Is a Subaru Ascent good for towing?
The Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it capable for many common trailers.
In practice, towing capacity depends on the model year, drivetrain, and the towing package. It also interacts with payload (passengers and cargo), tongue weight, and trailer braking requirements. This article explains what the Ascent can haul, what equipment it requires, real-world scenarios, and important caveats to consider before hitching up.
Tow capacity and what it means
Key figures to understand before towing with the Ascent:
- Maximum towing capacity: up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped (2.4L turbo engine with the factory towing package).
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 delivering about 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- Drivetrain: standard symmetrical all-wheel drive for stable towing dynamics.
- Towing package: typically includes a heavier cooling system, engine oil cooler, and hitch/wiring harness; essential for higher-capacity trailers.
- Tongue weight: typically around 500 pounds for a 5,000-pound trailer (roughly 10% of the trailer weight).
- Trailer stability: Trailer Stability Assist helps mitigate trailer sway when towing.
- Brake controller: Not always factory-installed; check whether your model supports a factory or aftermarket brake controller if your trailer has electric brakes.
With these specifications in mind, the Ascent offers a solid, family-friendly option for many towing tasks, provided you stay within ratings and plan your payload accordingly.
Practical towing scenarios
Real-world towing uses illustrate what the Ascent can handle on a regular basis:
- Conventional travel trailers and campers up to 5,000 pounds GVWR, which covers most mid-size bumper-pull trailers used by families.
- Small to mid-size boats on trailers (roughly 2,000–4,000 pounds depending on hull and gear); suitable for many lakes and coastal trips.
- Utility and cargo trailers for gear or moves, keeping overall weight within the 5,000-pound limit.
- Note: heavier fifth-wheel trailers or very large trailers exceed the Ascent’s rating; a heavier towing rig would be necessary.
In practical terms, the Ascent is most comfortable towing day trips, family vacations, and typical trailer setups, rather than long-haul or heavy-duty towing chores.
Important considerations when towing with the Ascent
Factors that influence towing performance and safety:
- Payload vs. tow: The more passengers and cargo you carry, the less weight you can tow safely; plan around a realistic combined weight.
- Hitch and brakes: A weight-distributing hitch is recommended for larger trailers, and ensure the trailer has brakes; understand whether you need an extra brake controller installed.
- Cooling and maintenance: For frequent towing, ensure the vehicle’s cooling system and oil cooler are in good condition and that you perform regular maintenance during towing season.
- Fuel economy and performance: Towing will reduce fuel economy and can impact acceleration, especially on hills or with a full payload.
- Insurance and liability: Check with your insurer about towing-related coverage, as some providers may have different terms for heavy trailers.
Taken together, the Ascent remains a capable option for a broad range of towing tasks, but it is not a heavy-duty towing vehicle. Plan around weight, equipment, and terrain to stay within safe margins.
How it compares to rivals
Other three-row SUVs offer similar or higher tow ratings, depending on configuration, including options like the Ford Explorer (which can tow over 5,000 pounds in higher trims), the Toyota Highlander (often around 5,000 pounds), and the Honda Pilot (up to 5,000 pounds). When selecting a tow vehicle, consider not only the maximum rating but also payload, available trailering features, and overall driving dynamics.
Bottom line: if your trailers stay within a 5,000-pound envelope and you use the proper equipment, the Subaru Ascent is a practical and reliable towing choice for many families.
Summary
The Subaru Ascent is a solid all-around tow vehicle for most family needs, with a maximum rating of about 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It combines strong towing capability with standard all-wheel drive and family-oriented features. Before towing, verify your exact model year’s spec, ensure your trailer has brakes, check tongue weight, factor in payload, and use appropriate hitching equipment. If you anticipate needing to tow heavier loads regularly, you may want to compare with rivals offering higher ratings or features designed for heavy towing.
