2020 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity & Payload Guide

The 2020 Subaru Forester can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. While it is a highly capable and versatile compact crossover, the Forester is designed primarily for passenger comfort and light-duty utility rather than heavy hauling. If you are planning to hitch up a small utility trailer, a teardrop camper, or a heavy-duty bike rack, understanding the exact limits of your Forester is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing mechanical damage.

Quick answer

Here are the primary towing and weight specifications for the 2020 Subaru Forester:

• Max Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs (across all trims)
• Max Payload Capacity: 1,066 to 1,115 lbs (depending on trim and equipment)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Up to 4,891 lbs
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Approximately 6,391 lbs (varies by exact curb weight)
• Curb Weight: 3,449 to 3,589 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class I (1.25-inch receiver)
• Max Tongue Weight: 150 lbs (10% of maximum tow rating)

Note: Always verify your specific vehicle's exact payload and GVWR by checking the tire and loading information sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. Ratings align with SAE J2807 standards where applicable for passenger vehicles.

Tow ratings by engine & trim

For the 2020 model year, Subaru streamlined the Forester lineup. Every trim level is equipped with the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Because the powertrain remains identical across the board, the towing capacity does not fluctuate. However, payload capacity varies slightly based on the weight of trim-specific features (like panoramic sunroofs or premium audio systems).

Tow package contents

Unlike heavy-duty trucks, the 2020 Subaru Forester does not offer a massive factory "tow package" with heavy-duty cooling upgrades. Instead, Subaru offers a dealer-installed trailer hitch accessory.

When you have the official Subaru towing equipment installed, it typically includes:

• Class I Hitch Receiver: A 1.25-inch hitch receiver bolted to the frame.
• 4-Pin Wiring Harness: Provides basic lighting hookups for brake lights and turn signals on a light trailer.
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA): While not an add-on, this is integrated into the Forester's standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to sense and mitigate trailer sway by applying brakes to individual wheels.

Note: There is no factory integrated trailer brake controller, 7-pin wiring harness, or heavy-duty transmission cooler available from the factory for the 2020 Forester, as the vehicle is strictly rated for light-duty, unbraked trailers (or trailers with surge brakes).

5th-wheel & gooseneck

Because the 2020 Subaru Forester is a unibody compact crossover SUV, it cannot accommodate a 5th-wheel or gooseneck hitch. These towing methods are strictly reserved for half-ton and heavy-duty pickup trucks.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

Weight Distribution Hitches (WDH) are generally not recommended or required for the 2020 Subaru Forester. A WDH puts localized stress on the chassis, which unibody crossovers are not designed to handle. Furthermore, WDH systems are typically designed for Class III or Class IV 2-inch receivers, while the Forester utilizes a Class I 1.25-inch receiver. Stick to standard ball mounts and ensure your trailer is loaded correctly to maintain the 150-pound maximum tongue weight.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

Towing at the absolute limit of a crossover requires a bit of finesse. Here are some real-world tips for towing with your 2020 Forester:

• Watch the Tongue Weight: With a strict 150-pound limit, you must balance your trailer carefully. Too much weight up front will cause the Forester’s soft rear suspension to sag heavily, lifting the front wheels and severely reducing steering control and braking efficiency.
• Factor in Passenger Weight: Your 1,500-pound tow rating assumes an empty vehicle. The tongue weight of the trailer (up to 150 lbs) eats directly into your Forester's payload capacity. If you have four adults and cargo in the SUV, you may exceed the GVWR long before you hit the 1,500-pound trailer limit.
• Utilize X-Mode: If you are pulling a jet ski up a slippery boat ramp or navigating a loose gravel campground, Subaru’s X-Mode (standard on Premium and higher trims) adjusts the CVT and traction control to give you maximum low-speed grip.
• Braking Distance: Without electronic trailer brakes, your Forester's brakes are doing all the work to stop both the SUV and the trailer. Leave double the following distance you normally would.

Common towing-related issues

When pushing a compact crossover to its towing limits, you may encounter a few common stress points:

• CVT Strain: The Lineartronic CVT is great for fuel economy but can overheat if you are pulling a maximum-weight trailer up steep, sustained mountain grades on hot days. If the transmission fluid overheats, the vehicle may enter a "limp mode" to protect the powertrain.
• Rear Suspension Sag: The Forester is tuned for a plush ride. Placing 150 pounds on the hitch receiver, plus cargo in the trunk, will cause noticeable rear-end sag.
• Increased Brake Wear: Frequent towing in hilly areas will accelerate the wear on your brake pads and rotors.

If your vehicle needs a pre-trip inspection, brake service, or fluid check before you hitch up your trailer, don't leave it to chance. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.