Which Subaru Ascent has a tow package?
The Trailer Tow Package is available as a factory option on most Subaru Ascent trims, enabling towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
In this guide, we outline how the Tow Package works on the Ascent, which trims can be equipped with it, what components it adds, and how to verify the correct configuration for your vehicle. Towing capability depends on proper equipment, year, and drivetrain, so always confirm with your dealer and reference your VIN.
What is the Trailer Tow Package?
The Tow Package is Subaru’s official towing enhancement for the Ascent. When installed, it provides hardware and cooling enhancements that support heavier loads, up to 5,000 pounds, when used in accordance with Subaru’s towing guidelines.
Note that towing capacity depends on the complete vehicle setup and adherence to payload and tongue-weight limits. The 5,000-pound rating is achievable only with the Tow Package and proper ballast, hitch setup, and configuration for the specific model year.
What the Tow Package typically includes
Items commonly bundled with the Trailer Tow Package (availability can vary by year and trim) include:
- Class III hitch receiver (2-inch)
- Wiring harness suitable for trailer lights (often 7-pin)
- Engine oil cooler
- Automatic transmission cooler
- Enhanced cooling package and related hardware to support towing
- Tow/Haul mode and trailer stability features where available
With these components, the Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and operated within its limits.
Which Subaru Ascent trims offer the Tow Package?
The Tow Package is available as an optional upgrade on most Ascent trims; it is not universally standard. Dealers typically offer it for mid- to high-level configurations, including several of the following trims (availability can vary by year and market):
- Premium
- Limited
- Touring
- Onyx Edition XT (and other XT variants, where offered)
Before purchasing, confirm with a dealer that the Tow Package is included or addable to your chosen build, and verify the towing rating for your specific vehicle.
Important considerations for towing with the Ascent
Even with the Tow Package, towing performance depends on payload, tongue weight, trailer type, and driving conditions. Always follow Subaru’s towing guidelines, use proper hitch equipment, and consult the owner’s manual for your model year to ensure safe towing practices.
Summary: The Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package, which is available on most trims as an option. If you plan to tow heavy loads, work with your dealer to confirm availability, installation, and the exact rating for your vehicle, and adhere to all towing guidelines.
In brief, the Tow Package is not tied to a single trim but is a widely available option across many Ascent configurations, enabling the full 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.
Do all Subaru Ascents have a trailer hitch?
No, not all Subaru Ascents come with a hitch; it is an optional accessory that must be either factory-ordered or installed later by the dealership or yourself. The only exception is the 2025 Ascent Touring, which comes standard with a Class III trailer hitch.
- Standard vs. optional: The tow hitch is not a standard feature on all trims, except for the 2025 Ascent Touring. For other models, it is an added option that will be listed on the vehicle's window sticker (Monroney label) if it was installed at the factory.
- Factory vs. aftermarket: You can have the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) hitch installed by the dealership when purchasing, or you can purchase it separately and install it yourself, or have a third-party shop install it.
- Towing capacity: The ability to tow 5,000 pounds depends on the trim level and proper factory-installed equipment, which includes the hitch and proper wiring. The Base trim is limited to 2,000 pounds.
Which Subaru Ascent can tow 5000 lbs?
The Subaru Ascent Premium, Ascent Onyx Edition, Ascent Limited, and Ascent Touring trims all have the highest Subaru SUV towing capacity at 5,000 pounds.
How much does it cost to add a tow package to a Subaru Ascent?
The cost for a Subaru Ascent tow package varies significantly, ranging from about $400 to over $1,000 depending on whether you buy parts online, use a third-party installer like U-Haul, or have the dealership install the full OEM package. Parts alone can be found for around $400-$530, while professional installation can add $250 to $500 or more in labor, bringing the total to $650-$1,300.
Cost breakdown
- OEM Parts (Parts only):
- Cost: Around $400-$530, plus tax.
- Note: You can save money by installing it yourself or using a third-party installer.
- Professional Installation (Dealership):
- Cost: Often the most expensive option, with quotes ranging from $700 to over $1,700.
- Note: Some dealerships include a warranty on their work.
- Third-Party Installation (U-Haul or other shops):
- Cost: Typically falls between $500 and $800, including parts and installation.
- Note: U-Haul offers a DIY kit with a hitch receiver, ball mount, wiring, and more for around $200-$300, plus an installation fee of $150-$210.
What to consider
- What you need:
- For light-duty towing (under 1,000 pounds), a third-party hitch is a suitable and more affordable option.
- For heavier towing (up to 5,000 pounds), an OEM or a high-quality aftermarket hitch is recommended, along with a professional installation.
- Installation:
- DIY installation can save you a significant amount of money, but requires some mechanical knowledge.
- Third-party installers like U-Haul offer a more affordable professional installation option.
- Dealer adds-on:
- Be aware that dealerships may try to upsell you on extra equipment like a trailer hitch or cargo carrier, and their prices can be inflated.
Does the Subaru Ascent come with a tow package?
No, the Subaru Ascent does not come with a built-in tow package, but you can add an official Subaru Class III trailer hitch and wiring harness as an accessory to achieve its maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity. While there isn't a factory-installed "package," most higher trims have the necessary cooling and other equipment to support the maximum towing weight once the hitch is installed.
What you need for towing
- Class III trailer hitch: This is the primary accessory for towing and is available as an official Subaru part.
- Wiring harness: Included with the trailer hitch kit, this is necessary to connect to the trailer's lights.
Key towing features
- Max towing capacity: With the hitch installed, the Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds on most trims.
- Trailer Stability Assist: The vehicle comes standard with a system that can detect and correct trailer sway for added safety.
- X-MODE: This feature helps optimize engine output and braking for better performance on rough terrain while towing.
- Other safety features: The Ascent includes other safety technologies like Hill Descent Control and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which are especially helpful when towing.
