1,500 lbs
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Factory option
Class I
The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV and is known for its standard all-wheel drive, carlike ride and handling, and practical, wagonlike utility.
What is the towing capacity of the 2016 Subaru Forester?
The 2016 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 lbs.
Capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2016 Subaru Forester Tow?
The 2016 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. This capacity applies to all trim levels and engines when properly equipped.
You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2016 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim Level
All 2016 Subaru Forester trim levels have the same 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
2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Boxer Engine
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine produces 170 hp and can tow up to 1,500 lbs. This naturally aspirated engine is available across most Forester trim levels.
2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Boxer Engine
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine produces 250 hp and can tow up to 1,500 lbs. This more powerful engine is available on the Premium and Touring XT models.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer | 170 hp | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer | 250 hp | 1,500 lbs |
2016 Subaru Forester Payload Capacity
Payload data is not available for this vehicle.
Payload refers to the weight of passengers, cargo, and tongue weight from a trailer that the vehicle can carry.
2016 Subaru Forester Tow Package
Does the 2016 Subaru Forester have a tow package?
Yes, the 2016 Subaru Forester offers a factory tow package as an option.
What class hitch does the 2016 Subaru Forester use?
The 2016 Subaru Forester uses a Class I hitch rated to 2,000 lbs with a standard 1-7/8″ ball size. Class I hitches are designed for light-duty towing applications.
- 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 2016 Subaru Forester?
Yes, aftermarket hitches are available for the 2016 Subaru Forester. They typically bolt to existing mounting points without modification.
2016 Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation
Installing a trailer hitch on the 2016 Subaru Forester requires basic tools and takes about 1-2 hours. The process involves attaching the hitch to factory mounting points under the rear bumper.
What Can You Tow With a 2016 Subaru Forester?
Travel trailers and RVs
- Pop-up campers — Most pop-up campers weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs, so only the smallest models would work with the Forester’s 1,500 lb limit.
- Small travel trailers — Small travel trailers weigh 2,500-5,000 lbs, which exceeds the Forester’s towing capacity.
- Mid-size travel trailers — Mid-size travel trailers weigh 5,000-8,000 lbs, which is too heavy for the Forester.
- Large travel trailers — Large travel trailers weigh 8,000-14,000 lbs, which is far beyond the Forester’s capability.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — These typically weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer, which fits well within the Forester’s capacity.
- Bass boats — Bass boats with trailers weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs, so only the smallest ones would work.
- Pontoon boats — Pontoon boats weigh 2,000-4,500 lbs with trailer, which exceeds the Forester’s limit.
- Ski/wakeboard boats — These boats weigh 3,000-5,500 lbs with trailer, which is too heavy for the Forester.
- Cabin cruisers — Cabin cruisers weigh 6,000+ lbs, which is far beyond what the Forester can tow.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — Empty utility trailers weigh 800-1,500 lbs, which fits within the Forester’s capacity.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — Loaded landscaping trailers weigh 2,000-3,500 lbs, which exceeds the towing limit.
- Loaded equipment trailer — These trailers weigh 3,000-5,000 lbs loaded, which is too heavy for the Forester.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — A motorcycle with trailer weighs 800-1,500 lbs, which works with the Forester.
- Single ATV with trailer — An ATV with trailer weighs 1,200-1,800 lbs, so only lighter combinations would work.
- Two ATVs with trailer — Two ATVs with trailer weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs, which exceeds the Forester’s capacity.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — A PWC with trailer weighs 1,000-1,800 lbs, so lighter models would fit within the limit.
2016 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity vs Competitors
Here’s how the 2016 Forester compares to its main competitors.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 lbs |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2016 Ford Escape | 3,500 lbs |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 1,500 lbs |
The Forester matches most competitors but trails the Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5 in towing capacity.
2016 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the Forester compares to other 2016 Subaru models.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru Outback | 3,000 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru Legacy | 2,700 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza | 1,500 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru WRX | 1,000 lbs |
| 2016 Subaru WRX STI | 1,000 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Forester towing capacity guides:
2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Data Accuracy
We source our specifications from official manufacturer documentation. Specs may vary by configuration, so verify with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing.