Can a Subaru tow 5000 lbs?
Only the Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Most other Subarus have lower towing limits, typically in the 1,500–3,500-pound range depending on the model and configuration. This article explains which models can reach 5,000 pounds, what equipment is required, and practical safety considerations for towing with a Subaru.
Which Subaru models can reach 5,000 pounds?
In Subaru’s current lineup, the 5,000-pound rating is published for the Ascent when equipped with the factory Tow Package. Other Subarus do not offer a 5,000-pound tow rating. Details can vary by year and trim, so always check the exact specification for your vehicle.
The Ascent: the 5,000-pound exception
The Ascent is Subaru’s three-row SUV and is designed to haul heavier loads. With the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and the official Tow Package, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Real-world towing also depends on trailer weight distribution, braking, and proper hitch setup. Always verify your exact year’s rating and ensure you’re using a weight-distributing hitch with trailer brakes if you’re approaching the limit.
Other Subaru models
Other models—Outback, Forester, Legacy, Crosstrek, and Impreza—do not publish a 5,000-pound rating. Their towing capacities are typically well below that figure and vary by engine, drivetrain, and equipment. Always consult the owner's manual and the window sticker for the precise rating for your exact configuration.
What you need to tow 5,000 pounds
To tow 5,000 pounds safely, there are specific equipment and configuration requirements. The following items are necessary to approach that limit when using the Ascent and to understand why other Subarus can't tow that much.
- Factory Tow Package installed on the vehicle
- A hitch rated for at least 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight (and appropriate tongue weight)
- Weight-distributing hitch to manage load transfer and maintain stability
- Trailer brakes on the trailer (and a brake controller if required by local law)
- Proper trailer wiring harness for lighting and signaling
Note: Always verify with Subaru for the exact package requirements and ensure your trainer/trailer combination meets the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and other limits for your year and trim.
With these components installed and used correctly, the Ascent can achieve a 5,000-pound tow capacity. If these requirements are not met, do not attempt to tow at that limit with any Subaru model other than the Ascent.
Safety and practical considerations
Even when towing within published limits, safe towing requires careful planning and adherence to guidelines.
- Always confirm the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) for your exact year and trim; do not exceed it.
- Use a properly rated hitch and, if applicable, a weight-distributing hitch with trailer brakes.
- Ensure the trailer has its own braking system and that wiring and lights are functioning correctly.
- Check tire ratings and maintain correct tire pressures for both the vehicle and trailer.
- Plan for longer braking distances, especially on declines or in wet conditions; drive conservatively on hills and with crosswinds.
Bottom line: The capability to tow 5,000 pounds with a Subaru exists, but it is limited to the Ascent with the Tow Package and the proper hitch and braking setup. For any other Subaru model, towing at that weight is not supported by Subaru’s published ratings.
Summary
In short, a Subaru can tow 5,000 pounds, but only the Ascent with the factory Tow Package is officially capable of that rating. Other Subarus have lower, model-dependent towing limits. If you anticipate regular heavy towing, the Ascent is the appropriate option, and you must equip it with the proper hitch, trailer brakes, and load-distribution gear. Always consult the owner’s manual and your dealer to confirm the exact ratings for your year and trim.
