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2026 Subaru Forester towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,500lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 2,800 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
3,500 lb
80% rule
Up to 2,800 lb
Margin
700 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
II, up to 3,500 lb
Share of curb weight
76% of 3,675 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%: 2,800 lbRating: 3,500 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 2,800 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
3,500 lb
80% of the rating
2,800 lb
Hitch class at max
II, up to 3,500 lb
What it can pull at 2,800 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbYes
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 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 3,500 lb: Wilderness AWD, $36,995.

2026 Subaru Forester tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingCurb weightMSRP
Wilderness AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb3,675 lb$36,995
AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,510 lb$29,995
Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,569 lb$31,995
Hybrid Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,873 lb$34,730
Sport AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,611 lb$34,795
Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,613 lb$35,995
Hybrid Sport AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,913 lb$37,930
Hybrid Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,911 lb$38,995
Touring AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,664 lb$39,995
Hybrid Touring AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,946 lb$41,545

No rating listed: 2 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

2026 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Subaru Ascent5,000 lbPremium AWD$40,795
Subaru Forester (this car)3,500 lbWilderness AWD$36,995
Subaru Crosstrek3,500 lbWilderness AWD$33,795
Subaru Outback3,500 lbLimited XT AWD$44,365
Toyota RAV43,500 lbSE FWD$34,700
Ford Bronco Sport2,700 lbBadlands 4WD$37,265
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$30,920

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