1,500 lbs
See article
Factory option
Class I
The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 as a compact SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, car-like handling, and practical cargo utility.
What is the towing capacity of the 2019 Subaru Forester?
The 2019 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Towing capacity can vary based on engine type, drivetrain configuration, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2019 Subaru Forester Tow?
The 2019 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. This capacity 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.
2019 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim Level
All 2019 Subaru Forester trim levels offer the same towing capacity.
| Trim | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2.5i | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.5i Premium | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.5i Sport | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.5i Limited | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.5i Touring | 1,500 lbs |
Towing Capacity by Engine
2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine
The standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and enables 1,500 pounds of towing capacity. This is the only engine option available for the 2019 Forester.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-liter four-cylinder | 182 hp | 1,500 lbs |
2019 Subaru Forester Payload Capacity
Payload capacity data is not available for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Payload refers to the maximum weight of passengers and cargo that can be safely carried in the vehicle.
2019 Subaru Forester Tow Package
Does the 2019 Subaru Forester have a tow package?
Yes, the 2019 Subaru Forester offers a factory tow package as an option. The package includes a hitch receiver, though the ball mount and hitch ball are sold separately.
The tow package features a 1-1/4 inch receiver and requires a wiring harness for proper trailer lighting operation.
What class hitch does the 2019 Subaru Forester use?
The 2019 Subaru Forester uses a Class I hitch rated to 2,000 pounds with a standard ball size of 1-7/8 inch. Class I hitches are designed for lighter trailers and recreational equipment.
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Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2019 Subaru Forester?
Aftermarket hitches are available in both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch receiver options. The 2 inch receiver provides compatibility with a wider range of accessories and ball mounts.
2019 Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation
Installing a trailer hitch on the 2019 Forester typically requires basic hand tools and takes about one hour. The process involves mounting the hitch to existing frame attachment points.
What Can You Tow With a 2019 Subaru Forester?
Travel trailers and RVs
- Pop-up campers — These weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs, so only the lightest models will fit within the 1,500 lb limit.
- Small travel trailers — At 2,500-5,000 lbs, these exceed the Forester’s towing capacity.
- Mid-size travel trailers — Weighing 5,000-8,000 lbs, these are far too heavy for the Forester.
- Large travel trailers — At 8,000-14,000 lbs, these trailers are not suitable for the Forester.
Boats
- Jon boats and small fishing boats — These weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer and fit well within the towing limit.
- Bass boats — At 1,500-2,500 lbs, most bass boats meet or exceed the maximum capacity.
- Pontoon boats — Weighing 2,000-4,500 lbs, pontoon boats are too heavy for the Forester.
- Ski and wakeboard boats — At 3,000-5,500 lbs, these boats exceed the towing capacity.
- Cabin cruisers — At 6,000+ lbs, cabin cruisers are far too heavy for this vehicle.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — Weighing 800-1,500 lbs empty, these trailers fit at or near the maximum capacity.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — At 2,000-3,500 lbs loaded, these exceed the towing limit.
- Loaded equipment trailer — Weighing 3,000-5,000 lbs, these trailers are too heavy for the Forester.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — At 800-1,500 lbs total, this fits within the towing capacity.
- Single ATV with trailer — Weighing 1,200-1,800 lbs, this may exceed the maximum depending on the specific ATV.
- Two ATVs with trailer — At 2,500-3,500 lbs, this setup exceeds the towing capacity.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — Weighing 1,000-1,800 lbs, this may work depending on the specific model.
2019 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity vs Competitors
Here’s how the 2019 Forester compares to other compact SUVs in its class.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 lbs |
| Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| Nissan Rogue | 1,350 lbs |
| Ford Escape | 3,500 lbs |
The Forester matches most competitors but falls behind the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape in maximum towing capacity.
2019 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how other 2019 Subaru models compare for towing capacity.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | 3,000 lbs |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2019 Subaru Legacy | See article |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | See article |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Forester towing capacity guides:
2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Data Accuracy
We source our towing capacity specifications from official manufacturer documentation. Actual capacity may vary depending on vehicle configuration, so verify specifications with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing.