Being the biggest vehicle in the Subaru lineup means that the Subaru Ascent towing capacity is also the largest of the bunch. What else does that mean? Your adventures will be bigger than ever before. So bring your off-road or waterborne toys, a comfortable camper, or anything else you can dream of. Read on as we take you through all the towing capabilities you get when you lease a Subaru Ascent, as well as some handy tips for getting the most out of it.

How to Safely Make the Most Out of Your Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity

Combining that large and in-charge size with all the iconic Subaru capabilities is downright attractive. One factor that probably brought you to these capabilities in the first place is the top-notch safety a Subaru vehicle offers. Every new Subaru Ascent for sale is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and the Subaru lineup currently is a leader for these safety awards. So drive in confidence through those long road-trip miles.

We love the safety a Subaru vehicle offers, but it can become a moot point without driver awareness and preparation. That's especially true when fully using the tow rating for Subaru Ascent models. With huge capabilities comes a huge change in driving characteristics and dynamics. To make the most of your Ascent, here are some safe towing tips to consider before hitting the road.

Give Yourself More Braking Room - We hate to bring you back to math class, but what formula determines momentum? That's right: velocity times mass. You'll be dramatically increasing the momentum of your Ascent while towing. That raises the distance and effort needed by your brakes to slow you down. Leave much more room than you normally would between yourself and any vehicle ahead to avoid misjudging the necessary braking distance, especially as you descend a hill or mountain.

Let Your Engine Help Slow You Down - Building on that last tip, with additional weight comes a drop in braking performance. Perhaps you're familiar with this technique, but your engine can help slow your vehicle as well. You can do this by shifting into a lower gear for additional road resistance from the increased RPM. So practice "down-shifting" in a safe area, and give your brakes a break while you make the most out of your Subaru Ascent pulling capacity.

Practice Trailer Maneuvering - When trailering mishaps occur, they usually happen during low-speed reversing maneuvers. Think about when you first learned what direction the wheel would aim your vehicle toward while reversing, which made it instinctual. The same process goes for the first time you tow a trailer. So practice in a safe — ideally private — space so that knowing how the trailer will move as you turn the wheel (the opposite direction) becomes second nature.

Dress to Protect - Specifically, dress to protect your fingers and toes. That's because the trailering process involves several potential injury-causing danger zones. Exposed winch gears can pinch your fingers, the hitch stand can suddenly give way onto your toes, and other parts like ramps and anchor points present similar potential injuries. That's why we highly recommend wearing a thick padded pair of work gloves and strong closed-toed shoes when dealing with a trailer.

Inspect Your Ascent - Even if it's fresh from our midsize SUV deals inventory, inspecting your vehicle before any road trip is key to making things go smoothly. Five minutes can save you hours. So check your tow hitch, all vehicle fluids, belts, hoses, wiring, and windshield washer fluid reservoir before hitting the road. Even more important, give your vehicle and trailer tires a thorough once-over to ensure no damage or lodged debris has compromised them.

With your Ascent inspected and these tips in mind, it's time to learn the specific towing capacity of Subaru Ascent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can you tow with a Subaru Ascent?

You can tow a wide variety of things with a Subaru Ascent. The range is vast, with the tow rating for any new Subaru Ascent coming in at up to a hefty 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Campers for comfortable adventuring, trailers to haul gear for a serious expedition, or additional vehicles like an ATV, many kinds of boats, or even another (relatively lightweight) car securely strapped to a trailer can all be towed with your Subaru Ascent. What will you tow with yours?

Does the Subaru Ascent come with a tow package?

No, to make full use of your Subaru Ascent towing capacity, an optional extra must be selected. Most Ascent trims come with the necessary mechanical add-ons to support the 5,000 lbs towing capacity, but an optional trailer hitch must be installed to tow with it. Contact your authorized Subaru dealership's parts department to order and have this installed.

Is the Subaru Ascent a good tow vehicle?

Very much so. Models like the Subaru Outback already prove their mettle when towing a pop-up camper or boat, but the Ascent blows them away. That's because it has the highest towing capacity out of all current Subaru models, specifically up to a maximum of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.

For All Your Subaru Towing Needs, Count on Patriot Subaru in Saco, ME

The tow rating you see is to ensure safe operation. Please don't exceed it, as pushing it beyond the limit can result in mechanical failure, property damage, injuries, accidents, or worse. Whether it's the 2019, 2020, or 2021 Subaru Ascent towing capacity, follow these guidelines and you'll enjoy years of enhanced adventuring capabilities.

For any further questions about the Subaru lineup or more details on how to use your Subaru Ascent towing capacity, we're all ears and ready for your call. From finding OEM parts like a trailer hitch to installing them, we're your comprehensive one-stop shop. Whether your query is related to new car buying, servicing and repairs, or anything else, our customer service will leave you as satisfied as owning an Ascent will. So stop by today, and experience the Patriot Subaru difference.

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Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity Chart

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¹Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.