2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD: Towing Capacity Explained

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD and, more specifically, its towing capacity. If you're considering this SUV for hauling your boat, camper, or other gear, understanding its towing capabilities is super important. We'll break it all down for you, making it easy to figure out if the Ascent Touring AWD is the right choice for your needs. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Understanding the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD is a popular choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike, and for good reason. It's a three-row SUV that offers a comfortable ride, plenty of space, and, most importantly for some, all-wheel drive. The 'Touring' trim level adds a touch of luxury with features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. But beyond the comfort and convenience, the Ascent Touring AWD is also quite capable, especially when it comes to towing. When we talk about towing, we are referring to the Ascent’s capacity to pull substantial loads. Whether it's a small trailer for weekend camping trips or equipment for outdoor adventures, the Ascent is designed to handle these tasks with confidence. It's not just about the raw power of the engine, but also the engineering that goes into ensuring that the vehicle can safely and effectively manage the weight it's pulling. This includes considerations such as the vehicle's chassis, suspension, braking system, and transmission, all of which are optimized to provide a stable and controlled towing experience. Furthermore, the Ascent's all-wheel-drive system enhances its towing capabilities, especially in challenging conditions such as wet or slippery roads. By distributing power to all four wheels, the Ascent maintains traction and stability, allowing it to confidently tow heavy loads even in adverse weather conditions. In summary, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD offers a compelling combination of comfort, convenience, and capability, making it an excellent choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. Its robust towing capacity, coupled with its all-wheel-drive system and luxurious features, sets it apart from other SUVs in its class, making it a versatile and reliable option for a wide range of needs.

Towing Capacity: The Numbers You Need to Know

Alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s a pretty significant number, placing it competitively within its class. However, it's super important to understand that this 5,000-pound figure isn't a given. It depends on having the right equipment and adhering to Subaru's recommendations. The term "when properly equipped" is crucial here. It means that the Ascent must be outfitted with the necessary towing accessories, such as a trailer hitch receiver, wiring harness, and trailer brake controller. These components are essential for ensuring safe and effective towing. Without them, the Ascent's towing capacity may be significantly reduced, and you risk damaging the vehicle or compromising safety. Furthermore, it's important to note that the 5,000-pound towing capacity is a maximum rating. The actual amount you can safely tow may be lower depending on factors such as the weight of passengers and cargo inside the vehicle, as well as the weight of any aftermarket accessories. Always consult the Ascent's owner's manual for specific guidelines and recommendations on towing. Exceeding the recommended towing capacity can put excessive strain on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, leading to premature wear and tear or even catastrophic failure. It can also compromise the vehicle's handling and stability, making it more difficult to control, especially in emergency situations. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully calculate the total weight of the trailer and its contents to ensure that it falls within the Ascent's specified towing capacity. In addition to weight considerations, it's also important to distribute the load evenly within the trailer to maintain stability and prevent swaying. A properly balanced trailer is less likely to exhibit dangerous handling characteristics, such as excessive swaying or fishtailing, which can be difficult to control and may increase the risk of an accident. By understanding these factors and following Subaru's recommendations, you can maximize the towing capability of your 2022 Ascent Touring AWD while ensuring your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.

Key Factors Affecting Towing Capacity

Several factors can impact the towing capacity of your 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD. Understanding these will help you stay safe and avoid damaging your vehicle. First off, the tongue weight. Tongue weight is the amount of weight that the trailer exerts on the hitch of your vehicle. Subaru recommends that the tongue weight should be around 8-10% of the total trailer weight. Too little or too much tongue weight can cause instability, leading to trailer sway or even loss of control. Ensuring the tongue weight is within the recommended range is crucial for safe towing. Next, consider the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer. Exceeding the GVWR can overload the vehicle's suspension, brakes, and tires, compromising safety and potentially causing damage. It's important to weigh the vehicle with all passengers and cargo to ensure that it remains within the GVWR. Also consider the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer combined. Exceeding the GCWR can strain the engine, transmission, and other components, leading to overheating and premature wear. It's important to calculate the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer to ensure that it remains within the GCWR. Lastly, don't forget about the trailer brakes. If you're towing a trailer that weighs over a certain amount (usually around 1,000 pounds), it's recommended to have trailer brakes. Trailer brakes help to reduce the stopping distance and improve stability, especially in emergency situations. They are typically controlled by a brake controller mounted in the vehicle. By paying attention to these factors and following Subaru's recommendations, you can tow safely and confidently with your 2022 Ascent Touring AWD.

Essential Towing Equipment

To safely and effectively tow with your 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD, you'll need the right equipment. Let's run through the essentials. The trailer hitch receiver is the foundation of your towing setup. It's the part that attaches to the vehicle's frame and provides a connection point for the trailer. Make sure to choose a hitch receiver that is rated for the weight you plan to tow. Next, get a ball mount. The ball mount is the part that attaches to the hitch receiver and provides a platform for the trailer ball. The size and height of the ball mount will depend on the trailer you're towing. It's important to choose a ball mount that allows the trailer to sit level when connected to the vehicle. Then we have the trailer ball. The trailer ball is the part that the trailer coupler attaches to. Trailer balls come in various sizes, so make sure to choose one that matches the size of the coupler on your trailer. We can't forget about the wiring harness. The wiring harness connects the vehicle's electrical system to the trailer's lights and brakes. It's essential for ensuring that the trailer's lights function properly and that the trailer brakes are activated when you apply the brakes in the vehicle. Additionally, use safety chains. Safety chains are a crucial safety feature that connects the trailer to the vehicle in case the coupler becomes disconnected. They should be crossed under the trailer tongue and attached to the vehicle's hitch receiver. Lastly, consider the brake controller. A brake controller is a device that allows you to manually activate the trailer brakes. It's recommended for trailers that weigh over a certain amount and provides added control and stability, especially in emergency situations. By investing in the right towing equipment and ensuring that it is properly installed and maintained, you can tow safely and confidently with your 2022 Ascent Touring AWD.

Tips for Safe Towing with Your 2022 Subaru Ascent

Towing with the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD can be a breeze if you follow these simple tips. First things first, always double-check your connections. Before hitting the road, make sure that the trailer is securely attached to the hitch, the safety chains are properly connected, and the lights are working. A thorough inspection can prevent accidents and ensure a safe journey. Next, remember to distribute the weight evenly. Uneven weight distribution can cause trailer sway, making it difficult to control the vehicle. Distribute the weight evenly throughout the trailer, with heavier items placed towards the front. Then you must drive at a safe speed. Towing can affect the vehicle's handling and braking, so it's important to drive at a safe speed. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and turning, and maintain a safe following distance. You also need to use your mirrors. Towing can obstruct your rear view, so make sure to use your mirrors to monitor traffic and lane changes. Consider adding extended mirrors for a wider field of vision. Remember to plan your route. Avoid steep hills, sharp turns, and other challenging terrain that could strain the vehicle or trailer. Plan your route in advance and choose roads that are suitable for towing. It's important to take breaks. Towing can be tiring, so take frequent breaks to rest and stretch. This will help you stay alert and focused behind the wheel. Last but not least, practice makes perfect. Before embarking on a long trip, practice towing in a safe, controlled environment. This will help you get a feel for how the vehicle handles with a trailer and build your confidence. By following these tips, you can tow safely and confidently with your 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD and enjoy your adventures to the fullest.

Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD Right for Your Towing Needs?

So, is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD the right choice for your towing needs? Let's recap. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, it's certainly capable. But it really depends on what you plan to tow. If you're looking to tow a small camper, a boat, or a utility trailer, the Ascent Touring AWD should be more than capable. However, if you're planning to tow a larger RV or a heavy construction trailer, you may need to consider a more powerful vehicle. Remember to factor in the weight of passengers and cargo, as well as the weight of any aftermarket accessories. Exceeding the vehicle's GVWR or GCWR can compromise safety and potentially cause damage. Also, consider the terrain you'll be towing in. If you'll be towing in hilly or mountainous areas, you may want to choose a vehicle with more horsepower and torque. The Ascent Touring AWD's all-wheel-drive system can provide added traction and stability in challenging conditions, but it's still important to choose a vehicle that is properly equipped for the terrain. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD is right for your towing needs depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Consider your towing needs carefully and compare the Ascent Touring AWD to other vehicles in its class before making a decision. By doing your research and making an informed choice, you can ensure that you choose a vehicle that meets your needs and provides years of reliable service.