The 2025 Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, giving you the strength to bring your escapades to life. This three-row SUV is made for more than just passengers – its Subaru Ascent towing capacity lets you hitch up a fishing boat for a lakeside weekend or haul a camper for that next family getaway. But with eight dynamic trim levels to choose from, how do the metrics vary? The Hughes Subaru team takes you on an in-depth journey through the towing specs, cargo details, and a quick look at how the Ascent has evolved over the years.
The entry-level Premium trim, available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, presents a well-rounded starting point with the full 5,000-pound Subaru Ascent towing capacity,1 plus a standard 11.6-inch multimedia plus system, tri-zone climate control, and heated front seats.
Additionally, the Premium provides the highest gas mileage numbers, with an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway).2
The Onyx Edition kicks it up a notch with a standard panoramic moonroof, bold 20-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, and durable StarTex water-repellent upholstery.
As you move into more upscale amenities beginning with the Onyx, EPA-estimated fuel economy drops to 19/25 MPG (City/Highway).2 This trend continues through the upper-level trims.
Like the base Premium, the Limited offers two seating configurations but adds standard leather-trimmed seats, heated second-row seats, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system.
The Limited Bronze Edition lives up to its name with standard 20-inch bronze metallic alloy wheels, matching exterior accent trim, and StarTex upholstery featuring bronze contrast stitching inside.
The Touring showcases a luxurious and tech-savvy experience. It adds heated and ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a 120-volt outlet, and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor.
The Onyx Edition Touring combines all the top-tier technology and refined cabin materials with striking black alloy wheels, a black grille, and sleek exterior trim for a daring, sophisticated look.
In conclusion, all eight trim levels of the 2025 Subaru Ascent can haul up to 5,000 pounds.1 With new Subaru lease deals available, buyers can select the model that fits their needs – choosing seating, amenities, and price – without compromising driving dynamics, horsepower, torque, or tow capacity.
Since hitting the roads in 2018, the Subaru Ascent has been quietly flexing its muscles. Let's check out the chart showing the Subaru Ascent towing capacity by year and how the SUV's towing performance has evolved over time, making it easy to see which model years boast the most pulling power.
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| Year | Generation | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Tow Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Second | 2.4L Turbo SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2024 | Second | 2.4L Turbo SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD |
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| 2022 | First | 2.4L Turbo SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD |
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| 2021 | First | 2.4L Turbo SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD |
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| 2020 | First | 2.4L Turbo SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD |
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| 2019 | First | 2.4L Turbo SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | AWD |
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In years past, towing capability depended on which Ascent you chose. The Base trim, now retired, could only manage 2,000 pounds.1 For 2025, Subaru flipped the script. With the Base gone and the Premium stepping in as the new entry point, every trim now flexes the full 5,000-pound towing capacity,1 turning the entire SUV series into a capable convoy ready for anything from utility trailers to aluminum fishing boats to teardrop campers.
The new Subaru Ascent for sale doesn't have an official payload rating, but it has up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space. This maximum is available on the Premium trim in both seven- and eight-passenger configurations, along with a top passenger volume of 153.2 cubic feet.
Starting with the Onyx trim, cargo space decreases to 72.8 cubic feet, and passenger volume drops to 150.2 cubic feet, though towing capacity remains consistent across all trims and configurations. Overall, the Premium trim leads the lineup with the highest figures in cargo space, passenger volume, and fuel efficiency (mentioned above).
In the end, the 2025 Subaru Ascent proves it's more than a three-row SUV – it's a true adventure companion. With turbocharged potency, Symmetrical AWD, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing strength when properly equipped, it carries your crew, gear, and ambitions wherever the road leads.
Even compared to competitors – like in our Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander review – the Ascent rivals in both towing prowess and all-weather performance. Whether it's tackling daily commutes or fueling weekend outings, the Ascent delivers a seamless blend of capability, style, and versatility with every mile.
Curious how the 2025 Subaru Ascent towing capacity stacks up against other Subaru SUVs? Explore our full Subaru SUV towing capacity guide to see how the Outback, Solterra, and Ascent compare when it comes to transporting power.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent doesn't come with a dedicated tow package, but it can still be configured for maximum towing capability. To do this, Subaru has an available Class III trailer hitch, which includes a two‑inch receiving tube, a wiring harness, and a receiver cover. This setup allows the Ascent to pull its max 5,000-pound rating1 and handle trailers, boats, and other cargo.
To prepare your Subaru Ascent for towing, first install the available Class III trailer hitch with a two‑inch receiver and wiring harness. Check tires, brakes, and fluids, distribute the trailer's weight evenly, secure it with safety chains, and ensure all lights are working. Finally, adjust your driving for towing by allowing extra braking distance, making wider turns, and using the appropriate drive settings to maintain stability and performance.
Yes, the Subaru Ascent can truly tow up to 5,000 pounds,1 a capability that has remained since its debut in 2018. For the 2025 model year, Subaru has discontinued the original Base trim, which had a lower tow rating, and introduced the Premium trim as the new entry-level option. Now, every Ascent trim, including the Premium, can achieve the maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity.1
For 2025, every Subaru Ascent trim is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Each of these trims pairs strong towing capability with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. These include:
Yes, the Subaru Ascent can tow a camper, provided the camper's weight (including cargo) doesn't exceed its towing limit of 5,000 pounds.1 If you're looking at the 2025 Ascent, the max tow rating enables you to handle light-to-midweight campers or pop-ups, along with additional items like single‑axle utility trailers, fishing boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes.
Yes, the Subaru Ascent is more than capable of towing a boat! It has the muscle to haul different types of watercrafts, including aluminum fishing boats, small pontoon boats, compact fiberglass runabouts, bowriders, and Jet Skis. For paddling enthusiasts, kayakers can add an available crossbar set to securely carry kayaks on the roof, making it easy to transport without the need for a trailer.
1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
