2020 Subaru Ascent towing capacity
Up to 5,000 lbs with a conventional ball hitch. That rating is for this configuration: Ascent Premium, 2.4-liter DOHC Direct-Injection Turbocharged 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER (260 hp), AWD. The lowest-rated configuration in the same tables is 2,000 lbs, so the answer for your vehicle depends on how it is equipped.
The top figure belongs to one specific build. Find the row that matches your engine, cab, drive and axle, and check the label on your driver's door jamb. Passengers and cargo in the truck come off what you can tow.
2020 Subaru Ascent towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2020 Subaru Ascent towing capacity chart
All 6 configurations in the source, by hitch type and engine, highest rating first. Each row links to the page it is printed on.
Conventional (ball hitch)
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent PremiumLineartronic HCVTprinted once for three trims: 'Ascent Premium, Ascent Limited and Ascent Touring: 5,000 lbs.'; footnote 1: maximum towing capacity varies by model, trailer brakes may be needed; hitch recorded as conventional because the accessory Trailer Hitch text on page 13 rates the ball-type hitch ('Hitch ball not included') at the same figures (5,000 lbs., base models 2,000 lbs.) | AWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 11 | ||
| Ascent LimitedLineartronic HCVTprinted once for three trims: 'Ascent Premium, Ascent Limited and Ascent Touring: 5,000 lbs.'; footnote 1: maximum towing capacity varies by model, trailer brakes may be needed; hitch recorded as conventional because the accessory Trailer Hitch text on page 13 rates the ball-type hitch ('Hitch ball not included') at the same figures (5,000 lbs., base models 2,000 lbs.) | AWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 11 | ||
| Ascent TouringLineartronic HCVTprinted once for three trims: 'Ascent Premium, Ascent Limited and Ascent Touring: 5,000 lbs.'; footnote 1: maximum towing capacity varies by model, trailer brakes may be needed; hitch recorded as conventional because the accessory Trailer Hitch text on page 13 rates the ball-type hitch ('Hitch ball not included') at the same figures (5,000 lbs., base models 2,000 lbs.) | AWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 11 | ||
| Ascent (base)Lineartronic HCVTprinted 'Ascent: 2,000 lbs.'; footnote 1: maximum towing capacity varies by model, trailer brakes may be needed; hitch recorded as conventional because the accessory Trailer Hitch text on page 13 rates the ball-type hitch ('Hitch ball not included') at the same figures (5,000 lbs., base models 2,000 lbs.) | AWD | 2,000 lbs | p. 11 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Trailer Hitch, models other than baseaccessory text: 'Rated at 500 lbs. tongue weight, 5,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity, with base models rated at 200 lbs. tongue weight and 2,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity'; ball mount sold separately; trailer brakes may be required by state for heavier loads | AWD | 5,000 lbs | Subaru accessory Trailer Hitch; hitch ball not included | p. 13 | |
| Accessory Trailer Hitch, base modelsaccessory text: 'base models rated at 200 lbs. tongue weight and 2,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity'; ball mount sold separately | AWD | 2,000 lbs | Subaru accessory Trailer Hitch; hitch ball not included | p. 13 |
Common questions
Which 2020 Subaru Ascent engine tows the most?
2.4-liter DOHC Direct-Injection Turbocharged 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER (260 hp), at up to 5,000 lbs. Next is Engine not named in the table at up to 5,000 lbs.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2020 Subaru Ascent Brochure V2. Each row in the tables above links to the document and gives the page the figure is printed on.
Towing equipment for the 2020 Subaru Ascent
The manufacturer's tables name this equipment for some 2020 Subaru Ascent configurations. Equipment does not raise a rating. Check the Needs column for your own build before buying anything.
- Hitch ball, listed for 2 of 6 configurations. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver, listed for 2 of 6 configurations. See on Amazon (paid link)
Parts sold to fit this vehicle. Fitting one does not raise a rating, and the tables above say what each rating needs.
- Trailer wiring harness for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. See on Amazon (paid link)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The ratings on this page come only from the documents cited.
Where these numbers come from
- 2020 Subaru Ascent Brochure V2, Subaru. Manufacturer spec sheet. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
Page numbers count pages in the linked file, which can differ from the number printed in the corner. Report a number that looks wrong.