Clearing Up The New Subaru Forester And Wilderness Tow Ratings

Subaru Corporation increased the tow rating for the 2022 Forester compact SUV to 3,000 lbs but is it for all trim levels, and which trims come with the higher rating? Customers are asking the question because many websites and videos have said all 2022 Forester models now come with 3,0000 lbs towing capacity compared with 1,500 for the 2021 models.

One of our readers, Charles, wrote, "I keep reading articles and watching videos that say all 2022 Forester models have a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs, but Subaru's website shows that only the Wilderness edition is 3,000 lbs while all the others are only 1,500 lbs. Who is right?"

The 2022 Forester press release says the new Forester has 3,000 lbs, but it isn't clear if it includes all trim levels. Is the Forester Wilderness the only trim level with 3,000 lb towing capacity? We asked the same question because Subaru's website shows only the Forester Wilderness trim has a 3,000 lb towing capacity.

The press release says, "All Forester models are powered by a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine teamed with a Lineartronic CVT and Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive. The direct-injection engine produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Forester is a highly efficient SUV, delivering up to 33 mpg EPA-estimated highway fuel economy. The compact SUV also offers up to 3,000-lb. towing capacity and features standard Trailer Stability Assist."

The press release sounds like all Forester trim levels come with 3,000-lb. towing capacity. We reached out to a Subaru of America spokesman, and he told us, "The 2022 Forester Wilderness has 3,000 lb. towing capacity. All other trim levels have a 1,500 lb. tow rating."

Further down in the 2022 Forester Wilderness details in the press release, where you would expect a clarification, it does not say Wilderness is the only trim with the higher 3,000 lb. tow rating.

On Subaru of America's website, it's not until you check and compare specifications between the Forester trim levels, does it mention the 2022 Forester Wilderness is the only trim to get a maximum 3,000 lb tow rating.

How does the Forester Wilderness compare with the competition?

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a maximum towing rating of 3,500 lbs. The 2022 Honda CR-V has a maximum towing rating of 1,500 lbs, and the 2022 Nissan Rogue has a maximum tow rating of 1,350 lbs.

Subaru Corporation increased the tow rating for the 2022 Forester compact SUV to 3,000 lbs, but only for the outdoor-themed Forester Wilderness trim level.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA