2026 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity & Specs From McLaughlin Subaru

The 2026 Subaru Forester balances everyday versatility with confident utility, making it a practical choice if you need an SUV with light towing capability. This guide from McLaughlin Subaru breaks down the 2026 Subaru Forester towing capacity and engine specifications to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs. Discover more of its features with our detailed Subaru Forester review.

The Subaru Forester is available in our new inventory. Explore our selection of models, or shop from one of our Forester finance and lease offers. Then, schedule a test drive at our Subaru dealership in Moline, IL, to experience the Forester in person. Connect with our associates online or by calling us at (309) 797-5654 if you have any questions.

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2026 Subaru Forester Exterior With Awning Accessory

What Is the Subaru Forester Max Towing Capacity?

The 2026 Subaru Forester offers dependable towing capability for everyday needs. Most Forester trims are rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Forester Wilderness increases the maximum towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Whether your needs lean toward occasional light trailering or a more rugged configuration for heavier or frequent loads, the Forester provides the flexibility needed to support your active lifestyle.

Once you have a sense of the towing capacity that fits your needs, our Subaru Forester trim-level comparison guide makes it easy to see standard features of the non-Wilderness and Wilderness trims side by side and choose the configuration that fits with how you plan to use your Forester.

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2026 Subaru Forester What Can I Tow?

With its standard 1,500-pound towing capacity, the 2026 Forester can handle small utility trailers and lightweight boats, jet skis, and recreational vehicles. The Forester Wilderness expands those possibilities to larger trailers, small travel campers, and heavier outdoor gear.

2026 Subaru Forester Engine Details & Specs Available

Every 2026 Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine paired with a Lineartronic® continually variable transmission (CVT) and symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). This setup produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, delivering consistent power across varying road conditions and while towing. Its balanced design supports confident trailering while still achieving up to 26 city and 33 highway MPG.

See the 2026 Forester engine and towing specs in the following table:

  • Engine: 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 180 HP
  • Torque: 178 lb.-ft.
  • Drivetrain: Symmetrical AWD
  • Transmission: Lineartronic CVT
  • MPG: Up to 26 city / 33 hwy
  • Towing Capacity (Non-Wilderness Trims): 1,500 lbs.
  • Towing Capacity (Forester Wilderness): 3,500 lbs.

2026 Subaru Forester Towing Features Available

The towing capability of the 2026 Subaru Forester depends on proper equipment and configuration. An optional 2-inch trailer hitch enables towing up to 3,500 pounds with a 350-pound tongue weight on the Forester Wilderness. The hitch also supports 1,500-pound towing and 150-pound tongue weight ratings on other Forester trims. Standard features like symmetrical AWD, the low-shift mode of the Lineartronic CVT, and trailer stability assist contribute to composed handling when pulling a trailer.

2025 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity, Features, & Specs in Moline, IL

The 2025 Subaru Forester is an excellent option for drivers seeking a well-rounded SUV with a roomy cargo capacity, impressive fuel efficiency, and advanced driver assistance technologies. If you’re planning to tow with your Forester, it can handle light loads. Turn to this 2025 Subaru Forester towing guide created by the McLaughlin Subaru team to get an idea of how much this SUV can tow and what its other cargo solutions include. 

For more general information about the 2025 Subaru Forester, be sure to also check out our review, which encompasses exterior colors, interior features, available infotainment technologies, and more. 

If the Subaru Forester is of interest to you, take a look at our new inventory in Moline, IL, and pair your ideal model with a current offer. Have questions for our team? Give us a call at (309) 797-5654 or message us online. We’re delighted to serve all community members, whether you hail from our side of the state border or the Bettendorf and Davenport, IA, side. 

What is the Subaru Forester Max Towing Capacity?

The 2025 Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds. In addition to its light-duty towing capabilities, the Forester offers other cargo solutions for your camping essentials or boating gear. When you lower the 60/40 split flat-folding rear seats fully, the cargo hold expands to haul up to 69.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the front seats. This process is made even easier with the available one-touch folding rear seatback feature. Plus, select Forester trims offer a foot-activated hands-free power rear gate for efficient access.

What Can I Tow?

Light items can be towed easily with 1,500 pounds. With the 2025 Subaru Forester, you can tow things like a teardrop camper, a couple of ATVs, or a small trailer. 

Detailed Engine Specs 

Energetic power is beneath the hood of the 2025 Subaru Forester. Built with a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), this SUV is ready to handle your daily commutes and weekend getaways. You’ll find a standard Lineartronic® continually variable transmission (CVT) with low shift mode, or an upgraded Lineartronic CVT with available eight-speed manual mode on the Sport trim and higher trim levels. Subaru Forester engine specs are shown in the accompanying table for your reference. 

Engine

2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder

Horsepower

180 HP

Torque

178 lb.-ft.

MPG (City/Hwy)

26 / 33

Towing Capacity

1,500 lbs.

Drivetrain

Symmetrical AWD

Transmission

Lineartronic CVT

Towing Packages & Features Available

There are a number of features available with the 2025 Subaru Forester that can be used to assist you in your towing tasks. The most notable is the trailer stability assist, which monitors the trailer and automatically applies the brakes to select wheels so you can maintain control of your vehicle and trailer. Heading downhill? No problem — hill descent control is standard and is engineered to make the trip smoother. Other features that can be used when you’re towing include: 

  • Vehicle dynamics control
  • Traction control system
  • Trailer stability assist
  • 360-degree surround view monitor
  • X-MODE®
  • Hill descent control

Visit McLaughlin Subaru Today for Your Forester Test Drive

Browse our inventory of new Subaru Forester models to locate a trim with the towing capacity that fits your lifestyle. Visit McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL, to take a test drive with your desired Subaru Forester. Have questions? Our team is available to answer any questions when you contact us online or give us a call at (309) 797-5654.

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