How much weight can I put in the back of a Subaru Ascent?

In general, the Subaru Ascent can carry roughly 1,400 pounds of payload (passengers plus cargo) before reaching its GVWR, with exact figures varying by year, trim, and equipment. Always check the door placard on your vehicle for the precise number.

Payload basics for the Ascent

The key figure you need is payload: the total weight the vehicle can carry beyond its curb weight, including passengers and cargo inside the cabin or rear area. Payload is calculated as the difference between the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the curb weight. Everything you load inside plus occupants must stay within this limit to maintain safe handling and braking.

To determine your exact payload, use these steps:

• Locate the GVWR for your model year on the driver’s door placard or in the owner’s manual.


• Find the curb weight (the weight of the vehicle as built, with no passengers or cargo) from the placard or manufacturer spec.


• Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR to obtain the total payload capacity.


• Subtract the weight of any occupants and cargo you already have in the vehicle to see how much headroom remains for additional cargo or gear.

In practical terms, most families can carry two to four people plus a moderate amount of luggage, with the exact remaining cargo capacity depending on how many people are aboard and how heavy the gear is.

Typical numbers by model year and trim

Payload figures stay within a relatively tight band across recent Ascent models, but exact numbers can shift with changes in equipment and options. The general expectation is around 1,100–1,500 pounds of payload across common years and trims. For a precise figure, refer to the vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight on the door placard or in the owner's manual.

• Payload generally falls in the 1,100–1,500 pound range depending on year, trim, and installed equipment.


• Roof load is separate from cabin payload: the roof has its own limit for gear mounted above the cabin.


• GVWR defines the maximum combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and roof-mounted gear; exceeding it can impair safety and performance.

Always verify with your specific model year’s numbers; the placard on the driver door and the owner’s manual are the authoritative sources.

Loading safely: best practices

To use your Ascent safely and efficiently, follow these guidelines for loading and weight distribution inside the vehicle.

• Distribute weight evenly between the left and right sides of the cargo area to maintain balanced handling.


• Keep the center of gravity low by placing heavier items on the floor rather than stacking tall, heavy gear up high.


• Limit roof loads to the recommended weight and use proper crossbars and tie-downs to secure items.


• If you’re towing or using hitch-mounted gear, consider tongue weight and ensure total weight remains within the vehicle’s limits.

With careful planning, most trips that involve passengers and cargo in the Ascent can stay within safe limits, preserving performance and braking responsiveness.

Roof load and towing reminders

Roof-mounted gear adds to the overall vehicle weight and is not included in the cabin payload calculation. The roof has its own load limit, typically around 150 pounds for dynamic use, though exact figures can vary by year and configuration. When towing, always account for tongue weight and trailer weight, ensuring both stay within Subaru’s specified limits for your model year.

Summary: The Ascent’s payload typically sits around 1,100–1,500 pounds, but the exact number depends on the model year, trim, and options. Use the GVWR minus curb weight formula, consult the door placard for your vehicle, and distribute weight safely between the interior and roof. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s limits to maintain safe handling.

How much weight can a Subaru Ascent carry?

A Subaru Ascent can carry a maximum of 5,000 pounds in a trailer on most trims, but the payload capacity (weight inside the vehicle) varies by trim, typically ranging from about 1,100 to 1,550 pounds. This internal payload includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and the downward force on the hitch from a trailer (tongue weight). 
Towing capacity

• 5,000 lbs: The maximum towing capacity for most recent model years on Premium, Onyx, Limited, and Touring trims. This is enough to tow ATVs, dirt bikes, small boats, or pop-up campers. 
• 2,000 lbs: The maximum towing capacity for the Base trim in most recent model years. 

Payload capacity

• Internal weight: This is the weight of everything inside the vehicle, including passengers, luggage, and any other gear. 
• Varies by trim: The exact number is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door frame. 
• Example: A 2025 Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has a payload capacity of 1,551 lbs, while a 2024 Touring model has a capacity of 1,158 lbs. 

Important considerations

• Payload vs. towing: Remember that the payload capacity and towing capacity are separate limits. 
• Combine limits: The total weight you are carrying inside the vehicle must not exceed the payload capacity. If you are towing, the weight of the trailer's tongue, along with the weight of passengers and cargo inside the Ascent, must be less than the vehicle's payload capacity. 
• Payload includes tongue weight: The downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch (tongue weight) counts against the vehicle's payload capacity. 

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

How much weight can I put in the back of my Subaru Ascent?

They can hold about 1000lbs evenly distributed thru the cabin. That much load in rear will exceed the tongue load, causing the rear suspension to bottom out. No, it cannot carry that much weight in one trip. The max cargo capacity is about 1100 lbs and that includes the driver.

How much weight can my car hold inside?

To calculate your car's payload, you need to subtract the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from the kerbweight. GVWR refers to the maximum weight you can safely add to your vehicle. It is unsafe to exceed this limit, as certain components such as the brakes and shock absorbers are not designed to handle such loads.