Step into the realm of the 2024 Subaru Ascent, where sheer power harmonizes with impeccable design. With the Ascent, Subaru heralds a new era of towing capability that promises both reliability and performance. Discover all that the 2024 Ascent has to offer with this helpful guide going into all the little details about what makes this Subaru a towing powerhouse.
Engine Specifications
With a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, you can count on the 2024 Subaru Ascent to handle just about anything you want to tow. Capable of producing 260 horsepower and up to 277 lb-ft of torque, the Ascent can reliably handle heavier towing loads without overexerting the engine.
Transmission and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
The BOXER engine pairs with a high-torque Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's symmetrical AWD. This means a smoother ride with additional stability, regardless of whether you're hauling a load on the highway or rumbling down a dirt driveway.
So, what's the difference between these systems and others on the market? A CVT system provides smoother gear changes and additional fuel efficiency because it allows the transmission to seamlessly change gear ratios while driving without the signature jolt of a traditional automatic transmission. Symmetrical all-wheel drive provides individualized power to each wheel, allowing for more traction and control on various terrains.
Towing Features and Capacity
Topping out at a whopping 5,000-pound towing capacity, the 2024 Subaru Ascent provides the highest towing capacity in the history of Subaru SUVs. But looking past the numbers, what can you attach to that tow hitch and haul around? Here's a breakdown describing what you'll likely be able to haul with your new 2024 Ascent:
- Pair of jet skis on a trailer.
- Utility trailer.
- Pop-up camper.
- Small travel trailer.
- Loaded up motorcycle trailer.
- Fishing boat.
- Lightweight enclosed utility trailer.
Trailer Stability Assist
This feature can help drastically improve stability on the road while hauling. Trailer stability assist works by detecting trailer snaking or sway and applying individualized wheel braking to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer. This system can reduce the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle and trailer and enhance your ability to respond to changing road or traffic conditions.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
The Ascent's integrated trailer brake controller system gives you even more control over your trailering experience. This systems lets you monitor trailer braking activity from the comfort of the cabin. This helps you to understand how your trailer uses its brakes while allowing you to customize brake sensitivity and maximum output settings. Ultimately, this gives you more insight into how your vehicle and trailer operate so you can adjust your brakes and driving to maximize your safety and vehicle efficiency.
Towing Tips for Subaru Ascent Owners
There are many other things to consider when towing, regardless of whether you've hauled trailers hundreds of times or if this is your first time learning how to tow your toys around. There are some tips to help ensure a safe and efficient towing experience.
Load Distribution
Prevention is one of the most important things for a safe towing experience. This includes learning how to distribute your trailer's load properly. Too far back, and you risk swaying or snaking and potentially losing control. However, if you place the whole load at the front of the trailer, you also risk trailer sway.
A general rule is to have around 60% of your load at the front of the trailer and 40% in the back. This makes for a more stable load that responds well when changing lanes or navigating through evasive maneuvers, such as dodging that possum in the road, without losing control.
Regular Checks
Regularly inspecting your trailer and vehicle can help you identify anything that needs fixing before your next towing journey. This includes checking your tire pressure and analyzing your trailer connections for any wear or damage.
Your brakes are also an essential part of this inspection. Be sure to inspect both your vehicle's and trailer's brakes. A good checklist item to add to your trailer check-in is testing all the lights on your trailer. Ensuring that the brake lights and turn signals function properly can help promote a safe driving experience for everyone on the road and inform other drivers of any moves you're making.
Create a Pre-Departure Checklist
Having a checklist of items to verify before hitting the road can prevent you from missing anything and risking your safety on the road. While it's a good idea to create your own comprehensive checklist of items, here are some things you can consider adding:
- Tow hitch and all connection equipment are in good condition and properly secured.
- Wiring harness and safety chains are connected with enough slack for turning but not dragging on the ground.
- Breakaway system is connected to the tow vehicle in the correct spots.
- Trailer jack is raised and locked in place.
- Visibility is good from the cabin in the towing vehicle, and blind spots are identified.
- Routes don't have trailering restrictions or obstacles.
Practice
Ever heard the saying that practice makes perfect? Well, the same goes for towing, especially if you're a first-time tower. Consider finding an open space to practice driving around in so you can get accustomed to the feel of driving and stopping with a trailer attached. This can go a long way toward improving your confidence and safety on the road. Some things to practice in this open space include the following:
- Stopping.
- Turning.
- Backing up.
- Parking.
- Making tight turns.
- Accelerating.
Looking for Your Own 2024 Subaru Ascent?
Subaru's commitment to delivering vehicles that are not just modes of transportation but also versatile workhorses is perfectly encapsulated with the 2024 Subaru Ascent. If you're looking for a family vehicle with plenty of towing prowess, then this may be the perfect SUV for you.
If you're ready to experience what the 2024 Ascent has to offer, stop by Apple Subaru today for a test drive. If you're ready to drive away in your new Ascent, feel free to start your car-buying journey by browsing our extensive new vehicle inventory.
