Subaru Forester Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Standard Foresters (2014-2026, non-Wilderness) top out at 1,500 lb when properly equipped; only the Wilderness trim (2022+) with the factory hitch reaches 3,000 lb.
How much can a Subaru Forester tow
Towing capacity on the Forester has changed a lot across generations, and within the current generation it depends heavily on trim. The single biggest jump is the Wilderness trim (introduced for 2022), which uses a reinforced factory hitch, extra transmission cooling and revised gearing to roughly double the rating of a standard Forester.
Towing by generation and configuration
| Generation / years | Engine and configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st gen (SF), 1997-2002 | 2.5L flat-4, AWD | up to 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| 2nd-3rd gen (SG/SH), 2003-2013 | 2.5L NA and 2.0L/2.5L turbo, AWD, with factory Class I hitch | 2,400 lb / 1,089 kg (tongue weight approx. 200 lb / 91 kg) |
| 4th gen (SJ), 2014-2018 | 2.5L NA and 2.0L turbo (XT), AWD | 1,500 lb / 680 kg (tongue weight approx. 150 lb / 68 kg) |
| 5th gen (SK), 2019-2024, standard trims | 2.5L NA, AWD | 1,500 lb / 680 kg when properly equipped (tongue weight approx. 150 lb / 68 kg) |
| 5th gen (SK) Wilderness, 2022-2024 | 2.5L NA, AWD, factory tow-prep package | 3,000 lb / 1,361 kg when properly equipped (tongue weight approx. 300 lb / 136 kg) |
| 6th gen, 2025-2026, standard and Hybrid trims | 2.5L NA or 2.5L hybrid, AWD | 1,500 lb / 680 kg when properly equipped |
| 6th gen Wilderness, 2025-2026 | 2.5L NA, AWD, factory tow-prep package | 3,000 lb / 1,361 kg when properly equipped |
Why the number varies so much
Unlike a pickup truck, the Forester line does not publish separate figures for every axle ratio or option code, but trim and hitch hardware still make a real difference. A base or Premium Forester without the factory tow-prep package is not rated the same as a Wilderness with its cooling and hitch upgrades - fitting an aftermarket hitch to a non-Wilderness Forester does not raise its rating.
Where to confirm your exact rating
Because published figures vary slightly between reference sites for older model years, always confirm the number for your specific vehicle using one of these authoritative sources:
- The tow rating placard on the driver-side door jamb
- Your owner's manual, in the towing or trailer section
- The tire and loading information label (also on the door jamb)
- Subaru's official towing guide or your dealer's build sheet for your VIN
Summary
| Standard Forester (2014-2026, non-Wilderness) | 1,500 lb / 680 kg, properly equipped |
|---|---|
| Wilderness trim (2022-2026), factory hitch | 3,000 lb / 1,361 kg, properly equipped |
| 2nd-3rd gen (2003-2013), factory Class I hitch | up to 2,400 lb / 1,089 kg |
| 1st gen (1997-2002) | up to 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| Typical tongue weight, standard trims | approx. 150 lb / 68 kg |
| Typical tongue weight, Wilderness | approx. 300 lb / 136 kg |
| Authoritative source for your exact car | driver door jamb placard, owner's manual, dealer build sheet |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Subaru Forester: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Subaru Forester?
The highest factory rating on any modern Forester is 3,000 lb (1,361 kg), and it only applies to the Wilderness trim (2022 and newer) equipped with the factory tow-prep package. Every non-Wilderness Forester built since 2014 is rated at 1,500 lb (680 kg) when properly equipped.
Can a regular (non-Wilderness) Forester tow more than 1,500 lb if I add a bigger hitch?
No. The 1,500 lb rating on standard trims reflects the whole drivetrain, cooling and brake system, not just the hitch. Installing an aftermarket hitch rated for more weight does not raise the vehicle's certified towing capacity.
Did older Foresters (2003-2013) really tow more than newer ones?
Yes, dealer references and older Subaru literature list up to 2,400 lb for the second and third generation (2003-2013) with the factory Class I hitch, which is higher than the 1,500 lb rating used on the fourth and fifth generations (2014-2021). The Wilderness trim, introduced in 2022, is the first modern Forester to exceed that older figure.
Where do I find the exact towing capacity for my specific Forester?
Check the tow rating placard on the driver's door jamb, the towing section of your owner's manual, or ask your dealer to pull the build sheet for your VIN. These are the only sources that reflect the exact trim, hitch package and model year of your own vehicle.