Subaru Forester 2019-2025 Owners Manual / Driving tips / Trailer towing

Subaru Forester: Driving tips / Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed and intended to be used primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an adverse effect on fuel economy.

If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satisfaction depend upon proper use of correct equipment and cautious operation of your vehicle.

Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchasing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your vehicle. Do not use towing equipment other than genuine SUBARU towing equipment. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions for proper installation and use provided by the trailer or caravan’s manufacturer.

SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that result from trailer towing equipment, or from any errors or omissions in the instructions accompanying such equipment or for your failure to follow the proper instructions. Regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tightened securely.

Connecting a trailer

Warranties and maintenance

SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load...

Other information:

Subaru Forester 2019-2025 Owners Manual: BSD/RCTA warning light (if equipped)

This warning indicator appears when the BSD/RCTA is malfunctioning. In this case the BSD/RCTA warning light will be shown on the combination meter display (color LCD). When this indicator appears, have your vehicle inspected by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible...

Subaru Forester 2019-2025 Owners Manual: Operational conditions

The engine can be automatically stopped by the Auto Start Stop system when all of the following conditions are met. The engine is sufficiently warmed up. The engine hood is closed. The driver’s door is closed. The driver’s seatbelt is fastened...