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2021 Subaru Forester towing capacity

Max tow rating

1,500lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 1,200 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
1,500 lb
80% rule
Up to 1,200 lb
Margin
300 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
I, up to 2,000 lb
Share of curb weight
35% of 3,453 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 17-23 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 1,200 lbRating: 1,500 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 1,200 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating
1,500 lb
80% of the rating
1,200 lb
Hitch class at max
I, up to 2,000 lb
What it can pull at 1,200 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbSome, up to 1,200 lb
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 1,200 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbNo
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbNo
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbNo
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 1,500 lb: AWD, $24,795.

2021 Subaru Forester tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingCurb weightMSRP
AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,453 lb$24,795
Crossover AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,537 lb$24,795
2.5i Wagon AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,537 lb$24,795
Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,525 lb$27,795
Premium Crossover AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,537 lb$27,795
Sport CVT AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,537 lb$29,395
Sport Crossover AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,537 lb$29,395
Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,541 lb$31,395
Limited Crossover AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,537 lb$31,395
Touring AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,589 lb$34,895
Touring Crossover AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,537 lb$34,895

Max rating by year

01,0002,0003,0004,0002009201220152018202120242026
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2014: 2,400 lb to 1,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2022: 1,500 lb to 3,000 lb.
  • Changed in 2026: 3,000 lb to 3,500 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Subaru Ascent5,000 lbPremium AWD$34,795
Subaru Outback3,500 lbOnyx Edition XT AWD$35,145
Toyota RAV43,500 lbAdventure AWD$33,455
Ford Bronco Sport2,000 lb4WD$27,215
Subaru Forester (this car)1,500 lbAWD$24,795
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$25,350
Subaru Crosstrek1,500 lbAWD$22,245

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked