The Subaru Forester towing capacity is a marker of where truly capable compact SUVs begin – and everything else ends. Whereas competitors like the Bronco Sport end their towing efforts at 2,700 pounds with proper equipment, the Forester Wilderness – which comes better equipped in many ways – can pull up to 3,500 pounds.1
Even when a competing model can tow the same weight as the Forester, which we see when comparing the Subaru Forester Base vs. Chevy Equinox LT (both of them can tow 1,500 pounds when properly equipped), the Forester can carry more cargo (there's nearly 11 cubic feet more room available in the Subaru SUV).
The rest of this page will cover the towing capacity of various Subaru Forester SUVs, other Subaru models, and more. To get a Forester of your own and start towing, contact the Capital Subaru of Greenville team and ask about our lease or finance offers.
| 2026 Forester Base | 2026 Forester Premium | 2026 Forester Sport | 2026 Forester Limited | 2026 Forester Touring | 2026 Forester Wilderness | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs1 | 1,500 lbs1 | 1,500 lbs1 | 1,500 lbs1 | 1,500 lbs1 | 3,500 lbs1 |
You can see towing strength by trim above, but what about the Subaru Forester towing capacity by year? You'll discover that there's a consistent set of impressive numbers, as evidenced in the chart below:
| Max. Towing Capacity (Core Trims) | Max. Towing Capacity (Wilderness Trim) | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | N / A |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | N / A |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | N / A |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | N / A |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 1,500 lbs1 | N / A |
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness towing capacity continues a trend: One of the Wilderness model's hallmarks has always been an enhanced towing capacity. For the Forester, it takes capability further with a 3,500-pound rating1 to handle adventure equipment like an ATV on a suitable trailer.
Equally exciting, the Forester Hybrid has recently debuted: While it doesn't have a 2026 model-year update out as of yet, we do know that it delivers up to 40% improved MPGs over the non-hybrid Forester2 while also making more power. As for the Subaru Forester Hybrid towing capacity, it was 1,500 pounds1 last year and should be the same for 2026.
The new Subaru Forester is not the strongest Subaru SUV for towing; that would be the three-row Ascent.
However, in the Subaru lineup, the Forester can be considered the best combination of a large SUV's space and strength with a small model's agility, making that 1,500-pound or 3,500-pound1 towing capacity especially well placed.
We should also mention that a 1,500-pound towing capacity is the bar for a gas-powered SUV of this size – equalling or exceeding it while offering one of the segment's largest maximum cargo capacities (74.4 cubic feet) is impressive.
With that said, the Subaru Forester towing capacity is surrounded by other strong specs, so returning to the Ascent, let's see what it and the other gasoline-fueled Subaru SUVs can do:
Many Subaru SUV shoppers ask us about the smaller Crosstrek: If it can tow as much as the Forester, why consider the Forester at all? The answer, quite simply, is that the Forester offers significantly more interior room, including an additional 19.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Even then, the same ratings are attached to both SUVs, so there's no difference in terms of towing power.
Returning specifically to the 2026 Subaru Forester towing capacity, though, here are some hopeful gasoline-fueled competitors and their top towing specs that can't keep up with the 3,500-pound maximum1 available with our new Subaru Forester specials:
Alongside the Forester SUV's victory over these models, keep in mind that the Crosstrek is in a smaller-bodied class than the above-listed SUVs, yet can also out-tow them all. The Subaru SUV lineup is designed to impress, and towing is just one example – the fact is that every Subaru SUV has standard AWD, while many competitors don't.
To see all the other ways that a Subaru Forester or other Subaru SUV can impress you and your family, contact us at Capital Subaru of Greenville to schedule a test drive.
The Subaru Forester towing capacity is the highest in Forester Wilderness models. Specifically, where normal Forester trims (such as Base, Premium, and Sport) can tow 1,500 pounds,1 the Forester Wilderness tows 3,500 pounds.1 Other Subaru SUVs with Wilderness models parallel this, like the Crosstrek and its 1,500-pound standard1 vs. 3,500-pound Wilderness-trim towing capacities.1
Yes, but that's true of any SUV. Towing adds weight and mechanical strain to a vehicle's drivetrain, which will affect performance in the sense that your car will take longer to accelerate and decelerate. Always account for this, and if you've never driven a vehicle while towing before, try practicing the basics on private property before hitting public roads with a trailer.
The main Subaru Forester towing accessory we recommend is the optional trailer hitch and wiring harness setup, which will make it possible to tow in the first place. We also recommend the hitch cap, as it costs next to nothing and will cover up the hitch's ball insert with the Subaru six-star logo for extra style points. Order yours today!
1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
2Comparison based on EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2025 Forester Hybrid models vs. conventional 2025 Forester models equipped with 19-inch wheels. Actual mileage may vary.
3Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
4Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.
5Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
6Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner's Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer may have an effect on vehicle's handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
7Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0 TSI engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
8When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
9Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
10Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner’s Manual for proper use and additional information.
