Subaru Forester Towing: Complete Towing Guide and Specifications

• The 2026 Subaru Forester towing capacity stands at 1,500 pounds across all trim levels, making it perfect for light trailers, small boats, and camping gear.
• Apart from an impressive towing capacity, the 2026 Subaru Forester provides a superior and dependable utility experience, boasting a 2.5L BOXER engine, standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, Trailer Stability Assist, premium 11.6-inch touchscreen, plenty of cargo space, and advanced EyeSight safety.
• If you need expert guidance on Subaru Forester towing or want to explore tow accessories for Subaru Forester and other genuine Subaru accessories, contact Dalton Subaru National City for professional assistance and service.

Also Read: Top Outdoors Features of the 2025 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has built a strong reputation as a reliable compact SUV that handles everyday driving and outdoor adventures with ease. Many people wonder how much can a Subaru Forester tow when planning camping trips, hauling small boats, or transporting utility trailers.

Understanding the Subaru Forester towing capacity helps you make smart decisions about what you can safely haul behind this popular SUV. This guide covers everything about Subaru Forester towing, from official specifications to the right equipment you can find at Dalton Subaru.

Understanding Subaru Forester Towing Specifications

The 2026 Subaru Forester towing capacity remains consistent at 1,500 pounds across all available trims, thanks to its steady 2.5-liter BOXER engine. This number represents the maximum weight your Forester can safely pull when properly equipped with the right towing setup. The rating applies to the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring models.

The Rugged Forester Wilderness Specs

To pull something heavier, the Wilderness model is the best choice. This trim level is built specifically for tougher jobs and rougher roads.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness towing capacity is an impressive 3,500 lbs. This is the highest amount any Forester has ever been able to pull. Engineers achieved this high Subaru Forester Wilderness towing limit by adding a better transmission cooler and changing how the gears work. These upgrades help the car stay cool even when it is working hard on a long climb.

The Wilderness trim also has 9.3 inches of ground clearance, a part of the Subaru Forester tow height specs that make it better for off-road paths.

Apart from its ground clearance, the 2026 Forester Wilderness uses longer springs and shocks to keep the ride smooth when carrying a lot of gear. This model is perfect for someone who wants to go deeper into the forest with more equipment. You can also check out our video of the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness below for comparison.

What Can You Tow With Your Forester?

A 1,500-lb maximum towing capacity opens several practical possibilities for Forester owners.

Camping Trailers

Small camping trailers, including teardrop trailers and pop-up campers, often fall within this weight range. These compact trailers provide sleeping space and basic amenities without exceeding your vehicle’s limits.

Utility Trailers

Utility trailers loaded with lawn equipment, furniture, or camping gear work well within the Subaru Forester tow capacity. A standard 5×8 utility trailer weighs around 900 pounds empty, leaving 600 pounds for cargo when you stay within the 1,500-pound total.

Small Watercraft

Small watercraft like kayaks on a trailer, jet skis, or lightweight fishing boats can also be towed safely in the 2026 Forester. Remember to include the trailer weight itself when calculating your total load. A typical single jet ski trailer with the watercraft might weigh between 800 and 1,200 pounds combined.

Motorcycle Trailers

Motorcycle trailers also fit within these limits. A small enclosed motorcycle trailer might weigh 500 to 700 pounds, leaving room for a motorcycle that weighs 600 to 800 pounds. Open motorcycle trailers weigh even less, providing more capacity for your bike.

Remember, this 1,500-lb limit includes everything you put inside the trailer. If you fill a trailer with heavy camping gear or tools, that weight adds quickly.

Hence, always check the weight of your items before hooking up to your Subaru Forester tow hitch. Knowing the towing capacity of Subaru Forester and keeping the load within the limits ensures the car can stop safely and turn without trouble.

As for towing safely in the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, factor in the following variables:

• Tongue weight (10-15% of the trailer’s weight)
• Vehicle payload: Cargo and passengers lower the available tow margin
• Local laws requiring the use of trailer brakes

Understanding Tongue Weight and Tow Height

Tongue weight represents the downward force the trailer puts on your hitch ball. This should typically equal 10 to 15 percent of your total trailer weight. For a 1,500-pound trailer, your tongue weight should fall between 150 and 225 pounds.

Too much tongue weight pushes down on your rear suspension, lifting your front wheels and reducing steering control. Too little tongue weight allows the trailer to sway, creating dangerous driving conditions. Proper weight distribution keeps your Forester stable and predictable while towing.

The Subaru Forester tow height, on the other hand, refers to the height of your hitch receiver from the ground. Matching your trailer’s coupler height to your hitch ball height creates a level towing setup. An unlevel trailer can cause handling problems and excessive wear on your hitch components.

Essential Tow Accessories for Your SUV

To get your car ready for work, you need the right tools. You should look for a Subaru Forester tow package that includes all the necessary parts.

One of the most important items is a high-quality Subaru Forester tow hitch. This part attaches to the vehicle’s frame and provides the connection point for your trailer.

You also need a wiring harness with a 4-pin flat connector so your trailer lights work with the car lights. Proper wiring keeps you legal on the road and helps other drivers see your intentions. You might also need a specific ball mount and a hitch ball that fits your trailer coupler.

Another helpful item is a Subaru Forester tow hook. You can use this for recovery if you ever get stuck in deep mud or snow.

Safety is the top priority when towing. Thus, tow accessories for Subaru Forester can extend beyond the basic hitch. These additional accessories usually include:

• Trailer brake controller for heavier loads approaching the 1,500-pound limit
• Weight-distribution hitches to level your vehicle when towing, improving its stability and handling
• Trailer mirrors extend your view past wider trailers, giving you better sight lines when changing lanes

Finding the right tow accessories for Subaru Forester makes the whole process easier. Thus, you should get parts that manufacturers make specifically for your year and trim to ensure everything fits perfectly and stays secure.

2026 Subaru Forester Safety Systems and Stability Technology

Subaru builds a lot of smart technology into the car to help with Subaru Forester towing.

Trailer Stability Assist

Every 2026 model comes with Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) that watches the car to see if the trailer shakes or sways.

If the TSA detects a problem, it can brake individual wheels to pull the trailer back into line. This is helpful when a large truck passes you or if there are strong winds. These electronic safety nets back up the Subaru Forester towing capacity.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is another great feature. It acts like an extra set of eyes that can watch the road ahead. It includes systems that can help you brake in an emergency or keep you in your lane. When you have a trailer attached, these systems still work to keep you safe.

Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and X-MODE Systems

When you are off-road, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE systems are your best friends. They adjust how the car uses its power to make sure you do not get stuck.

The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive also helps because it sends power to all four wheels at once, giving you a better grip on wet or slippery boat ramps. X-MODE, on the other hand, allows you to drive through mud or deep snow with a trailer because the car knows how to find grip.

Using the Subaru Forester tow package with these safety features gives you peace of mind on the road. The experts at Dalton Subaru National City can also show you how to use the different X-MODE settings.

Can You Flat Tow a Subaru Forester?

Flat towing means pulling the car with all four wheels on the ground. Hence, a common question people ask is, “Can you flat tow a Subaru Forester behind an RV?”

Subaru does not recommend flat towing the Forester because it can damage the All Wheel Drive system. The transmission and differential continue spinning when the wheels roll, but the engine is not running to provide lubrication. This situation can cause expensive damage to your drivetrain.

If you need to transport your Forester behind another vehicle, use a flatbed trailer or a tow dolly that lifts the front wheels off the ground. Verify as well with the owner s manual what you can safely do before trying. These tips and methods protect your vehicle’s mechanical components and prevent warranty issues.

Practical Tips for Hauling Heavier Loads

To stay safe, you not only need to understand how much can a Subaru Forester tow in different situations, but also take other measures to prevent accidents on the road while hauling.

Check Tire Pressure Before Towing

Rear tires on your Forester might need a few extra pounds of air when carrying additional tongue weight. Low tire pressure can cause trailer swaying and overheating. Check the owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure when towing.

Observe the 10-15% Tongue Weight

You can achieve this by putting some of the weight toward the trailer’s front, near the tongue. Avoid putting heavy items at the back of the trailer. This positioning prevents wobbling or the trailer swaying while maintaining stability at highway speeds. Make sure to secure all cargo as well, so nothing shifts during transport.

Keep a Safe Distance

When on the road, remember to drive slowly and to increase your following distance when towing. Your stopping distance grows with the added weight behind you. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead to account for the longer braking distances.

Reduce Driving Speed

Slightly reduce your driving speed when towing, especially during mountain passes or in windy conditions. This is because the added weight, paired with wind resistance, affects the Forester’s handling and fuel economy.

Regularly Check Your Mirrors

Checking your mirrors frequently helps monitor your trailer’s position. Watch for signs of swaying or bouncing that might mean improper loading or tire problems. Stop immediately if you notice unusual movement or handling issues.

If you have questions about the towing capacity of Subaru Forester, you can always ask a specialist for help. Knowing how much can a Subaru Forester tow allows you to pack your gear with confidence, keeping you and your family safe.

Maintenance and Professional Service

Regular maintenance becomes even more important when you regularly use your Forester for towing. Heavy hauling puts extra stress on the engine and brakes. Regular checkups are a must.

The transmission works harder when pulling a trailer, so stick to your scheduled transmission fluid changes. Some drivers who tow frequently choose to change their transmission fluid more often than the standard maintenance schedule recommends.

Engine oil changes remain critical. Towing increases engine temperatures and puts extra stress on your oil. Following the severe-duty maintenance schedule makes sense if you tow regularly.

Inspect your Subaru Forester tow hook and hitch regularly for signs of wear, rust, or damage. Look for cracks in the welds, worn pins, or loose bolts. Replace any damaged components immediately.

If you notice anything strange, like a new noise or a shaky feeling while hauling, head to Dalton Subaru Service. Not only can they address these issues, but also help establish a maintenance plan that accounts for your towing habits.

Final Thoughts on Forester Hauling

The Subaru Forester towing capacity is designed to give you freedom. With a standard limit of 1,500 pounds and a Wilderness limit of 3,500 pounds, there is a model for everyone. By using the right tow accessories for Subaru Forester, you can expand what your car can do.

With Subaru Dalton, you can keep the Forester in top shape, answer your questions, and help you get the right equipment installed. Their parts and service teams know Subaru vehicles inside and out, providing expert guidance for your towing needs. Read Next: Is the 2025 Subaru Solterra a Good First EV?

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