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2023 Subaru Forester towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,000lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 2,400 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
3,000 lb
80% rule
Up to 2,400 lb
Margin
600 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
II, up to 3,500 lb
Share of curb weight
66% of 3,620 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 16-21 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 2,400 lbRating: 3,000 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 2,400 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
3,000 lb
80% of the rating
2,400 lb
Hitch class at max
II, up to 3,500 lb
What it can pull at 2,400 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbSome, up to 2,400 lb
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,400 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,400 lb
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbSome, up to 2,400 lb
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 3,000 lb: Wilderness AWD, $34,320.

2023 Subaru Forester tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingCurb weightMSRP
Wilderness AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,000 lb3,620 lb$34,320
AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,454 lb$26,395
Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,528 lb$29,695
Sport CVT AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,538 lb$31,265
Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,552 lb$33,375
Touring AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,594 lb$36,795

No rating listed: 6 trims.

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

2023 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Subaru Ascent5,000 lbAWD$33,895
Subaru Outback3,500 lbWilderness AWD$38,445
Toyota RAV43,500 lbAdventure AWD$34,470
Subaru Forester (this car)3,000 lbWilderness AWD$34,320
Ford Bronco Sport2,200 lbBadlands 4WD$38,090
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$28,410
Subaru Crosstrek1,500 lbAWD$23,645

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