Tow Capacities

Makes · Subaru

Subaru Forester towing capacity

Cross-year towing decision tools for the Subaru Forester. Use this page to find which years and configurations fit your trailer job; open a year page for an exact configuration Tow Check.

Years covered24 (1999–2022)
Configurations110
Highest rating in our dataset3,000 lbs
Highest payload in our dataset1,451 lbs

Figures reflect ratings currently represented in our dataset. Coverage can be partial for some years — confirm the door-jamb sticker and owner’s manual for any specific vehicle.

What are you trying to do?

I own a Subaru ForesterFind my exact towing capacityI'm choosing a Subaru ForesterFind one that can tow my trailerCompare model yearsCompare towing and payloadCheck payloadPassengers + cargo + tongue weight

Find a Subaru Forester that can tow your trailer

Matches must clear the published trailer rating when known. Where payload exists, remaining payload must also stay non-negative after passengers, cargo and tongue weight.

Subaru Forester towing history

Range chart of observed min–max towing ratings by year. Click a year to open its page.

Subaru Forester towing capacity by year

Sorted newest-first below. Use the interactive tools above to filter by trailer weight or compare two years.

YearMinimum ratingMaximum ratingMax payloadConfigurationsExplore
20221,000 lbs3,000 lbs1,437 lbs6Open year
20211,500 lbs1,500 lbs1,442 lbs5Open year
20201,000 lbs1,000 lbs1,442 lbs5Open year
20191,000 lbs1,000 lbs1,451 lbs5Open year
20181,500 lbs1,500 lbs—6Open year
20171,000 lbs1,000 lbs—6Open year
20161,500 lbs1,500 lbs900 lbs6Open year
20151,500 lbs1,500 lbs900 lbs6Open year
20141,500 lbs1,500 lbs900 lbs6Open year
20132,400 lbs2,400 lbs900 lbs6Open year
20122,400 lbs2,400 lbs900 lbs6Open year
20112,400 lbs2,400 lbs900 lbs6Open year
20102,400 lbs2,400 lbs900 lbs5Open year
20092,400 lbs2,400 lbs900 lbs5Open year
20082,400 lbs2,400 lbs1,010 lbs5Open year
20072,400 lbs2,400 lbs1,010 lbs5Open year
20062,400 lbs2,400 lbs1,110 lbs3Open year
20052,400 lbs2,400 lbs1,110 lbs4Open year
20042,400 lbs2,400 lbs1,110 lbs3Open year
20032,400 lbs2,400 lbs1,060 lbs2Open year
20022,000 lbs2,000 lbs1,035 lbs2Open year
20012,000 lbs2,000 lbs1,035 lbs2Open year
20002,000 lbs2,000 lbs—2Open year
19992,000 lbs2,000 lbs—3Open year

Some years have partial catalog coverage — highest figures are the highest ratings currently represented in our dataset, not a claim of absolute manufacturer completeness.

Subaru Forester towing capacity ranges (dataset)

Observed minimum and maximum trailer ratings in our dataset for each model year. Values remain available without JavaScript; the interactive chart above enhances this view.

Which Subaru Forester years can tow my trailer?

Compare Subaru Forester model years

20212022
Min towing1,500 lbs1,000 lbs
Max towing1,500 lbs3,000 lbs
Max payload1,442 lbs1,437 lbs
Configurations56
Drivetrains——
Cabs——
Beds——
Axles3.703.70, 4.11
Engines2.5 liters H-42.5 liters H-4
  • 2022 has a 1,500 lbs higher maximum towing rating in our dataset than 2021 (1,500 lbs → 3,000 lbs).

Coverage warning: one or both years have partial catalog coverage, so differences may reflect dataset gaps rather than true product changes.

Browse Subaru Forester configurations

Showing 50 results (capped at 50).

  • 2022 Wilderness2.5 liters H-4 · 4.11 · Tow 3,000 lbs · Payload 1,271 lbs
    Open year
  • 2022 Base2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,437 lbs
    Open year
  • 2022 Limited2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,339 lbs
    Open year
  • 2022 Premium2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,363 lbs
    Open year
  • 2022 Sport2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,353 lbs
    Open year
  • 2022 Touring2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,297 lbs
    Open year
  • 2021 Base2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 1,442 lbs
    Open year
  • 2021 Limited2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 1,349 lbs
    Open year
  • 2021 Premium2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 1,369 lbs
    Open year
  • 2021 Sport2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 1,360 lbs
    Open year
  • 2021 Touring2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 1,302 lbs
    Open year
  • 2020 Base2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,442 lbs
    Open year
  • 2020 Limited2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,349 lbs
    Open year
  • 2020 Premium2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,369 lbs
    Open year
  • 2020 Sport2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,360 lbs
    Open year
  • 2020 Touring2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,302 lbs
    Open year
  • 2019 Base2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,451 lbs
    Open year
  • 2019 Limited2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,359 lbs
    Open year
  • 2019 Premium2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,384 lbs
    Open year
  • 2019 Sport2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,369 lbs
    Open year
  • 2019 Touring2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs · Payload 1,312 lbs
    Open year
  • 2018 2.0XT · Tow 1,500 lbs
    Open year
  • 2018 2.0XT · Tow 1,500 lbs
    Open year
  • 2018 2.5i · Tow 1,500 lbs
    Open year
  • 2018 2.5i · Tow 1,500 lbs
    Open year
  • 2018 2.5i · Tow 1,500 lbs
    Open year
  • 2018 2.5i · Tow 1,500 lbs
    Open year
  • 2017 2.0XT2.0 liters H-4 · 4.11 · Tow 1,000 lbs
    Open year
  • 2017 2.0XT2.0 liters H-4 · 4.11 · Tow 1,000 lbs
    Open year
  • 2017 2.5i2.5 liters H-4 · 4.44 · Tow 1,000 lbs
    Open year
  • 2017 2.5i2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs
    Open year
  • 2017 2.5i2.5 liters H-4 · 4.44 · Tow 1,000 lbs
    Open year
  • 2017 2.5i2.5 liters H-4 · 3.70 · Tow 1,000 lbs
    Open year
  • 2016 2.0XT4.11 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2016 2.0XT4.11 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2016 2.5i4.44 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2016 2.5i3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2016 2.5i4.44 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2016 2.5i3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2015 2.0XT4.11 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2015 2.0XT4.11 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2015 2.5i4.44 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2015 2.5i3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2015 2.5i4.44 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2015 2.5i3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2014 2.0XT4.11 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2014 2.0XT4.11 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2014 2.5i4.44 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2014 2.5i3.70 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year
  • 2014 2.5i4.44 · Tow 1,500 lbs · Payload 900 lbs
    Open year

Subaru Forester towing capacity by generation

Generation windows are reference metadata. Towing and payload figures are calculated only from years present in our dataset.

GenerationYears (catalog)Years in datasetTowing rangeHighest towingHighest payloadConfigs
2020s2020–20292020, 2021, 20221,000 – 3,000 lbs3,000 lbs1,442 lbs16
2010s2010–20192010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 20191,000 – 2,400 lbs2,400 lbs1,451 lbs58
2000s2000–20092000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 20092,000 – 2,400 lbs2,400 lbs1,110 lbs33
1990s1990–199919992,000 lbs2,000 lbs—3

Subaru Forester payload capacity by year

Payload includes passengers, cargo and trailer tongue weight. It is not the same limit as maximum trailer weight.

YearMinimum payloadMaximum payloadConfigurations with payload dataExplore
20221,271 lbs1,437 lbs6Open year
20211,302 lbs1,442 lbs5Open year
20201,302 lbs1,442 lbs5Open year
20191,312 lbs1,451 lbs5Open year
2016900 lbs900 lbs6Open year
2015900 lbs900 lbs6Open year
2014900 lbs900 lbs6Open year
2013900 lbs900 lbs6Open year
2012900 lbs900 lbs6Open year
2011900 lbs900 lbs6Open year
2010900 lbs900 lbs5Open year
2009900 lbs900 lbs5Open year
2008830 lbs1,010 lbs5Open year
2007830 lbs1,010 lbs5Open year
20061,055 lbs1,110 lbs3Open year
20051,055 lbs1,110 lbs4Open year
20041,055 lbs1,110 lbs3Open year
20031,055 lbs1,060 lbs2Open year
2002980 lbs1,035 lbs2Open year
2001980 lbs1,035 lbs2Open year

Some years have partial catalog coverage — highest figures are the highest ratings currently represented in our dataset, not a claim of absolute manufacturer completeness.

How Subaru Forester towing capacity changed over time

Year-over-year changes of at least 400 lbs in the highest dataset rating:

  • 2021 → 2022: Maximum towing 1,500 lbs → 3,000 lbs (+1,500 lbs)
  • 2020 → 2021: Maximum towing 1,000 lbs → 1,500 lbs (+500 lbs)
  • 2018 → 2019: Maximum towing 1,500 lbs → 1,000 lbs (-500 lbs)
  • 2017 → 2018: Maximum towing 1,000 lbs → 1,500 lbs (+500 lbs)
  • 2016 → 2017: Maximum towing 1,500 lbs → 1,000 lbs (-500 lbs)
  • 2013 → 2014: Maximum towing 2,400 lbs → 1,500 lbs (-900 lbs)
  • 2002 → 2003: Maximum towing 2,000 lbs → 2,400 lbs (+400 lbs)

Towing capacity is not the only limit

The usable towing limit can be lower than the headline trailer rating. Depending on the vehicle and hitch, these limits can all matter:

  • Max trailer weight — published towing capacity for a configuration
  • Payload — people, cargo, equipment and tongue weight on the tow vehicle
  • GVWR — gross vehicle weight rating
  • GCWR — gross combined weight rating
  • GAWR — axle ratings (front/rear)
  • Hitch rating — hitch and receiver limits
  • Tongue weight — typically a fraction of trailer weight, counted against payload

Check an exact Subaru Forester configuration · Jump to year selection

All Subaru Forester model years

Open a year page to pick your exact configuration and run Tow Check.

Compare Subaru Forester with another model

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