Subaru Ascent Towing Guide: The 3-Row Adventure Machine

Know Your Trim: The "Base Model" Trap

Before you fall in love with a floorplan, you must confirm which Ascent trim you own. For model years 2019 through 2022, there is a massive difference in capability.

• The 5,000 lb Club (Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx): For most Ascent owners (2019-2024), if you have the Premium, Limited, Touring, or Onyx Edition, you are equipped with the high-capacity transmission cooler and factory hitch prep. This gives you a 5,000 lb towing capacity and a 500 lb tongue weight limit.

  • Note: For 2025 and newer models, Subaru standardized the lineup, so ALL trims are now rated for 5,000 lbs.

• The 2,000 lb Limit (Base Model 2019-2024): If you drive a Base Model from 2019-2024 (usually identified by the lack of privacy glass or roof rails), your vehicle lacks the auxiliary transmission cooler. This restricts your towing capacity to just 2,000 lbs.

  • Best Match: Tent Trailers or Teardrop Trailers only.

What Can I Tow With a 5,000 lb Capacity?

The Ascent is a surprisingly stable tow vehicle thanks to its wide stance and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

• Bunkhouse Travel Trailers: You can comfortably tow compact family trailers like the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 184BS or Forest River Wolf Pup. These units offer sleeping for 4-5 people and weigh roughly 3,500 lbs loaded, keeping you safely under your limit.

• Hybrid Expandables: Trailers like the Rockwood Roo are a perfect match. They keep the towing length short but expand to offer massive king-size beds once parked.

• Lightweight Couples Coaches: If you are empty nesters, the Grand Design Imagine XLS or Jayco Jay Feather Micro offers luxury finishes in a package the Ascent can pull through the mountains.

Critical Equipment: The "Missing" Brake Controller

This is the most common surprise for new Ascent owners. While your SUV may have a "Tow Package," it likely does not have a trailer brake controller installed from the factory.

• The Law: In most provinces, you are legally required to have a brake controller for any trailer over 3,000 lbs (and often lighter).

• The Solution: You generally need two parts: a 7-Pin Wiring Harness (to replace the standard 4-pin) and the Brake Controller itself. Our Service Department recommends the Redarc Tow-Pro, which installs cleanly without drilling holes in your dash.

The Payload Balancing Act

The Ascent is a family hauler, which means it is often full of passengers.

• The Math: If your Ascent has a payload of 1,150 lbs and you pack it with 4 people and a dog (600 lbs total), you only have 550 lbs remaining.

• The Tongue Weight: A 4,000 lb trailer typically has a tongue weight of 400-500 lbs. This puts you right at the limit.

• The Fix: We highly recommend a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH). This transfers some of that tongue weight back to the trailer axles and forward to the Ascent’s front tires, keeping your ride level and safe.

Ready to Roam?

Your Ascent is ready for more than just the school run.

• Shop Family Campers: Browse our Travel Trailers Under 4,500 lbs to find the sweet spot for your SUV.

• Check Your Payload: Visit our Towing Guide Resource Center to learn how to read your door jamb sticker.

• Get Equipped: Need a 7-pin harness installed? Schedule an appointment with our Service Team before your trip.