2019 Subaru Ascent 5000# tow capacity

**Bailey'sMom** · 09-30-2018, 11:25 AM

Hi All

I came across this today and was surprised to see a Subaru with 5000# tow capacity. I think that this is a brand new model for 2019. Wondered if anyone has one for towing.

https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/ascent/index.html

I won't need a new tow vehicle for a few years but I like to keep options in mind for when I do so I thought I would pass this along and see if anyone else has one and what their towing experience has been.

**Bill** · 09-30-2018, 01:25 PM

Nice looking vehicle.

It comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which makes me nervous. Am I just old-fashioned? Have these things improved that much? Padgett?

The specs say the tranny is an 8-speed CVT. What am I missing here? When did a CVT come with discrete gear ratios?

I see no mention of a factory towing package, but some versions have 2000 lb towing capacity, while others have 5000 pound rating.

Bill

**Bailey'sMom** · 09-30-2018, 03:20 PM

Yeah I have no idea what CVT is or how it works. I will be interested to see all the responses.

Padgett · 09-30-2018, 10:52 PM

CVT has been around for a long time, think the first auto to use was the DAF Daffodil (1961) but has always been limited by the maximum power it could transmit since it is not geared but uses moving disks/pulleys and a belt/chain.

It appears that the Subaru unit is expected to handle 277 lb-ft of torque. Can find ratios here.

For more than you ever wanted to know about an earlier (6 speed) version see here.

Apparently they are able to create an illusion of gears by stopping the pulleys at fixed points.

Major drawback is poor efficiency compared to a lockup geared automatic. Since to get the max towing you have to go up from the base model. Interesting is that the Subaru is 6 inches longer than my Grand Cherokee.

**rickst29** · 10-01-2018, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padgett

Major drawback is poor efficiency compared to a lockup geared automatic.

Your Vehicle is rated to get 16/23 MPG. Ascent is rated to gets 21/27 (slightly less with a "fancy oversized wheels" option.) Subi wins, by a lot.

The storage capacity is huge, and it's crash rating are nearly perfect - IIHS gave it a "top-pick plus" rating. But who's got $40K lying around to buy a brand-new monster SUV?

Padgett · 10-02-2018, 08:35 PM

True but wonder what will happen when towing, at 65 with a 2720SL I get 17-18 MPG of 87 PON. Suspect the same thing will happen with the Subi as with a 2.7 Ecoboost: add a trailer and MPG goes south quickly.

Also the base Ascent in not available with the towing package. Have to move up to the heavier Limited (20/26) for that.

Just some thoughts...

ps my Jeep is rated at 17/23 and usually gets 24.6 (measured) on the interstate with a 70 limit.

NorCal Gordo · 09-18-2023, 12:35 PM

Guessing this reply is a day late and a dollar short. I've comfortably towed with my '19 Ascent for a couple of years without issue using the OEM setup. The vehicle has substantial power and handles quite nicely. No need for WDH per manual. Getting 16ish mpg with my fully loaded '99 2720 on the longer trips which usually included varied terrain and weather (mountains and wind) as long as I keep the speed to 60-62. Usually slow down for the longer mountain grades and allow speed to pick up for the longer rides back down. Many might suggest that the CVT isn't the best transmission for towing but I'm driving in a way that hopefully doesn't put too much stress on it.