The 2025 Subaru Forester towing capacity hits a max rating between 1,500 to 3,000 pounds1 depending on the trim. This vehicle is built to handle both everyday commutes and weekend adventures. Whether you need to tow a small trailer, a lightweight boat, or extra gear for your next road trip, the Forester delivers dependable towing performance.
The team at Hughes Subaru takes an in-depth look at the towing capacity of the latest Subaru Forester model – while also exploring how its towing capabilities have evolved over the years – below.
Equipped with the signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a powerful 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER engine, the 2025 Subaru Forester offers drivers outstanding stability, efficiency, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.1 But which of the six dynamic trims hit this max tow rating? Take a look at the 2025 Subaru Forester towing capacity per trim in our compressive chart below:
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Tow Rating |
| Base | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| Premium | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| Sport | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| Wilderness | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
| Limited | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| Touring | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
As you can see, those wanting to hit the top Subaru Forester towing capacity must opt for the adventure-ready Wilderness trim. In addition to an increased tow rating, you’ll also get a slight boost in performance, with this edition offering up to 182 horsepower, compared to the standard 180 horsepower on the other trims.
If you’re looking for a slightly higher horsepower and towing capability, check out our Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester comparison; the Outback hits a max towing rating of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Explore the towing capacity of the Subaru Forester across various model years and engine options. From its early designs to the latest 2025 model, see how the Forester’s towing capabilities have changed.
| Year | Generation | Engine | DrivetrainEngine | DrivetrainMax Tow Rating |
| 1997 | First Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,000 lbs1 |
| 1998 | First Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,000 lbs1 |
| 1999 | First Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,000 lbs1 |
| 2000 | First Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,000 lbs1 |
| 2001 | First Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,000 lbs1 |
| 2002 | First Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,000 lbs1 |
| 2003 | Second Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2004 | Second Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2005 | Second Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2006 | Second Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2007 | Second Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2008 | Second Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2009 | Third Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2010 | Third Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2011 | Third Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2012 | Third Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2013 | Third Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 2,400 lbs1 |
| 2014 | Fourth Generation |
|
AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2015 | Fourth Generation |
|
AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2016 | Fourth Generation |
|
AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2017 | Fourth Generation |
|
AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2018 | Fourth Generation |
|
AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2019 | Fifth Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2020 | Fifth Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2021 | Fifth Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2022 | Fifth Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2023 | Fifth Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2024 | Fifth Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2025 | Sixth Generation | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
Throughout its first, second, and third generation iterations, the Subaru Forester boasted a robust towing capacity ranging from 2,000 to 2,400 pounds.1 While its towing capacity saw a slight decrease during the fourth and part of the fifth generations, the introduction of the new Subaru Forester Wilderness trim boosted it back up to 3,000 pounds.1
When it debuted as the 2022 model, following the Outback Wilderness trim’s release in 2021, the Subaru Forester Wilderness was built for adventure, blending impressive towing power with exceptional capability. Looking at the chart below, you’ll see it has maintained consistent towing capacities throughout the years since its launch.
| Year | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Tow Rating |
| 2022 Wilderness | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2023 Wilderness | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2024 Wilderness | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
| 2025 Wilderness | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 3,000 lbs1 |
In addition to a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds,1 the Wilderness model continues to elevate the Forester, offering increased ground clearance, enhanced roof rails, and redesigned bumpers that improve approach and departure angles. These features make it an ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts. Explore this trim and more in our 2025 Subaru Forester inventory.
The Surabua Forester towing capacity is only the beginning of all this SUV has to offer you. Whether you’re looking to lease a Subaru Forester or become its new owner, the Subaru Forester provides unmatched versatility, comfort, and performance.
While the Subaru Forester doesn’t have an official payload rating, this SUV boasts a maximum cargo volume of up to 74.4 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered on the Base trim. The Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims offer up to 69.1 cubic feet of cargo space, providing ample room for all your gear, luggage, or equipment for your next adventure.
The 2025 Subaru Forester reaches a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds1 with the Wilderness model. This provides enough towing power to haul small campers, trailers, Jet Skis, and a variety of recreational vehicles, such as ATVs and dirt bikes, making it the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Make sure to follow the weight limits outlined in the owner’s manual to avoid placing unnecessary strain on the engine.
The 2025 Subaru Forester does not have an official towing package and does not come standard with a tow hitch, but drivers can purchase additional equipment in order to haul their camper or trailer. Reach out to our team at Hughes Subaru to explore the manufacturer-recommend towing accessories, including a tow hitch receiver and wiring harness, which can be ordered from our parts department.
1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
