Subaru Forester Sport Towing Capacity
The Subaru Forester Sport has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Subaru Forester Sport is a crossover SUV not known for its towing prowess, with a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and payload capacity of 1,051 pounds.
If you’re looking for a safe ride, the Subaru Forester Sport is a great option. However, if you’re looking to tow your new RV, you’ll need to choose a different vehicle. With the Forester Sport’s modest towing capacity, you’re limited to pulling smaller items like a canoe or kayak with this vehicle.
We're here with a handy guide to everything you need to know about the Subaru Forester Sport and its towing capacity.
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How much can a Subaru Forester Sport tow?
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
Payload capacity: 1,051 pounds
Engine: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder
The Subaru Forester Sport is known primarily for its top-notch safety. Not only is it an IIHS Top Safety Pick, but
Subaru
has now earned more safety awards than most other manufacturers. Aside from safety, the Forester Sport also boasts a smooth ride, lots of cargo space, and a comfortable two-row layout. With a towing capacity of only 1,500 pounds, you won’t be able to tow any large boats or campers with your Forester. You can, however, upgrade to the 2022 Forester Wilderness, which has 3,000 pounds of towing power.
Trailer hitches for the Subaru Forester Sport
If you’re looking to buy an aftermarket
Subaru trailer hitch
, the CURT 12100 Class 2 Trailer Hitch works well for smaller SUVs like the Subaru Forester Sport. It tows up to 3,500 pounds, superseding the capacity of the Sport. Since you're looking to tow, you’ll be happy to know the Subaru Forester line comes with a Trailer Stability Assist feature as of 2019. It uses a sensor to monitor the sway of your trailer and then brakes individual wheels to help stabilize both the vehicle and the trailer.
How to calculate the towing capacity you need
What exactly can you tow behind a Subaru Forester Sport? When calculating what you can tow, it’s important to remember that your towing capacity should always be greater than the most significant load you intend to pull.
Naturally, the exact weights of loads will vary, but here is what you can expect to tow with a Subaru Forester Sport:
- Canoe or kayak trailer
- Small utility trailer
- Single-axle trailer
- Motorcycle or Jet Ski
Because every load is different, you’ll need to check the weight of your trailer once it is fully loaded. And don’t forget to add the weight of your passengers and cargo, as well. All of this must total less than 1,500 pounds to drive safely.
How to increase towing capacity
You cannot substantially increase your towing capacity with
vehicle modifications
. But if you are pressing the limits of your Subaru Forester Sport’s towing capacity, here are a few tips to improve the performance of your vehicle:- Get a weight-distribution hitch to cut back on sway
- Add a larger radiator to increase the engine’s cooling capacity
- Upgrade your brake pads and rotors to support heavier loads
- Use stronger axles like RV axles
Not all upgrades will improve your towing capacity—some can be detrimental. For example, upgrading to larger aftermarket rims could end up putting increased pressure on your engine and ultimately reduce your Sport’s towing capacity.
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How to find affordable car insurance
No matter what you’re towing behind your Subaru Forester Sport, you’ll want to protect your SUV with the right insurance coverage.
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Is the Subaru Forester Sport good for towing?
The Subaru Forester is great for towing lighter loads. With a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, you can easily haul your kayaks or canoes. If you want to tow something larger, consider investing in an Outback or Ascent.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
The Subaru Forester scores an 83/100 for reliability. This rating is considered “great.” The reliability rating tells us how well the Forester holds up and the chances that you will face problems or repairs.
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