2014 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity

Max Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
Max Payload
See article
Tow Package
Factory option
Hitch Class
Class I

The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV and is known for its standard all-wheel drive, car-like handling, and practicality for families and light off-road use.

What is the towing capacity of the 2014 Subaru Forester?

The 2014 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.

How Much Can the 2014 Subaru Forester Tow?

The 2014 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. This applies to all trim levels and engine options.

You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.

2014 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim Level

All 2014 Forester trim levels share the same towing capacity rating.

TrimTowing Capacity
2.5i1,500 lbs
2.5i Premium1,500 lbs
2.5i Limited1,500 lbs
2.5i Touring1,500 lbs
2.0XT Premium1,500 lbs
2.0XT Touring1,500 lbs

Towing Capacity by Engine

2.5i Models

The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 170 horsepower and can tow 1,500 pounds. This engine is available in the base 2.5i, Premium, Limited, and Touring trim levels.

2.0XT Models

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 250 horsepower but maintains the same 1,500-pound towing capacity. Despite the extra power, Subaru kept the same towing rating across all Forester models.

EngineHPMax Tow
2.5i Models170 hp1,500 lbs
2.0XT Models250 hp1,500 lbs

2014 Subaru Forester Payload Capacity

Payload data is not available for this vehicle.

Payload refers to the maximum weight of cargo and passengers you can carry inside the vehicle.

2014 Subaru Forester Tow Package

Does the 2014 Subaru Forester have a tow package?

Yes, the 2014 Subaru Forester offers a factory tow package as an option. The package includes a tow hitch, wiring harness, and additional cooling systems for the transmission and engine.

The receiver is 1-1/4 inch and uses 4-way wiring.

What class hitch does the 2014 Subaru Forester use?

The 2014 Subaru Forester uses a Class I hitch rated to 2,000 pounds with a standard 1-7/8″ ball size. Class I hitches are designed for light-duty towing applications.

BALOCEO 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch Receiver Compatible with 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Rear Trailer Hitch Steel Powder Coated
  • Application: This class 3 trailer tow hitch receiver is compatible with 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Subaru Forester all models
  • Function: After installing the towing receiver device on your vehicle, it can bear the weight of the trailer and the cargo, ensuring that the towing vehicle can stably pull the load during driving
  • Load-bearing Capacity: Class 3 trailer hitch is rated for up to 3,500 lbs. Tongue weight is rated for up to 525 lbs. Made of steel, it is solid and not easy to deform. The black powder coating effectively avoids rust and wear caused by external conditions, ensuring stable performance over a long time
  • Installation: Install with screws, professional installation is recommended
  • Package: Package includes 1 x trailer tow hitch receiver, installation hardware and assemble manual

Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2014 Subaru Forester?

Yes, Class 2 or 3 aftermarket hitches are available from manufacturers like Curt. These options may offer higher weight ratings than the factory setup.

2014 Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation

Installing a trailer hitch on the 2014 Forester typically requires basic hand tools and takes 1-2 hours. The process involves mounting the hitch to the vehicle’s frame and connecting the electrical wiring.

What Can You Tow With a 2014 Subaru Forester?

Travel trailers and RVs

  • Pop-up campers — Weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs, so only the lightest models will fit within the 1,500 lb limit.
  • Small travel trailers — Weigh 2,500-5,000 lbs and exceed the Forester’s towing capacity.
  • Mid-size travel trailers — Weigh 5,000-8,000 lbs and are too heavy for the Forester.
  • Large travel trailers — Weigh 8,000-14,000 lbs and far exceed the vehicle’s capabilities.

Boats

  • Jon boats/small fishing boats — Weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer and fit comfortably within the towing limit.
  • Bass boats — Weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs, so only the lightest models will work.
  • Pontoon boats — Weigh 2,000-4,500 lbs and exceed the Forester’s towing capacity.
  • Ski/wakeboard boats — Weigh 3,000-5,500 lbs and are too heavy for this vehicle.
  • Cabin cruisers — Weigh 6,000+ lbs and far exceed the towing limit.

Utility trailers

  • Empty utility trailer — Weighs 800-1,500 lbs and fits within the towing capacity when empty or lightly loaded.
  • Loaded landscaping trailer — Weighs 2,000-3,500 lbs and exceeds the vehicle’s towing limit.
  • Loaded equipment trailer — Weighs 3,000-5,000 lbs and is too heavy for the Forester.

Recreational equipment

  • Single motorcycle with trailer — Weighs 800-1,500 lbs and fits within the towing capacity.
  • Single ATV with trailer — Weighs 1,200-1,800 lbs, so only lighter setups will work.
  • Two ATVs with trailer — Weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs and exceed the Forester’s capabilities.
  • Personal watercraft with trailer — Weighs 1,000-1,800 lbs, so lighter PWCs will fit but heavier ones will not.

2014 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity vs Competitors

The Forester’s 1,500-pound towing capacity matches some competitors but falls behind others in the compact crossover segment.

VehicleMax Tow
2014 Honda CR-V1,500 lbs
2014 Toyota RAV41,500 lbs
2014 Ford Escape3,500 lbs
2014 Mazda CX-52,000 lbs
2014 Hyundai Tucson2,000 lbs

The Ford Escape offers significantly higher towing capacity than the Forester and its other competitors.

2014 Subaru Models Towing Capacity

Here’s how the 2014 Forester compares to other Subaru models from the same year.

ModelMax Towing Capacity
2014 Subaru Tribeca3,500 lbs
2014 Subaru Outback3,000 lbs
2014 Subaru Legacy2,700 lbs
2014 Subaru Forester1,500 lbs
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek1,500 lbs
2014 Subaru Impreza1,500 lbs
2014 Subaru BRZ0 lbs

Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Forester towing capacity guides:

2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016

Data Accuracy

We source towing specifications from official manufacturer documentation and owner’s manuals. Actual towing capacity may vary based on vehicle configuration, options, and condition.

Always verify specifications with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing any load.

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