The Subaru Forester was introduced into Subaru’s lineup as a compact crossover SUV in 1997 and remains popular today. Subaru vehicles are known for their distinct styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester has a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds to 3,000 pounds depending on the year, trim level, and transmission type.
There’s a bit more to know about Subaru Forester towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2023 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds to 3,000 pounds depending on the trim level.
A 2023 Subaru Forester Base Model can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2023 Subaru Forester Premium can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2023 Subaru Forester Sport can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness can pull 3,000 pounds.
A 2023 Subaru Forester Limited can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2023 Subaru Forester Touring can pull 1,500 pounds.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Sport | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Wilderness | 3,000 lbs / 1,360 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Touring | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Subaru Forester’s towing ability put to the test by Practical Caravan:
Subaru Forester Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Subaru Forester Braked Towing Capacity: 3,000 lbs.
Subaru Forester Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Subaru Forester Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Subaru Forester tow capacity.
Model Year
The Forester’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
The early model years had a max towing capability of 2,000 pounds, which increased to 2,400 pounds in later years, and then dropped to 1,500 pounds for most trim levels in late model years.
Trim Level
For recent model years, the trim level was a big factor in how much a Subaru Forester can tow.
For example, the 2023 Forester with the Wilderness trim can tow up to 3,000 lbs, while all other trims are limited to towing 1,500 pounds.
Transmission
For the 2003-2004 model years, having a manual transmission meant you could tow 400 more pounds (2,400 pounds total) compared to an automatic transmission (2,000 pounds total).
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Subaru Forester, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Subaru Forester Engine Specs
There is one engine option for the most recent generation Subaru Forester.
Subaru Forester 2.5L 4 Cylinder Gas Engine
The Subaru Forester gas engine is a 2.5 Liter 4 cylinder DOCH 16-valve engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
This engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft of torque.
Subaru Forester Tow Package Info
Does The Subaru Forester Have A Tow Package?
Subaru does not offer a factory-installed tow package on the Forester, so you’ll need to add an aftermarket tow hitch.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Subaru Forester?
If you plan on towing anything with your Subaru Forester, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Subaru Forester Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Subaru Forester uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Subaru Forester trailer hitch:
- 1-1⁄4 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 3,500 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 300 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
- All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Passenger Cars And Sport Utility Vehicles
- Removable Drawbar, Pin, And Clip Sold Separately
- Clean Appearance That Attaches To The Vehicle's Frame And/Or Bumper
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Forester:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Subaru Forester Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Forester, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Subaru Forester trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Subaru Forester Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Forester to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Forester.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2022 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2022 Subaru Forester can tow between 1,500 pounds to 3,000 pounds depending on the trim level.
A 2022 Subaru Forester Base Model can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2022 Subaru Forester Premium can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2022 Subaru Forester Sport can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness can pull 3,000 pounds.
A 2022 Subaru Forester Limited can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2022 Subaru Forester Touring can pull 1,500 pounds.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Sport | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Wilderness | 3,000 lbs / 1,360 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
| Touring | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.5L | 182 hp | 176 lb.-ft |
2021 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2021 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2020 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2020 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2019 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2019 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2018 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2018 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2017 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2017 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2016 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2016 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2015 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2015 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2014 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2014 Subaru Forester can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2013 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2013 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2012 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2012 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2011 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2011 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2010 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2010 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2009 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2009 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2008 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2008 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2007 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2007 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2006 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2006 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2005 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2005 Subaru Forester can tow 2,400 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg |
2004 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2004 Subaru Forester can tow 2,000 pounds to 2,400 pounds depending on the transmission.
A 2004 Subaru Forester with an Automatic transmission can pull up to 2,000 pounds.
A 2004 Subaru Forester with a Manual transmission can pull up to 2,400 pounds.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 906 kg | Automatic |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg | Manual |
2003 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2003 Subaru Forester can tow 2,000 pounds to 2,400 pounds depending on the transmission.
A 2003 Subaru Forester with an Automatic transmission can pull up to 2,000 pounds.
A 2003 Subaru Forester with a Manual transmission can pull up to 2,400 pounds.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Transmission |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 906 kg | Automatic |
| All | 2,400 lbs / 1,088 kg | Manual |
2002 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2002 Subaru Forester can tow 2,000 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 906 kg |
2001 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2001 Subaru Forester can tow 2,000 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 906 kg |
2000 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 2000 Subaru Forester can tow 2,000 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 906 kg |
1999 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 1999 Subaru Forester can tow 2,000 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 906 kg |
1998 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 1998 Subaru Forester can tow 2,000 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 906 kg |
1997 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
The 1997 Subaru Forester can tow 2,000 pounds across all trim levels.
| Subaru ForesterTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 906 kg |