1,500 lbs
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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 reputations.
What is the towing capacity of the 2018 Subaru Forester?
The 2018 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped.
Capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2018 Subaru Forester Tow?
The 2018 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. This rating applies to all trim levels and engines when properly equipped with an aftermarket hitch.
Factors like vehicle configuration and payload can affect actual towing capacity. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2018 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim Level
All 2018 Subaru Forester trim levels share the same towing capacity rating.
| 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
2.5i Naturally Aspirated BOXER Engine
170 hp, 1,500 lbs towing capacity. This base engine provides adequate power for light towing duties.
2.0XT Turbocharged and Intercooled BOXER Engine
250 hp, 1,500 lbs towing capacity. Despite the extra power, Subaru rates this engine for the same towing capacity as the base motor.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5i naturally aspirated BOXER | 170 hp | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.0XT turbocharged and intercooled BOXER | 250 hp | 1,500 lbs |
2018 Subaru Forester Payload Capacity
Payload data is not available for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Payload refers to the maximum weight of passengers and cargo you can carry in the vehicle.
2018 Subaru Forester Tow Package
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have a tow package?
No, the 2018 Subaru Forester does not come with a factory tow package. Aftermarket hitches and wiring are available for this vehicle.
The vehicle uses a 2-inch receiver with 4-way flat wiring when equipped with an aftermarket hitch.
What class hitch does the 2018 Subaru Forester use?
The 2018 Subaru Forester uses a Class I hitch rated to 2,000 lbs with standard ball size 1-7/8 inches. Class I hitches are designed for light-duty towing applications.
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Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2018 Subaru Forester?
Yes, aftermarket Class 3 hitches are available with 3,500 lbs GTW and 525 lbs TW capacity. These aftermarket options exceed the vehicle’s factory towing rating.
2018 Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation
Most aftermarket hitches for the 2018 Forester require basic tools and can be installed at home. Professional installation ensures proper wiring and safety checks.
What Can You Tow With a 2018 Subaru Forester?
Travel trailers and RVs
- Pop-up campers — Weighing 1,500-3,000 lbs, only the lightest models will fit within the 1,500 lb limit.
- Small travel trailers — Weighing 2,500-5,000 lbs, these exceed the Forester’s towing capacity.
- Mid-size travel trailers — Weighing 5,000-8,000 lbs, these are too heavy for the Forester.
- Large travel trailers — Weighing 8,000-14,000 lbs, these far exceed the vehicle’s capability.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — Weighing 300-800 lbs with trailer, these fit well within the 1,500 lb capacity.
- Bass boats — Weighing 1,500-2,500 lbs, only the lightest models will work.
- Pontoon boats — Weighing 2,000-4,500 lbs, these exceed the Forester’s towing limit.
- Ski/wakeboard boats — Weighing 3,000-5,500 lbs, these are too heavy for this vehicle.
- Cabin cruisers — Weighing 6,000+ lbs, these far exceed the 1,500 lb capacity.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — Weighing 800-1,500 lbs, these fit within the capacity limit.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — Weighing 2,000-3,500 lbs, these exceed the vehicle’s capability.
- Loaded equipment trailer — Weighing 3,000-5,000 lbs, these are too heavy for the Forester.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — Weighing 800-1,500 lbs, these work well within the towing capacity.
- Single ATV with trailer — Weighing 1,200-1,800 lbs, only lighter combinations will fit.
- Two ATVs with trailer — Weighing 2,500-3,500 lbs, these exceed the 1,500 lb limit.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — Weighing 1,000-1,800 lbs, lighter PWCs will work but heavier ones exceed capacity.
2018 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity vs Competitors
The 2018 Forester’s 1,500 lb towing capacity trails most compact SUV competitors.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 2018 | 3,500 lbs |
| Ford Escape 2018 | 3,500 lbs |
| Mazda CX-5 2018 | 2,000 lbs |
| Honda CR-V 2018 | 1,500 lbs |
Only the Honda CR-V matches the Forester’s modest towing rating.
2018 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the 2018 Forester compares to other Subaru models from the same year.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs |
| 2018 Subaru Outback | 3,000 lbs |
| 2018 Subaru Legacy | 2,700 lbs |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Forester towing capacity guides:
2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Data Accuracy
These specifications come from official manufacturer documentation. Actual towing capacity may vary by vehicle configuration and options.
Always verify towing specs with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing any trailer.