Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity: A Closer Look

This guide is continuously updated for relevancy, accuracy, and the most recent info.

Summary:

• The 2024 Subaru Ascent has a 2.4L turbocharged BOXER engine, offering 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a high-torque Lineartronic CVT.
• Notably, it boasts a substantial towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, setting a new record for Subaru. All trim levels feature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for superior all-weather and off-road capabilities.
• Additionally, the Ascent incorporates Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) to enhance towing stability, using yaw sensors to monitor and mitigate trailer sway.

From 2018 to 2024, the Subaru Ascent’s towing capacity has always been 5,000 pounds since it arrived in 2018.

The Subaru Ascent Replaces the Outback for Real Towing Duties

Before Subaru’s new three-row Ascent SUV arrived in 2019, making its debut at the 2017 LA Auto Show, any real towing duties were handled by the two-row Outback with its underwhelming 3,000 lbs. pulling power at the time (it’s now 3,500 lbs.). It’s not the right hauler to pull big toys like larger boats and campers – especially from a car brand known for adventure.

The 2023 Ascent gains a refresh, and Subaru says its mid-size SUV can still tow as much as 5,004 lb (2,270 kg) in its upper-level trims, only if the trailer has its own brakes. That puts it in direct competition with most models in the three-row mid-size SUV class.

Base Ascent models are rated to tow 2,002 lbs (908 kg). All trims use a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, arranged in a horizontally opposed configuration for 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic. All-wheel drive is standard in all versions. Below, is a quick look at the Subaru SUV lineup towing figures (excluding the subcompact Crosstrek):

Ascent towing specs compared to Outback & Forester

Of course, the compact Subaru Forester is smaller, but it’s grown in size over the years and doubled its towing specs to 3,000 lbs – which may be sufficient for some weekend warriors. The Subaru Outback’s towing specs went from 2,700 lbs. in 2019 to 3,500 lbs. in 2022 – a nice increase but still fairly low for a mid-size SUV.

Subaru Ascent’s 5,000 pounds towing capacity compared to mid-size SUV competitors

In the mid-size, three-row SUV class, the Dodge Durango has best-in-class towing capacity at 8,700 lb (3,946 kg). Next is the Nissan Pathfinder, rated to haul trailers up to 6,000 lb (2,722 kg). The Subaru Ascent’s maximum trailer towing capacity is marginally better than that of Chevrolet’s Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Hyundai Palisade, Kia’s Telluride, the Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen’s Atlas mid-size SUVs can tow up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).

What factors can affect towing capacity?

When shopping for a mid-size SUV to tow a trailer, verify the weight of your trailer and then ensure the vehicle boasts sufficient capacity to handle it. In some SUV models, you have to pay extra for an optional trailer towing package to get the maximum capacity.

Most Subaru Ascent trims come standard with the maximum rating, but the base model’s capacity is well under half the maximum available. Also, verify whether the vehicle comes with a wiring harness to run the trailer’s lights and, if equipped, electric trailer brakes.

If you’re shopping for Subaru’s biggest SUV, here are our other Subaru Ascent reviews and news.