1,500 lbs
See article
Factory option
Class I
The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 and is known for combining car-like handling with SUV practicality, standard all-wheel drive, and strong safety and reliability.
What is the towing capacity of the 2017 Subaru Forester?
The 2017 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2017 Subaru Forester Tow?
The 2017 Subaru Forester can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds. This rating applies across all trim levels and both available engines.
You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2017 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim Level
All 2017 Subaru Forester trim levels have 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
2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
This naturally aspirated engine produces 170 horsepower and is available across most trim levels.
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
The turbocharged engine generates 250 horsepower but maintains the same 1,500-pound towing rating.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine | 170 hp | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine | 250 hp | 1,500 lbs |
2017 Subaru Forester Payload Capacity
Payload data is not available for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Payload refers to the maximum weight you can carry inside the vehicle including passengers and cargo.
2017 Subaru Forester Tow Package
Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have a tow package?
Yes, the 2017 Subaru Forester offers a factory tow package as an option. This package enables the vehicle to reach its maximum 1,500-pound towing capacity.
What class hitch does the 2017 Subaru Forester use?
The 2017 Subaru Forester uses a Class I hitch rated to 2,000 pounds with a standard 1-7/8″ ball size. This hitch class is appropriate for the Forester’s 1,500-pound towing capacity.
No products found.
Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Yes, you can install an aftermarket Class I hitch on the 2017 Subaru Forester. Many aftermarket options are available that maintain the vehicle’s 1,500-pound towing rating.
2017 Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation
Installing a hitch on the 2017 Subaru Forester typically takes 1-2 hours and requires basic tools. Most aftermarket hitches bolt directly to existing mounting points without cutting or drilling.
What Can You Tow With a 2017 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 limit.
- Small travel trailers — Small travel trailers typically weigh 2,500-5,000 lbs, which exceeds the Forester’s 1,500 lb capacity.
- Mid-size travel trailers — Mid-size travel trailers weigh 5,000-8,000 lbs, far exceeding the 1,500 lb towing limit.
- Large travel trailers — Large travel trailers weigh 8,000-14,000 lbs, which is well beyond the Forester’s capabilities.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — These typically weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer, fitting comfortably within the 1,500 lb capacity.
- Bass boats — Bass boats usually weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs, so only the lightest models will work with the Forester.
- Pontoon boats — Pontoon boats weigh 2,000-4,500 lbs, exceeding the 1,500 lb towing capacity.
- Ski/wakeboard boats — These boats weigh 3,000-5,500 lbs, well beyond the Forester’s 1,500 lb limit.
- Cabin cruisers — Cabin cruisers weigh 6,000+ lbs, far exceeding the vehicle’s towing capacity.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — Empty utility trailers weigh 800-1,500 lbs, fitting within the towing capacity with minimal cargo.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — Loaded landscaping trailers weigh 2,000-3,500 lbs, exceeding the 1,500 lb limit.
- Loaded equipment trailer — Equipment trailers weigh 3,000-5,000 lbs when loaded, well beyond the Forester’s capacity.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — This combination typically weighs 800-1,500 lbs, fitting within the towing capacity.
- Single ATV with trailer — A single ATV with trailer weighs 1,200-1,800 lbs, so lighter combinations will work.
- Two ATVs with trailer — Two ATVs with trailer weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs, exceeding the 1,500 lb capacity.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — PWCs with trailers weigh 1,000-1,800 lbs, so lighter models fit within the limit.
2017 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity vs Competitors
The 2017 Subaru Forester’s 1,500-pound towing capacity matches several competitors but falls short of others.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 lbs |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2017 Ford Escape | 3,500 lbs |
| 2017 Nissan Rogue | 1,000 lbs |
The Forester matches the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 but trails the Ford Escape significantly.
2017 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the 2017 Subaru Forester compares to other Subaru models from the same year.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2017 Subaru Outback | 3,000 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Ascent | 2,017 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Legacy | 2,000 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza | 1,500 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Forester towing capacity guides:
2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Data Accuracy
These specifications come from official Subaru documentation and may vary by configuration. Always verify towing capacity with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing.