is longer and has a lower roofline, while the Forester provides about an inch more front headroom as a taller compact SUV. Front and rear legroom is nearly identical in both models. Around back, the Outback offers 33 cubic feet of cargo volume compared with the Forester's 30 cubic feet.
Are Subaru Foresters good for towing?
Subaru Forester models from 2014 to 2024 offer the same base towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The 2022 redesign of this iconic SUV offered an optional Class II tow hitch receiver, which increases your towing capacity from 1,500 pounds to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped.
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.
