Can Ascent really tow 5000 lbs?

Yes—the Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, typically with the factory towing package and a trailer brake controller; real-world towing depends on load, conditions, and adherence to rating guidelines.

Tow rating and required equipment

The official towing limit for many Ascent models is 5,000 pounds when you have the right hardware and follow recommended practices. The rating reflects what the vehicle can safely pull when combined with proper components and compliant trailer setup.

• Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds with the factory towing package.


• Hitch and wiring: A 2-inch hitch receiver and a trailer wiring harness are included or available with the towing package.


• Brakes: A trailer brake controller is often required for heavy loads; many states require trailer brakes above certain weights.


• Cooling: Engine and transmission cooling upgrades (as part of the towing package) help manage heat on long or steep pulls.


• Payload considerations: Cargo, passengers, and tongue weight must fit within the SUV’s payload to maintain safe handling.

To reach the 5,000-pound rating, you must equip the vehicle properly and tow within the trailer’s gross weight and tongue weight limits, taking payload into account and planning for route and weather conditions.

What “properly equipped” means

These are the typical items that enable the 5,000-pound rating and help ensure safe towing in everyday conditions.

• Subaru factory towing package: frame-mounted hitch, wiring harness, and often cooling upgrades.


• Trailer brake controller: provides proportional braking for the trailer and may be factory-installed or aftermarket.


• Two-inch hitch receiver: Class III hitch compatible with a variety of trailers.


• Electrical harness: ensures reliable operation of trailer lights and brakes.


• Upgraded cooling: engine and transmission coolers designed to support sustained towing.

Without these items, the Ascent’s towing capability is typically reduced and may be unsafe or non-compliant with local laws.

Note on model-year variations

Most model years of the Subaru Ascent that offer the turbocharged engine with the towing package share the 5,000-pound rating, but always verify the exact rating and required equipment on your vehicle’s window sticker or with a dealer for the specific model year.

Practical towing scenarios

These scenarios illustrate typical uses and what to expect when towing near the 5,000-pound limit with an Ascent.

• Small travel trailers around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds gross trailer weight, depending on payload and tongue weight.


• Boat trailers with moderate-weight boats, provided the total weight stays within the limit and brakes are properly installed.


• Light equipment or cargo trailers used for trips, where careful weight distribution and braking are essential.

Always respect the rating and never tow more than the rated capacity. Consider road grade, headwinds, tire condition, and driving style when approaching the limit.

Safety, maintenance, and best practices

Following these tips helps ensure safer towing and reduces wear on the vehicle.

• Perform pre-trip inspections of tires, hitch, and lights.


• Maintain proper tongue weight, typically around 10-15% of the trailer’s gross weight.


• Use a weight-distributing hitch when appropriate and ensure the braking system is functional.


• Monitor engine and transmission temperatures on long or steep climbs; take breaks to cool if needed.


• Plan for longer stopping distances and practice careful steering and braking in crosswinds or uneven terrain.

With proper procedure and equipment, the Ascent can handle up to 5,000 pounds of trailer weight while maintaining safety margins.

Alternatives if you need more capacity

If you regularly tow heavier loads or want more headroom, you might consider vehicles with higher towing specifications or different configurations, such as larger SUVs or light trucks designed for higher sustained towing.

• Mid-size SUVs with higher max tow ratings (often 6,500–8,000 pounds or more).


• Pickup trucks that provide greater towing capacity and stability on long hauls.


• Specialty trailers or configurations that optimize weight distribution and braking efficiency.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your typical towing tasks, the trailer you own, and your willingness to use proper equipment and safe towing practices.

Summary

The Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the factory towing package and a trailer brake controller, but you must stay within the rated limits, use the correct hitch and braking, and account for payload and trailer weight. Always verify the exact specifications for your model year and plan accordingly for safe and reliable towing.

What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?

Common Subaru Ascent cons include poor fuel economy, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that can feel disconnected and noisy, and brake issues like premature wear and juddering. Other drawbacks cited by owners are limited interior cabin width, inconsistent technology and infotainment, and engine noise, particularly under acceleration. Some owners also report issues with electrical systems, and despite a decent engine, some feel it is underpowered for the vehicle's size, particularly with its CVT. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems and weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Performance and powertrain

• Poor fuel economy: Some owners report fuel economy that is worse than advertised. 
• Underpowered engine: The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is often considered underpowered for the Ascent's heavy weight. 
• Noisy CVT: The CVT can cause a "droning" noise and a disconnected feeling, while competitors use more traditional automatic transmissions. 
• Inconsistent throttle: Some drivers find the throttle too touchy at low speeds or sluggish at higher speeds. 

Brakes

• Premature wear: Owners report premature wearing of brake pads and rotors.
• Vibration and noise: Complaints include pulsating or vibrating brakes and squeaking noises. 

Interior and technology

• Limited interior width: Despite being a large SUV, the cabin is narrower than many competitors, reducing usable space for passengers. 
• Frustrating technology: Some owners find the technology and infotainment systems frustrating to use. 
• Driver assist system issues: In some conditions, such as heavy rain, the EyeSight driver assist system can shut down. 

Other issues

• Engine and transmission problems: In addition to the CVT, other engine and transmission-related issues have been reported by owners. 
• Electrical system issues: Reports include problems with interior lights and other electrical components. 
• Repairs: Some owners report that repairs for certain issues, like replacing a windshield, can be expensive and trigger other cascading problems. 

This video discusses several issues with the Subaru Ascent, including the CVT, brake problems, and electrical system: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 4, 2025

Can the Ascent really tow 5000 lbs?

2022–2019 Ascent: Up to 5,000 lbs (Base: 2,000 lbs)
From the Ascent's debut in 2019 through 2022, the same rule applies: Premium, Limited, and Touring models (and later, Onyx) are engineered and rated for 5,000 pounds when properly equipped; the Base trim is capped at 2,000 pounds.

Is there a Subaru that can tow 5000 lbs?

The Subaru Ascent is the only Subaru model that can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and this applies to most trim levels, though the specific model year can matter for the base trim. All trims of the 2025 Ascent can tow 5,000 pounds, but for earlier model years (like 2021), the base trim's capacity was 2,000 pounds while other trims could tow 5,000 pounds.
 
Subaru models with a 5,000 lb towing capacity 

• Subaru Ascent: This is the largest Subaru and the only one to offer a 5,000-pound towing capacity on most of its trims.
  • 2025 Model: All trims of the 2025 Ascent have a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.
  • Previous Models (e.g., 2024, 2021): All trims except the base model offer a 5,000-pound capacity, while the base model is typically rated for 2,000 pounds. 

Key features that enable towing

• Engine: The Ascent is powered by a turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. 
• Drivetrain: Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced stability and control for towing. 
• Trailer Hitch: An available Class III trailer hitch is needed to achieve the maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity. 

Is the Subaru Ascent good for towing?

2025 Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity & Cargo Volume
With a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, it stands as the most capable Subaru vehicle to date, allowing you to confidently haul trailers, boats, or recreational equipment.