Subaru Forester Towing Capacity | All Model Years

Subaru engineers build the Forester to tow light recreational loads confidently when it’s set up correctly. Across the lineup, the rule of thumb is simple: most U.S. Forester models are rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, while the specialized Wilderness trim doubles that to 3,000 pounds thanks to cooling, gearing, and hardware changes. Always verify equipment, tongue weight, and trailer-brake requirements for your specific model year before you hook up. Subaru’s own literature reinforces that heavier loads may require trailer brakes and that tongue-weight limits are part of the equation.

2025–2023 Forester (non-Wilderness): 1,500 lbs

Current-generation Forester models are rated for a maximum of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Subaru’s model-year press kits list 1,500 pounds for standard trims, and Subaru’s own Forester-versus-Outback comparison reiterates the Forester’s 1,500-pound limit for non-Wilderness versions. If you’re planning to tow a lightweight utility trailer, single-axle PWC, or small pop-up, this is your bucket.

2025–2022 Forester Wilderness: 3,000 lbs

If you need the most towing capability from a Forester, the Wilderness trim is purpose-built for it. Subaru rates the Forester Wilderness up to 3,000 pounds and pairs it with Trailer Stability Assist from the factory. This rating carries through from its 2022 debut into the 2025 model year. For small boats or a teardrop camper that creeps past 1,500 pounds loaded, Wilderness is the correct choice.

2022–2019 Forester (non-Wilderness): 1,500 lbs

Fifth-generation Foresters prior to the Wilderness arrival are set at 1,500 pounds across the board when properly equipped. That keeps them in the light-duty towing class—great for a landscape trailer with yard gear or a pair of kayaks on a small utility trailer. As always, stay within the hitch and tongue-weight specs noted in your manual and on the accessory hitch label.

2018–2014 Forester: 1,500 lbs

U.S.-market fourth-generation models continue the 1,500-pound theme. Subaru’s 2014 Forester brochure lists the factory accessory hitch at 1,500 pounds with an associated tongue-weight limit, and similar guidance carries through the generation. This is the break point between older 2,400-pound ratings and modern light-duty specs.

2013–2003 Forester: 2,400 lbs

Third- and late second-generation Foresters were rated higher from the factory: 2,400 pounds with a 200-pound tongue-weight limit when equipped with the Subaru Class I hitch. Subaru brochures for 2013 and 2009 call this out explicitly, and the 2007 brochure lists a 2,400-pound towing capacity as well. If your Forester falls in this era and is in good mechanical condition with the proper hardware, it was engineered for more trailer than newer non-Wilderness models—still light duty, but useful headroom.

2002–1998 Forester: 2,000 lbs

First-generation U.S. Foresters were typically rated at 2,000 pounds with Subaru’s accessory hitch and a 200-pound tongue-weight cap. Age alone means we advise an extra-thorough inspection of cooling, brakes, suspension, and tires before towing anywhere near max.

How we set customers up for success

Here’s how we approach Forester towing setups in our service lane. First, we match the hitch class and wiring to your VIN and rating, then confirm tongue weight and load distribution. As a guideline, trailer tongue weight generally lives in the 8%–11% range of total trailer weight; exceeding the vehicle’s tongue-weight limit is just as problematic as exceeding the tow rating. Subaru also notes that heavier trailers may require brakes; many states mandate trailer brakes at relatively low thresholds, so we’ll advise you on a brake controller if needed. Finally, we pressure-test cooling, confirm pad and rotor health, and torque-check hitch hardware before you leave.

Quick reference

• 2025–2023 Forester (non-Wilderness): 1,500 lbs
• 2025–2022 Forester Wilderness: 3,000 lbs
• 2022–2014 Forester (non-Wilderness): 1,500 lbs
• 2013–2003 Forester: 2,400 lbs
• 2002–1998 Forester: 2,000 lbs

Conclusion

Choosing the right Forester for towing is straightforward once you know the buckets. If you’re staying around 1,000–1,500 pounds loaded, any 2014–current model set up with the proper hitch and wiring is in its element. If your trailer pushes toward 3,000 pounds, the Forester Wilderness is the correct tool. Owners of 2003–2013 models enjoy the older 2,400-pound rating, and first-gen models are capped at 2,000. If you’d like us to spec the exact hitch, wiring, and brake controller for your Forester and trailer, the Conley Subaru team is happy to build a parts and install plan around your VIN and payload.