Is the Subaru Ascent good for towing?

The Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a solid option for towing trailers, boats, or campers within the midsize SUV segment.

Power and towing capability

Overview of the drive system, engine, and how towing capacity is achieved with the Ascent.

Engine and drivetrain

The Ascent uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. This setup delivers strong low-end torque and a smooth power curve that helps when starting with a trailer attached.

Towing equipment and capacity

When equipped with the available Trailering Package, the Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The package typically includes items such as an engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, and a hitch/wiring harness to support safe towing. Trailer Stability Assist and related driver-assist features provide additional sway control and stability during towing.

The following points summarize the core specs and equipment that determine the Ascent's towing ability:

• Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing about 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.


• Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission.


• Towing capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Trailering Package.


• Trailering Package: Includes engine and transmission cooling enhancements, hitch, and wiring harness to support towing.


• Safety tech: Trailer Stability Assist and EyeSight driver-assist features help maintain control when towing.

With those elements in place, the Ascent provides confident towing performance for common family trailers and mid-sized campers. Real-world results depend on payload, hitch setup, and driver behavior.

Practical towing considerations

Beyond the spec sheet, towing with the Ascent requires planning and prudent load management to maintain handling and braking performance on the road.

The following points summarize practical guidelines for towing with the Ascent:

• Payload and occupancy: Passenger load and cargo reduce the available capacity for trailer weight, so plan your trip accordingly.


• Tongue weight guidance: Aim for roughly 10-15% of the trailer's weight as tongue weight to keep the vehicle stable.


• Hitch and wiring: A properly rated hitch and trailer wiring harness are essential; the Trailering Package is recommended for optimal towing support.


• Braking and speed: For heavier trailers, ensure the trailer has adequate braking and allow extra stopping distance; drive more gradually when towing.


• Maintenance: Towing places extra demands on cooling, brakes, and tires—check these systems more frequently when towing.

In practical terms, the Ascent's combination of a torquey turbo engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a 5,000-pound tow rating makes it a capable choice for families who tow moderately, without stepping up to a larger or more expensive SUV.

Summary

Overall, the Subaru Ascent offers a solid towing capability for a midsize SUV: up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Trailering Package. Its balanced powertrain, all-wheel drive, and towing-specific safety features support typical family towing tasks, provided you stay within payload and hitch limits and tow responsibly.

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

Is the Subaru Ascent a good towing vehicle?

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.

How does Ascent's AWD help with towing?

The Ascent's towing prowess is further enhanced by Subaru's renowned symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system provides excellent traction and stability, ensuring that the vehicle can handle the additional weight of a trailer with ease.

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.