How Much Towing Capacity of Subaru Forester? Exclusive Guide
How much can a Subaru Forester tow? The Subaru Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds, perfect for the Wilderness Edition.
If you love the outdoors or need a reliable tow vehicle, knowing the Subaru Forester’s towing capacity is key.
It has 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, making it great for towing and daily driving. In this guide, we’ll cover the Subaru Forester’s towing specs.
We’ll talk about braked and unbraked towing and what it means for you. You’ll learn about important numbers like Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).
This will help you tow safely and with confidence. Whether you’re towing a small trailer for camping or moving your toys, the Subaru Forester is up to the task.
Let’s dive into its towing abilities and see how it stacks up against other SUVs.
Introduction to The Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a standout in the compact SUV market. It offers safety, reliability, and practicality. It’s perfect for adventurous drivers who love exploring different terrains.
The Subaru Forester introduction highlights its ruggedness. The Wilderness trim, introduced in 2022, boosts off-road skills.
It also has more towing capacity and durability for outdoor lovers. The Subaru Forester overview shows it’s designed for both adventure and daily use.
Its Symmetrical all-wheel drive and spacious interior make it reliable. It’s great for towing lightweight campers, small boats, or utility trailers.
What is The Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is the max weight a vehicle like the Subaru Forester can pull safely. It keeps the vehicle running well and safely.
Knowing the difference between braked and unbraked towing is key to safe towing. The braked towing capacity is for trailers with brakes.
Unbraked towing is for trailers without brakes. The 2024 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds for most trims. This is good for small trailers or boats.
The Wilderness trim can tow up to 3,000 pounds. This is better for bigger trailers or fishing boats.
Knowing Subaru towing terms helps you use towing features like Trailer Stability Assist. These features make towing safer and more stable.
The Forester’s engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system make towing confident.
Towing Capacity of Subaru Forester
The 2023 Subaru Forester is a great choice for towing needs. Knowing the Subaru Forester towing capacity helps make your drive safer and more efficient.
The towing power changes with the trim, which is key for hauling trailers or campers.
Maximum Towing Capacity Overview
The Subaru Forester’s towing capacity varies by trim. Most trims can tow up to 1,500 lbs, perfect for light towing.
The Wilderness trim can tow up to 3,000 lbs with a Class II tow hitch receiver. This is for the 2024 model, showing the Forester can handle heavier loads.
Braked vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
It’s important to know the difference between braked and unbraked towing with Subaru. Braked towing allows for heavier loads, reaching the higher limits.
Unbraked towing is for lighter loads without a trailer brake, limited to about 1,500 lbs. This knowledge ensures you follow safety rules and get the best performance.
| Trim Level | Braked Towing Capacity | Unbraked Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Wilderness | 3,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
Subaru Forester Towing Specs
The Subaru Forester is great for towing, thanks to its specs. It can tow up to 1,500 pounds when equipped right.
But, the 2022 model can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the right hitch. This makes towing easier and safer. The 2024 Subaru Forester has a strong engine.
It makes 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This power, along with all-wheel drive, helps with towing on tough roads.
The Forester also has lots of room for cargo. With the seats down, you get 74.2 cubic feet of space.
It’s perfect for carrying extra stuff while towing. Safety features like trailer stability assist and hill descent control make towing safer.
| Model Year | Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-2021 | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder | 170 HP | 174 lb-ft | 1,500 lbs |
| 2022-2024 | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder | 182 HP | 176 lb-ft | 3,000 lbs (with Class II tow hitch) |
Subaru Forester Towing Capabilities Compared to Other SUVs
The Subaru Forester stands out when compared to other SUVs. It has strong towing abilities, even if it doesn’t have the highest max towing capacity.
It’s perfect for outdoor lovers because of its reliability, all-wheel drive, and advanced towing tech.
Comparison with Competitor Models
When we compare the Subaru Forester to the Honda CR-V, we see big differences. The Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the Wilderness trim.
The CR-V can only tow 1,500 pounds. The Forester also has more cargo space and better ground clearance, making it great for both passengers and gear.
Why Choose Subaru For Towing
Choosing Subaru means more than just towing numbers. It’s about a lifestyle of exploration and adventure.
The Forester comes with features like Trailer Stability Assist for safe towing. Subaru is known for its reliability, with 96% of its vehicles from the last decade running well.
Subaru was the top-rated brand for dependability in the 2022 American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey.
This shows the Forester is not just a car, but a trusted partner for any journey.
Subaru Forester Towing Capacity Chart
Knowing the towing capacity of Subaru Forester trim levels is key. The chart below shows engine size, all-wheel drive, and towing limits for each trim.
For example, the traditional models can tow up to 1,500 pounds. The Wilderness model can tow up to 3,000 pounds. This helps you pick the right Forester for your towing needs.
Chart Overview of Different Trim Levels
| Trim Level | Engine Size | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _BASE_ | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® | 1,500 | 69.1 | AWD |
| Premium | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® | 1,500 | 69.1 | AWD |
| Sport | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® | 1,500 | 69.1 | AWD |
| Limited | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® | 1,500 | 69.1 | AWD |
| Wilderness | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® | 3,000 | 69.1 | AWD |
Key Specifications to Consider
When looking at towing specs, remember these important points:
- All models have standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive for better stability.
- They come with safety features like trailer stability assist and hill descent control.
- The Wilderness trim has a big boost in towing capacity, perfect for adventurous trips.
- Each trim uses the 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® engine, which makes 180 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque.
- They also have good fuel efficiency, with 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Subaru Forester Towing Package Options
There are several Subaru Forester towing package options to boost your vehicle’s towing power.
These packages come with a hitch receiver, wiring harness, and weight distribution systems. They are made for the Forester and backed by Subaru.
Using these accessories not only improves towing but also meets Subaru’s safety standards. The 2024 Subaru Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the right hitch.
Even the base models can tow 1,500 pounds, perfect for small trailers. Adding towing enhancements to your Forester balances performance and safety, great for hauling big items or recreational gear.
It’s important to keep your towing setup in good shape. This includes brakes and tires. Subaru’s recommended towing packages help ensure stability and safety on the road.
Subaru Forester Tow Hitch Information
The Subaru Forester tow hitch is key for towing. Knowing the options and specs helps you pick the right hitch.
Subaru’s towing accessories fit well with the Forester, making towing safer and better.
There are fixed, adjustable, and rotating tow hitches for the Forester. Most trim levels can tow 1,500 lbs. But, with a Class II hitch, you can tow up to 3,000 lbs.
The Subaru Forester Wilderness, introduced in 2022, can tow 3,000 lbs. It has a strong design and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Choose from 4-pin and 7-pin lighting harnesses for towing. The 4-way connector is for basic lights.
The 7-way connector has extra features like a 12-volt circuit and electric trailer brakes. Installing a tow hitch on a Subaru Forester takes 1 to 2.5 hours.
Labor costs are $100 to $200. The hitch itself costs $150 to $175. U-Haul offers installation services and lifetime warranties for your towing needs.
What’s Subaru Forester Weight and Payload Capacity?
Safe towing starts with knowing weight limits and towing capacity. The Subaru Forester has great specs for towing and carrying stuff.
Knowing its weight limits makes driving safer and more fun, whether you’re towing or carrying extra stuff.
Payload Capacity Explained
The payload capacity is how much the Subaru Forester can carry safely. Models from 2014 to 2024 have a payload that matches their curb weight.
A well-equipped Forester can carry a lot of gear, perfect for outdoor trips or work supplies. Knowing the payload capacity explained helps plan trips without going over weight limits.
Weight Limitations For Safe Towing
Safe towing means watching both towing capacity and payload limits. The 2024 Subaru Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the right hitch.
But, earlier models can only tow about 1,500 pounds. Remember, the total weight of cargo, passengers, and trailers matters.
Going over limits can cause accidents or damage. Stick to safe towing practices Subaru for any hauling job.
Towing Limits For Subaru Forester
Knowing the towing limits of a Subaru Forester is key for safety and performance. From 2014 to 2024, the base towing capacity is 1,500 pounds with the right equipment.
The 2022 redesign added an optional Class II tow hitch receiver. This boosts the capacity to 3,000 pounds with the right gear.
The 2024 Subaru Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the Class II hitch. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine.
This engine makes 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, helping with heavy loads. It’s important to follow towing guidelines to avoid problems and keep your vehicle safe.
Weather and terrain also play a big role in towing. They can change how your vehicle performs.
Always follow safe towing practices, whether you’re towing a small trailer or a big load. This ensures a safe trip for everyone involved.
Accessories For Enhancing Towing Capability
To get the most out of towing with your Subaru Forester, think about getting some towing accessories. These can really help when you’re pulling trailers or heavy loads.
For example, a top-notch hitch like the Curt Class V Trailer Hitch can handle up to 20,000 lbs, depending on your Forester’s model and setup.
Braking systems, like the Curt Trailer Brake Controller, are key for safer towing. They help stop your trailer faster, which is super important for safety.
Also, weight distribution systems, including airbags and suspension kits, make your Forester more stable and easier to handle. This makes every trip smoother.
Don’t forget about ball mounts. They’re important for matching your trailer’s weight to your hitch. You can find drop hitches and stowable models, perfect for outdoor fun.
Using a 2” receiver hitch opens up more accessory options than a 1-1/4” receiver. Always check your owner’s manual to make sure your accessories fit your Forester right.
Using loading ramps can make loading and unloading easier. You can find folding ramps for pickups or sturdy commercial-grade ones for heavy gear.
Getting the right accessories for your Subaru Forester boosts its towing power, safety, and performance. This means you’re ready for any adventure that comes your way.
Conclusion
The 2023 Subaru Forester is a versatile vehicle, ready for various towing tasks. It can tow from about 1,500 pounds for base models to up to 4,100 pounds for the Touring trim.
This makes it perfect for many outdoor activities. Things like the engine, weight, and road conditions affect how well it tows
So, it’s important to think about these when using it for towing. The Subaru Forester is not just good at towing. It’s also stable and fuel-efficient when pulling a load.
Its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system helps you handle different terrains well. Plus, it doesn’t use too much fuel, which is great for saving money.
To get the most out of the Subaru Forester, know its towing capacity well. Each trim has its own limits, and following these is key.
Whether you’re moving camping gear, boats, or other items, the 2023 Subaru Forester is a reliable choice.
FAQs
What is the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester 2023?
The 2023 Subaru Forester can tow up to 3,000 lbs with the towing package. Regular models can tow about 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs).
What is the difference between braked and unbraked towing capacities?
Braked towing means you can tow a trailer with brakes. Unbraked towing is for trailers without brakes, usually up to 1,500 lbs.
Does the Subaru Forester come with a towing package?
Yes, the Subaru Forester has towing packages. They include tow hitches, wiring harnesses, and weight distribution systems for better towing.
What are the best accessories for improving towing capabilities in a Subaru Forester?
Accessories like sway bars, upgraded brakes, and roof racks can improve towing. They help with stability and control.
How does the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester compare to other compact SUVs?
The Subaru Forester has good towing capacity for a compact SUV. Its all-wheel-drive system helps with towing.
What factors should I keep in mind regarding payload capacity?
Payload capacity is the total weight of cargo and passengers. Don’t go over the limits to stay safe.
What types of tow hitches are available for the Subaru Forester?
Subaru has fixed, adjustable, and rotating tow hitches for the Forester. They work well with the vehicle’s system for great performance.
What should I consider when towing with the Subaru Forester?
Stick to towing limits and load properly. Also, think about terrain and weather when towing.
