TL;DR
- The Subaru Ascent is the largest SUV, delivering 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides stability and capability for all your family's adventures.
- Base Ascent trims tow 2,000 pounds, but premium trims reach 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This spacious SUV is also a Consumer Reports Recommended Model with advanced safety features.
- ​Looking to buy the 2025 Subaru Ascent for sale in Queens, NY? You can purchase it today at Koeppel Subaru dealership serving the area.
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Also Read: What is the Subaru Outback Towing Capacity - A Koeppel Subaru Towing Guide
For New York area families balancing the demands of city life with the desire for outdoor adventures, the Subaru Ascent provides substantial versatility and capability. The 2025 Ascent is recognized as the largest Subaru SUV ever created, engineered with three rows of flexible seating for up to eight passengers. Its impressive utility extends to its hauling capability, making the Subaru Ascent towing capacity a major selling point for drivers across Queens Manhattan Brooklyn and the entire Tri-State area. This guide, brought to you Koeppel Subaru in Long Island City, explores exactly what makes the Ascent the perfect vehicle for taking on heavy loads and extended family journeys.
The Power Behind the Pull
The Subaru Ascent towing capacity is the highest of any vehicle the manufacturer has ever produced. This impressive capability stems from the standard powertrain setup. Every 2025 Ascent is equipped with a direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine. This time-tested engine technology efficiently delivers 260 horsepower along with 277 pound-feet of torque.
The Ascent is built to handle the diverse conditions encountered by New York drivers, from sudden snowfalls to uneven terrain. It achieves this assurance with the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This system constantly evaluates acceleration braking and cornering in real time, instantaneously transferring power to the wheels that have the most grip when needed.
Standard ground clearance of 8.7 inches enhances its ability to conquer rough terrain. The durability of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive has been demonstrated over four decades of owner-tested Subaru vehicles, supporting the Ascent’s reputation as a reliable and fuel-efficient SUV. With gas mileage up to 26 MPG and a highway driving range exceeding 500 miles, the Ascent ensures that nearly any destination is within reach.
Towing Capacity Breakdown
Understanding the specific Subaru Ascent towing capacity requires recognizing the difference between the base model and the higher trims. The maximum towing limit for the Ascent depends on the trim level and proper equipment.
The Base trim of the Ascent is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds. This capacity is ideal for smaller hauling needs.
However, the capability expands significantly in the Premium and higher trims. The Ascent Premium Onyx Edition Limited and Touring trims all possess the highest Subaru Ascent towing capacity at 5,000 pounds. This maximum capacity is available when the vehicle is properly equipped with an available accessory Class III trailer hitch and the correct wiring harness. This 5,000-pound rating has been consistent across Ascent model years from 2019 through 2026.
This higher limit opens up substantial possibilities for adventures originating in New York and extending across the Tri-State area. A 5,000-pound capacity allows you to tow larger items such as many single-axle campers small fiberglass boats or a pair of ATVs. You could also tow a pontoon boat or even a larger utility vehicle for serious DIY projects. The 2,000-pound capacity of the Base model comfortably handles small open utility trailers or compact pop-up trailers.
Essential Towing Safety and Guidance
Achieving the published towing capacities requires specific equipment and careful attention to proper trailer loading.
First, to reach the 5,000-pound rating, the Ascent must be equipped with the appropriate Class III 2-inch receiver and wiring harness. It’s worth mentioning that for trailers that approach or exceed 1,000 pounds, trailer brakes are important. For the heaviest loads, up to 5,000 pounds, a brake controller and trailer brakes are generally necessary.
It is vital to define towing capacity correctly: it represents the combined weight of the cargo AND the trailer. Drivers must consider the trailer’s own weight before loading cargo.
Understanding Tongue Weight
Towing stability hinges on maintaining correct tongue weight. Tongue weight is defined as the downward force that the trailer exerts on the hitch itself. For most towing scenarios, the recommended tongue weight should be 8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight.
If you are using the 5,000-pound setup, the maximum allowable tongue weight is 500 pounds. If you have the 2,000-pound Base setup, the tongue weight limit is 200 pounds. Improper tongue weight distribution can be dangerous. Too little tongue weight can cause the trailer to sway significantly. Too much weight can cause the back of the Subaru to sag and the front end to point upward negatively affecting both handling and braking performance. Proper tongue weight is achieved through redistributing the trailer weight, ideally low and forward of the trailer axle.
Technology Adjustments
The Ascent is equipped with advanced safety technology, but some features need adjustment while towing. Ascent models with Blind-Spot Detection BSD and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert RCTA should have these systems turned off when towing. These systems rely on radar waves that may not function properly if blocked by an attached trailer
A Recommended Family Vehicle for New York
The capability of the Ascent is not limited to its towing performance. It excels as a spacious and safe family SUV, earning the distinction of a Consumer Reports Recommended Model. Subaru has also been named the 2025 Most Reliable and Best Overall Automotive Brand according to Consumer Reports. The focus on longevity and quality is clear, with 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years reportedly still on the road today.
The 2025 Ascent is engineered for safety with standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This suite of features includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and available Automatic Emergency Steering. For the 2025 model year, Emergency Stop Assist and Reverse Automatic Braking are now standard. For convenience and safety in communication with rear passengers, Cabin Connect is available on several trims.
Finding Your Subaru Ascent for Sale at Koeppel Subaru
If the impressive Subaru Ascent towing capacity and family-friendly features have captured your attention, your next step is visiting a trusted retailer in the New York area. Koeppel Subaru is your premier dealership for new and used Subaru vehicles. Located conveniently in Long Island City, Queens, at 42-01 Northern Blvd, Koeppel Subaru proudly serves the entire New York City region, including Queens Manhattan Brooklyn Staten Island Bronx Westchester and Long Island NY.
The Koeppel family has established a long-standing legacy in New York's automotive industry, selling and servicing vehicles since 1937. When you visit Koeppel Subaru, you are treated as family, which extends to current and future Subaru owners.
Koeppel Subaru maintains an excellent selection of the latest models, including the 2025 Ascent. Our dealership offers a complete car buying experience, which includes helping customers finance their new Ascent. Our expert staff are available to assist with securing a car loan or Subaru lease in Queens that fits your specific budget.
