What is the weight limit on a Subaru Forester hitch?
The typical ceiling for a current Subaru Forester is about 2,700 pounds of trailer weight with roughly 270 pounds of hitch (tongue) weight when properly equipped. Exact limits depend on model year, trim, and hitch setup, so always verify with the official manual or your dealer.
What the numbers mean
Trailer weight ratings specify how heavy a trailer the vehicle can pull in total, while tongue weight indicates the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. Together, these figures are limited by the Forester’s payload, braking system, suspension, and overall gross vehicle weight rating. Tongue weight is typically a percentage of the trailer’s gross weight, often around 10% for many small crossovers.
Before looking at specific numbers, note that the following figures reflect common specifications for modern Foresters, but your exact rating can vary by year, engine choice, and optional equipment.
- Maximum trailer weight (gross towing capacity) for most current Foresters: up to 2,700 pounds when properly equipped.
- Maximum tongue weight (hitch weight): around 270 pounds for those same configurations (roughly 10% of the trailer weight).
In practice, these limits mean you should not exceed about 2,700 pounds of trailer weight or 270 pounds of tongue weight unless you have a VIN-specific, installed setup that supports higher values. Always confirm with the owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer before towing.
Towing capacity by model year
Over the years, Forester towing specifications have evolved. Here is a high-level guide to help distinguish older and newer guidance, while emphasizing that exact ratings depend on your vehicle’s configuration.
Current-generation Foresters (approximately 2019–present)
- Commonly listed maximum trailer weight: up to 2,700 pounds.
- Commonly listed maximum tongue weight: about 270 pounds.
These figures assume the vehicle is properly equipped and within its payload limits. Always verify for your exact trim and VIN.
Earlier models (pre-2019)
- Many older Foresters were rated closer to 2,000 pounds of trailer weight, with proportionally lower tongue-weight allowances.
Again, exact ratings depend on engine, drivetrain, and equipment, so check the manual or dealership data for your year.
How to verify your exact rating
To be certain you’re towing within safe limits, use VIN-specific documentation and the vehicle’s official data.
- Consult the owner’s manual section dedicated to towing for the precise maximum trailer weight and tongue weight for your configuration.
- Check the data plate on the driver’s door jamb; it may list towing-related ratings and gross vehicle weight information.
- Review any hitch or trailer-brake components’ labels to ensure their capacities align with the Forester’s ratings.
- For VIN-specific numbers, contact a Subaru dealer or use Subaru’s official online resources with your VIN.
Concluding: Matching your trailer, hitch, and vehicle capabilities ensures safe handling and protects warranty coverage.
Practical towing tips for Forester owners
Before listing practical tips, note that safe towing also depends on how you load and configure your trailer and vehicle.
- Consider a weight-distribution hitch if you’re near the upper end of tongue weight to improve stability, braking, and steering response.
- Ensure your trailer has working brakes (if required by weight) and proper electrical connections to avoid braking or signaling issues.
- Distribute payload so that tongue weight stays within the rated range; avoid overloading the rear of the trailer or the vehicle’s cargo area.
- Account for payload: passengers, cargo, and roof loads reduce available towing capacity; plan accordingly.
Concluding: With the right equipment and careful loading, a Forester can tow safely within its rated limits while maintaining handling and braking performance.
Summary
In current Subaru Forester models, the typical tow limit is up to 2,700 pounds of trailer weight and about 270 pounds of tongue weight when properly equipped. Exact numbers vary by year, trim, and installed equipment, so always verify via the owner’s manual, the vehicle’s data plate, or a Subaru dealer to ensure you're towing within safe and supported limits.
