1,500 lbs
See article
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, car-like handling, and practical, wagon-like utility with strong safety credentials.
What is the towing capacity of the 2021 Subaru Forester?
The 2021 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Towing capacity may vary by engine, drivetrain, and trim level.
Contents
How Much Can the 2021 Subaru Forester Tow?
The 2021 Subaru Forester can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped with the factory tow package.
Several factors affect towing capacity including your specific trim level, engine configuration, and vehicle options. You can always reach out to your local Subaru dealership to confirm towing specs for your specific vehicle.
2021 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Trim Level
All 2021 Subaru Forester trim levels share the same 1,500-pound 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 BOXER Engine
The 2.5L BOXER engine produces 182 horsepower and can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
This naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is the only engine option available for the 2021 Forester.
| Engine | HP | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L BOXER engine | 182 hp | 1,500 lbs |
2021 Subaru Forester Payload Capacity
Payload capacity data is not available for the 2021 Subaru Forester.
Payload refers to the maximum weight you can carry inside your vehicle and in the cargo area combined.
2021 Subaru Forester Tow Package
Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have a tow package?
Yes, the 2021 Subaru Forester offers a factory tow package as an option.
The tow package includes a trailer hitch and wiring harness setup. This package is required to achieve the full 1,500-pound towing capacity.
What class hitch does the 2021 Subaru Forester use?
The 2021 Subaru Forester uses a Class I hitch rated to 2,000 pounds with a standard 1-7/8″ ball size.
Class I hitches are designed for light-duty towing applications like small trailers and boats.
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Can you install an aftermarket hitch on the 2021 Subaru Forester?
Yes, you can install an aftermarket hitch on the 2021 Subaru Forester. Many aftermarket options are available that meet or exceed factory specifications.
2021 Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation
Installing a trailer hitch on the 2021 Forester typically takes 1-2 hours with basic tools. Most aftermarket hitches are designed as bolt-on installations that don’t require drilling.
What Can You Tow With a 2021 Subaru Forester?
Travel trailers and RVs
- Pop-up campers — Most pop-up campers weigh 1,500-3,000 lbs, so only the lightest models at exactly 1,500 lbs will work.
- 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 Forester’s towing capacity.
- Large travel trailers — Large travel trailers weigh 8,000-14,000 lbs, which is not suitable for the Forester.
Boats
- Jon boats/small fishing boats — These typically weigh 300-800 lbs with trailer, making them suitable for the Forester.
- Bass boats — Most bass boats weigh 1,500-2,500 lbs with trailer, so only the lightest models will work.
- Pontoon boats — Pontoon boats typically weigh 2,000-4,500 lbs with trailer, exceeding the Forester’s capacity.
- 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 with trailer, far exceeding the Forester’s towing capacity.
Utility trailers
- Empty utility trailer — Empty utility trailers weigh 800-1,500 lbs, making them suitable for the Forester when empty or lightly loaded.
- Loaded landscaping trailer — Loaded landscaping trailers weigh 2,000-3,500 lbs, exceeding the Forester’s capacity.
- Loaded equipment trailer — Loaded equipment trailers weigh 3,000-5,000 lbs, which is too heavy for the Forester.
Recreational equipment
- Single motorcycle with trailer — A single motorcycle with trailer typically weighs 800-1,500 lbs, making it suitable for the Forester.
- Single ATV with trailer — A single ATV with trailer weighs 1,200-1,800 lbs, so only lighter combinations will work.
- Two ATVs with trailer — Two ATVs with trailer weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs, exceeding the Forester’s towing capacity.
- Personal watercraft with trailer — Personal watercraft with trailer typically weigh 1,000-1,800 lbs, so lighter models will work.
2021 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity vs Competitors
Here’s how the 2021 Subaru Forester compares to its main competitors in towing capacity.
| Vehicle | Max Tow |
|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 2,000 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| 2021 Nissan Rogue | 1,350 lbs |
The Forester ties with the Honda CR-V but trails most other compact SUVs in towing capacity.
2021 Subaru Models Towing Capacity
Here’s how the 2021 Forester compares to other Subaru models for towing capacity.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Outback XT | 3,500 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Outback | 2,700 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Legacy | 2,000 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | 1,500 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | 1,000 lbs |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | See article |
Looking for a different year? See our Subaru Forester towing capacity guides:
2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Data Accuracy
We source our specifications from official manufacturer documentation. Towing capacity may vary based on vehicle configuration, optional equipment, and other factors.
Always verify towing specifications with your dealer or owner’s manual before towing any trailer or equipment.