Which Subaru Has the Highest Towing Capacity? | Full Rankings

If towing is part of your Subaru shopping checklist, the answer is clear: the Subaru Ascent has the highest towing capacity in the Subaru lineup. With up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, the Ascent is the strongest Subaru choice for drivers who want to tow a small camper, utility trailer, small boat, personal watercraft, or extra adventure gear. Subaru also describes the Ascent’s towing capacity as the most of any Subaru vehicle ever, and it is listed for all 2026 Ascent trims.

That does not mean the Ascent is the only Subaru worth considering for towing. The Subaru Outback, Forester Wilderness, Crosstrek Wilderness, and new Trailseeker EV can also offer strong capability, especially for shoppers who want something smaller, more efficient, more trail-ready, or electric. The right choice depends on what you plan to tow, how often you tow, how many passengers you carry, and whether you want maximum strength or a more compact daily driver.

Quick Answer: Subaru Ascent Has the Highest Towing Capacity

The Subaru Ascent ranks first with up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. It is the best Subaru for shoppers who need the most pulling strength, three-row seating, and the confidence of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

For many families around Bradenton, Sarasota, Palmetto, and Florida’s Suncoast, that makes the Ascent the most practical towing-focused Subaru. It has the size and strength for weekend trips, boat ramp runs, road trips, and family vacations where a smaller crossover may not offer enough reserve capability.

Full Subaru Towing Capacity Rankings

Here is how current Subaru models rank by maximum towing capacity:

1. Subaru Ascent: up to 5,000 pounds
2. Subaru Outback: up to 3,500 pounds
3. Subaru Trailseeker EV: up to 3,500 pounds
4. Subaru Forester Wilderness: up to 3,500 pounds
5. Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: up to 3,500 pounds
6. Subaru Outback non-turbo trims: up to 2,700 pounds
7. Subaru Forester non-Wilderness trims: up to 1,500 pounds
8. Subaru Crosstrek non-Wilderness trims: up to 1,500 pounds

The Subaru Solterra is better viewed as an electric SUV for daily driving and cargo versatility rather than trailer towing. Subaru’s official Solterra accessory information notes that its Activity Mount is not a trailer hitch and is not intended to tow a trailer.

1. Subaru Ascent: Up to 5,000 Pounds

The Subaru Ascent is the highest-ranking Subaru for towing because it reaches up to 5,000 pounds. It is also Subaru’s largest SUV, giving it a natural advantage for shoppers who need more passenger space, more cargo room, and more strength in one vehicle. Subaru’s official feature information lists the 2026 Ascent with 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and notes that this capability is standard across all trims.

The Ascent is the Subaru to start with if you are towing heavier recreational equipment. It is a strong fit for small campers, utility trailers, lightweight enclosed trailers, and many small boats when properly equipped. It also makes sense for families who want to bring passengers and gear along for the same trip. A smaller Subaru may be easier to park or more efficient, but the Ascent gives you the most breathing room when towing is a priority.

The Ascent is also a smart pick because towing is not its only advantage. It gives shoppers three rows of seating, standard all-wheel drive, generous interior space, and a confident SUV feel. For drivers who want one Subaru that can handle school drop-offs, beach weekends, road trips, and occasional towing, the Ascent is the most complete option.

2. Subaru Outback: Up to 3,500 Pounds

The Subaru Outback ranks next with up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. Subaru’s 2026 Outback information lists up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, along with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and up to 260 horsepower.

The important detail is that Outback towing capacity varies by trim and powertrain. The higher towing figure is generally tied to the more powerful turbocharged Outback models and the Outback Wilderness. Some 2026 Outback trims are listed at 2,700 pounds, while others are listed at 3,500 pounds.

For many shoppers, the Outback is the sweet spot. It does not have the Ascent’s 5,000-pound maximum, but it offers a great blend of comfort, cargo room, ground clearance, and easy everyday drivability. It is especially appealing if you want to tow smaller adventure gear but do not need three rows of seats. The Outback can be a great match for bike trailers, small utility trailers, lightweight personal watercraft setups, or camping gear, depending on the total loaded weight and required equipment.

3. Subaru Trailseeker EV: Up to 3,500 Pounds

The Subaru Trailseeker adds an electric option to the Subaru towing conversation. Subaru lists the 2026 Trailseeker with up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, along with standard dual motors and 375 horsepower.

This makes the Trailseeker especially interesting for shoppers who want Subaru capability in an electric SUV. It ties the 3,500-pound group, which means it can compete with several gas-powered Subaru options on maximum tow rating. However, EV towing requires extra planning. Towing can reduce driving range, and drivers should think carefully about charging stops, trailer weight, route, weather, and speed.

For shoppers who want an electric Subaru but still need occasional towing capability, the Trailseeker is a model worth watching closely. It may not replace the Ascent for maximum towing strength, but it expands Subaru’s capability lineup in a meaningful way.

4. Subaru Forester Wilderness: Up to 3,500 Pounds

The Subaru Forester Wilderness is one of the most impressive options in the lineup because it brings 3,500 pounds of towing capacity to a compact SUV. Subaru lists the 2026 Forester Wilderness with 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, along with increased ground clearance, front underbody protection, and off-road-ready engineering.

That makes the Forester Wilderness a strong pick for drivers who want a more maneuverable SUV than the Ascent but still need useful towing strength. It is especially appealing for shoppers who prioritize camping, kayaking, trail access, and outdoor weekends. It also gives you a taller, practical cargo area and excellent everyday visibility, which are two reasons Forester shoppers often stick with the model for years.

Most non-Wilderness Forester trims are rated lower, so the Wilderness trim is the key choice if towing is a major reason you are shopping for a Forester. Subaru’s 2026 Forester specs show most trims at 1,500 pounds, with the Wilderness trim listed at 3,500 pounds.

5. Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Up to 3,500 Pounds

The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is the smallest Subaru on this list with a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Subaru’s official Crosstrek Wilderness information lists 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, along with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a 180-horsepower SUBARU BOXER engine.

This is a major advantage for shoppers who want a compact SUV that still feels adventure-ready. The Crosstrek Wilderness is easy to drive, easy to park, and well-suited for active lifestyles, but it still offers a surprisingly strong maximum tow rating for its size.

As with the Forester, trim selection matters. Subaru’s 2026 Crosstrek specs list non-Wilderness trims at 1,500 pounds, while the Wilderness trim is listed at 3,500 pounds.

The Crosstrek Wilderness is a great option for drivers who want to tow lighter recreational gear without moving into a larger SUV. It is not the best Subaru if you regularly tow near the top of the brand’s range, but it may be the right fit if you want a smaller vehicle with extra capability built in.

How to Choose the Right Subaru for Towing

Start with the weight of what you plan to tow, but do not stop there. The listed towing capacity is only one part of the decision. You also need to consider trailer weight when loaded, tongue weight, passenger weight, cargo inside the vehicle, trailer brakes, hitch equipment, and the type of driving you expect to do. Subaru notes that maximum towing capacity can vary by trim and that trailer brakes may be needed.

Here is a simple way to narrow down your choice:

Choose the Subaru Ascent if towing strength is your top priority. It gives you the highest Subaru towing capacity and the most passenger space.

Choose the Subaru Outback if you want a comfortable two-row SUV-style vehicle with strong available towing capability and road-trip versatility.

Choose the Subaru Forester Wilderness if you want compact SUV practicality, outdoor-focused upgrades, and a 3,500-pound maximum tow rating.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness if you want the smallest, most city-friendly Subaru with serious adventure capability.

Choose the Subaru Trailseeker if you want an electric Subaru with useful towing potential and are comfortable planning around EV range and charging.

Final Thoughts

The Subaru Ascent has the highest towing capacity of any Subaru, with up to 5,000 pounds available across the lineup. If maximum towing strength is your goal, it is the clear winner. Still, Subaru gives shoppers several strong choices depending on lifestyle. The Outback, Trailseeker, Forester Wilderness, and Crosstrek Wilderness can each reach up to 3,500 pounds, making them excellent options for lighter recreational towing.

At Conley Subaru in Bradenton, our team can help you compare Subaru models, review trim-specific towing ratings, and choose the right vehicle for your trailer, gear, passengers, and everyday driving needs. Conley Subaru is located at 816 Cortez Rd W in Bradenton, FL.