1,500 lbs
See article
No
Class I
The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, car-like handling, and strong safety and reliability record.
What is the towing capacity of the 2015 Subaru Forester?
The 2015 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2015 Subaru Forester Tow?
The 2015 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
This rating applies across all trim levels and engines. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2015 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim Level
All 2015 Forester trim levels share the same 1,500-pound towing capacity.
| Trim | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2.5i | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.5i Premium | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.5i Limited | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.5i Touring | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.0XT Premium | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.0XT Touring | 1,500 lbs |
Towing Capacity by Engine
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine
The 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
This base engine is available in the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, and 2.5i Touring trims.
2.0L Turbocharged Engine
The 2.0L turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower and maintains the same 1,500-pound towing capacity.
This more powerful engine is available in the 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring trims.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L Horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder (BOXER) | 170 hp | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.0L Horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder Turbocharged/Intercooled (BOXER) | 250 hp | 1,500 lbs |
2015 Subaru Forester Payload Capacity
Payload data is not available for this vehicle.
Payload is the maximum weight of cargo and passengers you can carry in the vehicle.
2015 Subaru Forester Tow Package
Does the 2015 Subaru Forester have a tow package?
No, the 2015 Subaru Forester does not come with a factory tow package. You need to add aftermarket towing equipment to tow with this vehicle.
What class hitch does the 2015 Subaru Forester use?
The 2015 Subaru Forester uses a Class I hitch rated to 2,000 pounds with a standard ball size of 1-7/8 inches. This rating exceeds the vehicle’s 1,500-pound towing capacity for added safety margin.
- 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 2015 Subaru Forester?
Yes, Class III hitch receivers are available for the 2015 Forester along with 4-way and 7-way wiring harnesses. These aftermarket options provide flexibility for different trailer types.
2015 Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation
Installing a trailer hitch on the 2015 Forester typically requires basic tools and takes 1-2 hours. Most aftermarket hitches bolt to existing mounting points under the rear of the vehicle.
What Can You Tow With a 2015 Subaru Forester?
Travel trailers and RVs
- Pop-up campers — Most pop-up campers weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs, so only the lightest models will fit within the 1,500-lb capacity.
- Small travel trailers — Small travel trailers typically weigh 2,500-5,000 lbs and exceed the Forester’s towing capacity.
- Mid-size travel trailers — Mid-size travel trailers weigh 5,000-8,000 lbs and are too heavy for the Forester.
- Large travel trailers — Large travel trailers weigh 8,000-14,000 lbs and far exceed the Forester’s towing capacity.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — These typically weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer and fit well within the 1,500-lb capacity.
- Bass boats — Bass boats weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs with trailer, so only the lightest models are suitable.
- Pontoon boats — Pontoon boats weigh 2,000-4,500 lbs with trailer and exceed the Forester’s capacity.
- Ski/wakeboard boats — These boats weigh 3,000-5,500 lbs with trailer and are too heavy for the Forester.
- Cabin cruisers — Cabin cruisers weigh 6,000+ lbs with trailer and far exceed the towing capacity.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — Empty utility trailers weigh 800-1,500 lbs and fit within the capacity, but leave little room for cargo.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — Loaded landscaping trailers weigh 2,000-3,500 lbs and exceed the 1,500-lb limit.
- Loaded equipment trailer — Loaded equipment trailers weigh 3,000-5,000 lbs and are too heavy for the Forester.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — A single motorcycle with trailer weighs 800-1,500 lbs and fits within the capacity.
- Single ATV with trailer — A single ATV with trailer weighs 1,200-1,800 lbs, so only lighter combinations work.
- Two ATVs with trailer — Two ATVs with trailer weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs and exceed the towing capacity.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — Personal watercraft with trailer weigh 1,000-1,800 lbs, so lighter models fit within capacity.
2015 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity vs Competitors
The 2015 Forester matches some competitors but trails others in towing capacity.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| Honda CR-V 2015 | 1,500 lbs |
| Toyota RAV4 2015 | 1,500 lbs |
| Mazda CX-5 2015 | 2,000 lbs |
| Ford Escape 2015 | 3,500 lbs |
| Hyundai Tucson 2015 | 2,000 lbs |
The Ford Escape offers more than double the towing capacity of the Forester.
2015 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the 2015 Forester compares to other Subaru models from the same year.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2015 Subaru Outback | 3,000 lbs |
| 2015 Subaru Legacy | 2,000 lbs |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2015 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2015 Subaru Impreza | 1,500 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Forester towing capacity guides:
2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Data Accuracy
These specifications come from official manufacturer documentation. Actual towing capacity may vary by configuration, so verify with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing.