How Much Can a Subaru Forester Tow?

The renowned Japanese car manufacturer, Subaru, released the 2022 model Subaru Forester, which has been making rounds because of its up-to-date features and great towing capacity. So, how much can a Subaru Forester tow?

The average towing capacity of a Subaru Forester is approximately 1,500 pounds. The latest model, the 2022 Subaru Forester, is a compact crossover SUV with a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. It also comes with a trim level of “Subaru Wilderness” containing a Class II hitch receiver that can double its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds.

This article will discuss the towing capacity of different Subaru Forester models over the years. We will also compare the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester 2022 with its main competitors.

Towing Capacity of Different Subaru Forester Models

The Subaru Forester is known for its modest towing capacity and is trusted by many while traveling with luggage or cargo. However, along with other features, the towing capacity of Subaru Forester models has also evolved with time.

Let’s review them individually and find out how much each model can tow.

1. Subaru Forester 2016

The Subaru Forester 2016 offers two engines, i.e., a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine, which produces 170 horsepower and a torque of 174 lb-ft.

The second and optional engine is FA20F, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque, and features a DOHC setup with aluminum-alloy construction.

Both engines of the Subaru Forester 2016 provide a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds that can help you tow small campers, trailers, and lightweight boats.

2. Subaru Forester 2017

Like the previous model, the Subaru Forester 2017 also offers two engines, i.e., a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine, which produces 170 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque.

The second and optional engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine which produces 250 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.

However, both these engines provide a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. You can use Subaru Forester 2017 to tow small tent trailers or lightweight trailers with a couple of ATVs or dirt bikes.

3. Subaru Forester 2018

The Subaru Forester 2018 offers two engines. The first one is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that puts out 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.

The second one is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines provide the same maximum towing capacity of , pounds. Subaru Forester 2018 is reliable for towing boats and even caravanning on weekends.

4. Subaru Forester 2019

The Subaru Forester 2019 only offers one engine, a 2.5L H4 DOHC 16-valve that produces a horsepower of 182, 176 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. 

It can be your compatible towing partner while mounting a cargo tray or bicycle rack.

5. Subaru Forester 2020

The 2020 model Subaru Forester offers a single engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces a horsepower of 182 and 176 lb-ft of torque. 

This vehicle is powerful enough to speed up in the city or countryside. It has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, which is perfect for towing smaller, lightweight trailers. 

6. Subaru Forester 2021

The light-duty SUV, Subaru Forester 2021, comes with a standard 2.5L Subaru BOXER four-cylinder engine that produces a horsepower of 182 and a torque of 176 lb-ft. 

Subaru Forester 2021 has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and can help you tow lightweight aluminum boats, pop-up campers, and small utility trailers. 

7. Subaru Forester 2022

The Subaru Forester 2022 also comes with a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces a horsepower of 182 and a torque of 176 lb-ft and offers a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. 

However, with the 2022 Forester, you can upgrade to one of its trim levels, Forester Wilderness. It comes with a Class II hitch receiver that significantly increases the vehicle’s towing capacity from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds.

The new engine produces 182 horsepower and a torque of 176 lb-ft, a notable increase from the outgoing 170 horsepower and a torque of 174 lb-ft. 

With these advanced features, Subaru Forester 2022 can tow heavier items, including a proper RV, that previous Forester models couldn’t haul safely.

Towing Capacity Of The Subaru Forester’s Main Competitors

Subaru Forester is known for its modest fuel economy and towing capacity. However, some of its competitors are way ahead of the Forester regarding towing capacity and other advanced features.  

Let’s look at a quick comparison of the Subaru Forester and its key competitors. 

Subaru Forester 2022 & its Competitors	Towing Capacity	Important Features
2022 Jeep Cherokee	4500 pounds	Takes 7.9 seconds to reach 60 MPH,  270 horsepower
2022 Honda CR-V	1500 pounds	Takes 9.3 seconds to reach 60 MPH, 190 horsepower
2022 Mazda CX-5	2000 pounds	Takes 6.1 seconds to reach 60 MPH, 187 horsepower
2022 Ford Escape	3500 pounds	Takes 7.7 seconds to reach 60 MPH, 181 horsepower
2022 Chevrolet Equinox	1500 pounds	Takes 8.7 seconds to reach 60 MPH, 170 horsepower
2022 Subaru Forester	1500 pounds (Standard Subaru Forester Engine) 3000 pounds (Forester Wilderness Engine)	Takes 8.3 seconds to reach 60 MPH, 182 horsepower ( Standard Subaru Forester Engine )Takes 8.1 seconds to reach 60 MPH, 182 horsepower ( Forester Wilderness Engine)

Final Thoughts On The Foresters Towing Capabilities

Subaru Foresters have always been one of the reliable towing vehicles because of their boxer engines and all-wheel drive systems.

A standard Subaru Forester has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. 

The latest model, the 2022 Subaru Forester, also comes with a class II hitch receiver that can double its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds.

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