Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity Guide For Trims And Model Years
You know it as a practical SUV with room for your whole family, yet the Subaru Ascent towing capacity (a maximum of 5,000 pounds)1 proves this three-row model also has plenty of capability up its sleeve. In addition to being the largest Subaru SUV ever, the Ascent also delivers the most substantial towing performance in the brand's history. Whether you're hauling the family pop-up camper or towing your fishing boat to the lake, the 2026 Subaru Ascent has you covered.
We've put together this overview of the 2026 Subaru Ascent towing capacity and features to help you discover what's possible with this family-focused SUV. Explore the SUV's various specs and equipment alongside the team here at Wallace Subaru of Bristol.
How Much Can the Subaru Ascent Tow?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent delivers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.1 Explore the towing capability by trim level below:
- Subaru Ascent Premium (8-Passenger & 7-Passenger): 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity1
- Subaru Ascent Limited (8-Passenger & 7-Passenger): 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity1
- Subaru Ascent Limited Bronze Edition 7-Passenger: 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity1
- Subaru Ascent Touring 7-Passenger: 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity1
- Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger: 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity1
As you can see, all Subaru Ascent trims offer up to 5,000 pounds of towing strength for the 2026 model year.1 This capability also holds true whether you opt for a seven- or eight-passenger configuration. A variety of features and factors allow the sport-ute to provide its robust towing performance, so let's take a look at some of them below.
Engine Performance
The respectable Subaru Ascent towing capacity starts with the engine. All models come standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine. The powertrain's 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque don't just provide confidence for everyday cruising – they also help you unlock the Ascent SUV's towing potential.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Another feature that bolsters the towing capacity of a Subaru Ascent is standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Many three-row midsize SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive. In some cases, this can limit their towing capabilities, and the driver has to pay more for an available all-wheel-drive system. As with all Subaru SUVs, all-wheel drive has been, is, and likely will be in the future a standard, no-options-necessary feature.
This is especially true of the 2026 Ascent, which offers standard all-wheel drive on every trim, even when its competitors don't. The SUV's Symmetrical AWD system delivers power to each of the four wheels, varying torque delivery throughout your drive to maximize traction as conditions change. It's a helpful feature when you have a camper or boat trailing behind your SUV.
Subaru Ascent Tow Hitch Receiver
The main Subaru towing package for the 2026 Ascent is an individual option rather than an all-encompassing package. Simply put, all you'll need to add to your already rugged sport-ute to utilize its maximum towing capacity is a Class III trailer hitch, which is an official Subaru accessory that we can help you order and install. Alternatively, if you custom-build your 2026 Ascent, you can opt to include the trailer hitch as a factory-installed add-on. Contact our team to learn more about the Subaru towing hitch.
Trailer Stability Assist
The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Trailer Stability Assist. This system monitors attached trailers for oscillations and abnormal movement. If necessary, it can take measures to slow individual wheels and regain stability. It's a crucial safety system that makes trailering with your Subaru Ascent even easier.
Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity by Model Year
| Base Towing Capacity | |
|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs (all trims)1 |
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs (all trims)1 |
| 2024 Subaru Ascent |
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| 2023 Subaru Ascent |
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| 2022 Subaru Ascent |
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| 2021 Subaru Ascent |
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| 2020 Subaru Ascent |
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| 2019 Subaru Ascent |
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What Can the 2026 Subaru Ascent Tow?
While the Subaru Ascent may not be designed to tow pickup-truck-level loads, it's capable of handling a seriously competitive array of duties for its crossover SUV class. Let's take a look at a few examples of items that you can haul with the Subaru Ascent tow capacity.
Can a Subaru Ascent Tow a Camper?
The new Subaru Ascent can easily tow smaller campers with its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.1 While you won't find this SUV hauling fifth-wheel models, the new Ascent can still handle campers large enough to sleep the whole family. Whether it's a simple pop-up or a family-sized teardrop, you can count on the Subaru Ascent to get your camper to the campsite successfully. However, it's essential to check the total weight of your loaded camper and in-vehicle payload ahead of time.
Can a Subaru Ascent Tow a Trailer?
If you need to tow a utility trailer that weighs less than 5,000 pounds,1 the Subaru Ascent can usually handle it with ease. Whether you're packing a small moving trailer or loading your motorcycles or ATVs for transportation, you can trust the Subaru Ascent to take on the job without drama. Make sure to check the combined weight of the travel and any belongings you load onto it.
Can a Subaru Ascent Tow a Boat?
The Subaru Ascent can tow smaller boats, along with a trailer, that fall within its combined maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity.1 The SUV can handle many fishing boats and leisure craft. However, it may not be suited for larger vessels. The Subaru Ascent, with its maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,1 is equipped to tow a pair of Jet Skis without issue, though.
2026 Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity vs. the Competition
Midsize SUV towing capacity ratings tend to sit within a similar range, though there are still important differences among them. Here's how the 2026 Subaru Ascent towing capacity stacks up against a few of its key three-row SUV competitors.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot
When it comes to the Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot, both SUVs offer maximum towing capacities of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, the Pilot only achieves that peak towing performance when equipped with its available all-wheel-drive system. Models with the base front-wheel-drive setup are limited to a 3,500-pound towing maximum.2 Meanwhile, the Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, so you can tow up to 5,000 pounds1 with all trims and configurations, provided you have a Class III trailer hitch installed.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander
Like the Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with its standard engine.3 However, choosing the available hybrid powertrain drops the SUV's towing limit to 3,500 pounds,3 which falls short of all 2026 Subaru Ascent trims.1
Subaru Ascent vs. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Subaru Ascent towing capacity has a distinct advantage over that of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. While the Subaru Ascent offers a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity on every trim,1 the Santa Fe only offers an inferior maximum 4,500-pound towing capacity on the mid-tier XRT trim4 – all other models in its lineup are capped at 3,500 pounds.4 On top of that, you have to ensure that a Santa Fe is equipped with trailer brakes to reach that towing potential, as it can only tow up to 1,650 pounds4 without them.
Explore Our New Subaru Ascent Inventory
You'll find the 2026 Subaru Ascent among our available new inventory at Wallace Subaru of Bristol. We're proud to offer a fantastic selection of these capable yet comfortable SUVs, and we can't wait to help you find one to call your own.
Come talk to our finance department today to learn about our latest Subaru Ascent specials. Our finance and lease offers can help you get into a new 2026 Ascent in no time. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Ascent Towing
Which towing equipment do I need to reach the maximum tow rating for the Subaru Ascent?
To reach the maximum tow rating for the 2026 Subaru Ascent, you'll need the optional Class III trailer hitch. We can help you order this official Subaru accessory and install it on your current Ascent, or point you in the direction of one in our inventory. Alternatively, if you plan to custom-build your Ascent, you can opt for the trailer hitch as a factory-installed add-on.
How does payload affect the ability of the Subaru Ascent to tow its maximum rating?
The Subaru Ascent payload capacity can affect its maximum towing capacity because the payload includes the passengers, cargo inside the car, and the trailer's tongue weight, which can reduce the Subaru Ascent towing ability. It is best to manage the vehicle's payload weight when towing near the 5,000-pound limit by factoring in the estimated payload. Additionally, it is recommended to use a brake controller when towing heavy loads.
Are there recommended towing practices to follow when towing with a Subaru Ascent?
Yes. When towing with a Subaru Ascent, as with any model, we recommend managing the vehicle's overall weight and ensuring you have the proper setup, including a compatible hitch, brake controller, and a properly leveled trailer. While towing, drive cautiously and allow for longer stopping distances. You'll also want to check the connections and tire pressure regularly. Contact our team for more helpful towing tips.
Discover More Subaru Models
1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
2Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
3Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. (Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.) Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
4Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner’s Manual for proper use and additional information.
