1,500 lbs
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Factory option
Class I
The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 and is known for combining compact-SUV practicality with standard all-wheel drive, strong safety ratings, and light off-road capability.
What is the towing capacity of the 2020 Subaru Forester? The 2020 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 lbs.
Towing capacity varies by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2020 Subaru Forester Tow?
The 2020 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 lbs. This rating applies across all trim levels and engines.
Several factors affect your actual towing capacity including cargo weight, passenger weight, and trailer tongue weight. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2020 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim Level
All 2020 Subaru Forester trim levels share the same towing capacity.
| Trim | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Base | 1,500 lbs |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs |
| Sport | 1,500 lbs |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs |
| Touring | 1,500 lbs |
Towing Capacity by Engine
2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs | Power: 182 hp
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine is the only powerplant available in the 2020 Forester.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine | 182 hp | 1,500 lbs |
2020 Subaru Forester Payload Capacity
Payload data is not available for the 2020 Subaru Forester.
Payload refers to the maximum weight of cargo and passengers you can carry inside the vehicle. This weight reduces your available towing capacity.
2020 Subaru Forester Tow Package
Does the 2020 Subaru Forester have a tow package?
Yes, the 2020 Subaru Forester offers a tow package as a factory option. The package enables the full 1,500 lb towing capacity.
What class hitch does the 2020 Subaru Forester use?
The 2020 Subaru Forester uses a Class I hitch rated to 2,000 lbs. Class I hitches typically use a 1-7/8 inch ball size for most applications.
No products found.
Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2020 Subaru Forester?
Yes, you can install an aftermarket hitch on the 2020 Forester. Consult your owner’s manual for towing procedures, safety precautions, and maintenance tips before installation.
2020 Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation
Installing a trailer hitch on the Forester requires removing the rear bumper and accessing the frame mounting points. Professional installation is recommended for proper fit and safety.
What Can You Tow With a 2020 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, well beyond the Forester’s capabilities.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — These typically weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer, easily within the 1,500 lb capacity.
- Bass boats — Bass boats weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs with trailer, so only the lightest models will fit.
- Pontoon boats — Pontoon boats weigh 2,000-4,500 lbs with trailer, exceeding the 1,500 lb limit.
- Ski/wakeboard boats — These boats weigh 3,000-5,500 lbs with trailer, far exceeding capacity.
- Cabin cruisers — Cabin cruisers weigh 6,000+ lbs, well beyond the Forester’s towing ability.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — Empty utility trailers weigh 800-1,500 lbs, fitting within or at the maximum capacity.
- 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 loaded, far exceeding capacity.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — A single motorcycle with trailer weighs 800-1,500 lbs, fitting within the towing capacity.
- Single ATV with trailer — One ATV with trailer weighs 1,200-1,800 lbs, so only lighter combinations will fit.
- Two ATVs with trailer — Two ATVs with trailer weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs, exceeding the 1,500 lb limit.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — A PWC with trailer weighs 1,000-1,800 lbs, so lighter models will fit within capacity.
2020 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity vs Competitors
The 2020 Subaru Forester’s 1,500 lb towing capacity ranks at the lower end among compact SUV competitors.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 2020 | 3,500 lbs |
| Mazda CX-5 2020 | 2,000 lbs |
| Hyundai Tucson 2020 | 2,000 lbs |
| Honda CR-V 2020 | 1,500 lbs |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| Nissan Rogue 2020 | 1,102 lbs |
The RAV4 offers significantly more towing capacity at 3,500 lbs compared to the Forester’s 1,500 lb rating.
2020 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the 2020 Forester compares to other Subaru models for towing capacity.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2020 Subaru Outback | 3,000 lbs |
| 2020 Subaru Ascent | 2,000 lbs |
| 2020 Subaru Legacy | 2,000 lbs |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | 1,000 lbs |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Forester towing capacity guides:
2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Data Accuracy
We source our towing specifications from official manufacturer documentation and owner’s manuals. Actual towing capacity may vary based on vehicle configuration, optional equipment, and loading conditions.
Always verify towing specifications with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing any trailer.