Subaru Forester Towing Capacity: Light-Duty Towing for Weekend Adventures

The 2025 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that blends adventure-ready design with practical towing strength. Perfect in the city or off-road, it handles light trailers, bikes, or kayaks with ease. Here are seven reasons the Forester’s towing capacity makes it a top pick for active families and outdoor enthusiasts.

1. Solid Towing Capacity

The 2025 Subaru Forester tows up to 3,000 pounds with the Wilderness trim, doubling the 1,500-pound capacity of standard trims. This makes it ideal for small trailers, jet skis, or lightweight campers. Its sturdy unibody chassis ensures stability during light towing tasks.

Compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V (1,500 pounds) or Ford Bronco Sport (2,700 pounds), the Wilderness trim’s capacity stands out. It’s perfect for weekend getaways or small equipment hauls, offering reliable performance for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget.

• Wilderness Capacity: Up to 3,000 pounds with proper equipment.

• Standard Capacity: 1,500 pounds across base trims.

• Competitor Edge: Outperforms CR-V and Bronco Sport in Wilderness trim.

• Towing Uses: Ideal for jet skis, small trailers, or ATVs.

2. Reliable SUBARU BOXER Engine

The Forester’s 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Its horizontally opposed design lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability when towing. This engine provides steady power for pulling light loads without strain.

Paired with a Lineartronic CVT, the engine ensures smooth power delivery. The Wilderness trim’s 8-speed manual mode adds driver control, making towing on varied terrains easier and more responsive for adventurous hauls.

• Engine Specs: 2.5L BOXER with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft torque.

• Transmission: CVT with 8-speed manual mode on higher trims.

• Stability: Low center of gravity aids towing balance.

• Performance: Smooth power for light towing tasks.

3. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Advantage

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) gives the Forester superior traction for towing in rain, snow, or gravel. This system distributes power evenly, ensuring control when pulling trailers on slippery or uneven surfaces, unlike many competitors with optional AWD.

The Wilderness trim boosts towing to 3,000 pounds with enhanced AWD tuning. Combined with 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.2 inches on Wilderness), it handles off-road towing with confidence, perfect for rugged adventures.

• AWD System: Standard Symmetrical AWD for optimal traction.

• Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches standard, 9.2 inches on Wilderness.

• Towing Boost: Wilderness trim reaches 3,000 pounds.

• Terrain Versatility: Excels in diverse towing conditions.

4. Trailer Stability Assist Technology

The Forester’s Trailer Stability Assist uses yaw sensors to detect trailer sway and applies brakes to specific wheels, ensuring control in windy or uneven conditions. This standard feature enhances safety, making towing accessible even for beginners.

The EyeSight Driver Assist suite, standard on all trims, includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, reducing driver fatigue during long tows. These technologies provide peace of mind when hauling on busy highways.

• Trailer Stability Assist: Automatically corrects trailer sway.

• EyeSight Suite: Includes adaptive cruise and lane-keeping features.

• Safety Boost: Enhances control during towing.

• Driver Comfort: Reduces fatigue on long hauls.

5. Wilderness Trim Enhancements

The Forester Wilderness trim is built for rugged towing, offering a 3,000-pound capacity with a Class II hitch receiver. Its 9.2-inch ground clearance and reinforced roof rails handle off-road trails and extra gear, ideal for remote camping or boating trips.

Upgraded bumpers and all-terrain tires improve approach and departure angles, ensuring traction when towing through dirt or mud. The Wilderness trim’s robust design makes it a top choice for adventurous haulers seeking reliability.

• Towing Capacity: 3,000 pounds with Class II hitch.

• Ground Clearance: 9.2 inches for off-road capability.

• All-Terrain Tires: Enhances grip on rugged surfaces.

• Roof Rails: Supports extra gear for towing trips.

6. Spacious Cargo and Passenger Space

The Forester offers up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, perfect for gear alongside towing. Its 60/40 split-folding rear seats and wide rear gate make loading easy, supporting family trips or work needs.

Seating five passengers comfortably, the Forester balances towing with interior versatility. The available foot-activated, hands-free power rear gate adds convenience, making it simple to load equipment while managing a trailer.

• Cargo Space: Up to 74.4 cubic feet on base trim.

• Seating Capacity: Comfortably fits five passengers.

• Power Rear Gate: Hands-free access for easy loading.

• Roof Rails: Supports up to 176 pounds of gear.

7. Enhanced Towing Accessories

The Forester supports towing with optional accessories like a Class II hitch receiver, boosting capacity to 3,000 pounds on Wilderness models. A wiring harness and trailer brake controller ensure safe connections for heavier loads, enhancing towing confidence.

Roof crossbars with tie-down points handle up to 176 pounds, perfect for kayaks or bikes, complementing towing tasks. These accessories, available through Subaru dealers, make the Forester adaptable for various hauling needs.

• Class II Hitch: Boosts Wilderness towing to 3,000 pounds.

• Roof Crossbars: Supports 176 pounds for extra gear.

• Wiring Harness: Ensures safe trailer connections.

• Brake Controller: Enhances braking for heavier loads.

Conclusion

The Subaru Forester’s towing capacity, backed by its BOXER engine, AWD, and smart tech, makes it a versatile choice for light hauling. Perfect for families or adventurers, it delivers reliability and comfort. STUCK provides emergency towing coverage in Jacksonville, Tennessee, so you’re never stranded, day or night.