The Forester may be Subaru’s most popular model, but the compact SUV isn’t mainly known for its towing capabilities. Nor is its larger Outback sibling, for that matter, which just recently received an increase in pulling power, now rated at 3,000 lb. You’ll need the Subaru Ascent’s 5,000 lb. towing for the big stuff. However, this changed with the 2022 Forester, and the towing capacity figures carry over to the sixth-generation 2025 Forester redesign.
The Subaru Forester Towing Capacity Doubles (Only with an Upgrade)
The current Forester has a 1,500 lbs. towing capacity as standard on the base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trim levels. That’s not very impressive, we know. But there’s good news: As of 2022, the Subaru Forester features up to 3,000 lbs. towing capacity and an available accessory Class II hitch receiver. While 3,000 lbs. towing is standard on the more rugged Forester Wilderness new for 2022.
All trims — from the base to range-topping Touring — find the same 2.5L engine paired to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT. Best part? They get symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard — a plus for towing performance. The 2025 Forester’s 2.5L engine makes 180 horsepower, paired with a CVT transmission.
While the 2025 Forester’s towing capacity remains at 3,000 lbs., the new model’s updates may enhance the towing experience. It has 8.7-inch ground clearance, the most in the compact SUV class, according to Subaru. The 2025 Forester boasts a 10% stiffer torsional rigidity, thanks to a reinforced Subaru Global Platform with full inner frame construction and advanced welding techniques. The increased structural adhesive application contributes to improved body rigidity and reduced weight, enhancing dynamic performance, ride smoothness, and cabin quietness—ideal for towing with improved stability and strength.
Forester’s towing capacity chart per year
| Forester generation | Year | Towing capacity (lbs.) |
| 1st generation | 1997 | 1,100 lbs. |
| 2nd generation | 2002 | up to 1,300 lbs. |
| 3rd generation | 2008 | up to 1,400 lbs. |
| 4th generation | 2014 | 1,500 lbs. |
| 5th generation | 2019 | 1,500 lbs. |
| Forester | 2022–2025 | 1,500 lbs. |
| Forester with Class II hitch receiver | 2022–2025 | 3,000 lbs. |
| Forester Wilderness | 2022–2024 | 3,000 lbs. |
Today, 1,500 lbs. isn’t enough for weightier items like a proper RV. Still, you’ll be all okay if you’re looking to haul more reasonable things, including a pair of canoes, a single-axle trailer, a motorcycle, or a jet-ski. Reality is, Forester owners typically aren’t large families — they’re empty-nesters or perhaps a growing family with one or two small children. Thus, it won’t, nor is it expected to haul anything huge in a smaller compact offering like this. But enough to enjoy a fun long weekend away.
Trailer Stability Assist is now standard
Now, keeping the long-running SUV’s towing abilities in check, the most significant feature is the Trailer Stability Assist — a standard on the 2019 Forester redesign. Essentially, the system utilizes yaw sensors to monitor trailer sway and then can brake individual wheels to stabilize the vehicle and trailer. But like any technology, this is only in place to assist, as the name implies — the responsibility of a driver towing a trailer is making sure the trailer is loaded correctly.
Other Forester safety features for more confident towing
The newer Forester adds some nice items that provide towing customers some assurance on the road. LED Steering Responsive Headlights and High Beam Assist are now standard on all trim levels. Also new for this 5th-generation Forester is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which provides the driver with individual tire pressure — a simple tech feature but one that adds towing confidence nonetheless. All Forester owners now also get Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, also a huge bonus, seeing as this was initially a fairly expensive safety feature when first introduced back in 2013.
Takeaway: The subcompact Subaru Crosstrek tows more than Forester
Compact SUVs like the Forester are not known for, nor required to, tow those larger boats and campers. Going from 1,500 lbs. to 3,000 lbs. is a huge bonus. You’ll need the Class II hitch receiver to gain those double rating numbers, but 3,000 lbs. comes standard on the Forester Wilderness. A 2025 Forester Wilderness was not announced, so we’ll wait to see about that.
Something else worth noting: Subie’s subcompact crossover will pull more than Subaru’s compact Forester SUV. The newly released 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness will tow an impressive 3,500 pounds. Yes, that’s more than its larger Forester sibling. If you’re deciding between these two models, also see: The Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Subaru Forester: Performances Differences Explained
