Towing capacity for a Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester towing capacity : the practical guide

The Subaru Forester belongs to the SUV family, a body style that combines a raised driving position with the structural rigidity needed for towing. Its higher ground clearance and longer wheelbase typically give a more stable behaviour with a caravan than a compact saloon. Across the 2 listed engines, figures vary depending on transmission and gearbox.

Subaru Forester towing capacity in one line

Across the 2 engines listed, built 2019, towing capacity is 1,870 kg (4,123 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 1,870 kg (4,123 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The engines listed cover full hybrid. Pick the one whose maximum braked towing weight clears your loaded trailer by a real margin, not just on paper.

What you can actually tow with this Subaru Forester

At 1,750 kg you reach the comfortable four- to six-berth caravans ready to use (furniture, water, accessories included), single-horse trailers loaded, and 5-metre open boats. This is where you move from a light caravan to a properly equipped one without having to track every kilogram.

Best fit: Regular caravanners, owners of a light horse, open-boat sailors. Typical profile: large diesel SUV (often seven-seat) or premium estate.

Watch out: At this level, you usually want a detachable swan-neck towbar and a 13-pin connector becomes useful to drive reversing lights and the caravan fridge supply.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook. Gross train weight (GTW) is the maximum laden weight of the whole outfit : not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook. Payload (GVW minus kerbweight) sits at not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook, the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own Subaru Forester

• Field F.1 / F.2 : maximum laden weight (GVW). The figure on your logbook is the only one that legally applies to your car.
• Field F.3 : gross train weight (GTW). Compare it to the published values above to spot a discrepancy.
• Field O.1 : maximum braked towing weight. Sometimes lower than the manufacturer brochure if your car was originally fitted without a towbar.
• Field O.2 : maximum unbraked towing weight. Capped at 750 kg in most cases.

What licence do you need to tow with a Subaru Forester?

If you passed the UK car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer (B+E) test was scrapped. Drivers who passed earlier usually keep grandfather rights. As a stability rule, less experienced drivers should keep the loaded caravan weight to no more than about 85 % of the car kerbweight, especially on motorways and in crosswinds. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate before hitching up.

FAQ

What is the gross vehicle weight of the Subaru Forester?
Not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook.

How much can the Subaru Forester tow?
The Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,870 kg (4,123 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a Subaru Forester?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 1,870 kg (4,123 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a Subaru Forester?
In the UK, drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM on a standard category B licence (the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer test was scrapped). Drivers who passed before then usually keep larger entitlements. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate.