Can the 2027 Subaru Ascent Tow a Camper for Erie, CO Family Trips?

September 21st, 2026 by


Can the 2027 Subaru Ascent Tow a Camper for Erie, CO Family Trips?

Flatirons Subaru – Can the 2027 Subaru Ascent Tow a Camper for Erie, CO Family Trips?

A properly equipped 2027 Subaru Ascent gives families a confident way to bring more gear, more passengers, and more possibilities along for the ride. For Erie, CO shoppers looking at three-row SUVs, towing often becomes an important question because daily life can quickly expand beyond commuting and errands. A small camper, utility trailer, pair of bikes, lightweight boat, or cargo trailer can make an SUV much more useful, especially when the vehicle also has enough room for passengers inside.

The 2027 Subaru Ascent is designed with that kind of flexibility in mind. It offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, the most of any Subaru vehicle ever, along with 277 pound-feet of torque from its standard direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine. That combination makes the Ascent a strong option for households that want a family SUV first, but also need the ability to tow recreational equipment when plans call for it.

Why Towing Capacity Matters in a Three-Row SUV

When comparing three-row SUVs, towing capacity should be evaluated alongside passenger space, traction, braking confidence, and driver-assist technology. A vehicle may have a capable rating on paper, but shoppers should also consider how stable and confident it feels when loaded with people and gear. The 2027 Ascent helps address that full picture by pairing its towing strength with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a turbocharged engine that produces strong low-end torque.

For Erie, CO families, this matters because local driving can include neighborhood streets, school drop-offs, shopping trips, county roads, highway merges, and routes toward the foothills. The Ascent is not a truck pretending to be a family vehicle. It is a refined three-row SUV with the practical towing capability many families actually need. That balance is a major reason it makes sense for shoppers who want one vehicle to serve several roles.

What Can the 2027 Subaru Ascent Tow?

With up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, the Ascent can support a useful range of recreational and household towing needs. Actual towing suitability depends on the total loaded trailer weight, passengers, cargo, accessories, and proper equipment, so it is always smart to confirm your setup before heading out. Still, the Ascent’s capability puts many common family towing scenarios within reach.

  • Small campers: Many lightweight camping trailers fall within the Ascent’s towing range when properly equipped and loaded responsibly.
  • Utility trailers: The Ascent can help with home projects, yard equipment, or moving bulky items that do not fit inside the cargo area.
  • Bike trailers and gear carriers: Families with multiple bikes or outdoor equipment can use trailer and hitch accessories to expand carrying capacity.
  • Small boats: Depending on total weight and trailer setup, the Ascent may be a practical match for certain lightweight watercraft.
  • Cargo trailers: Enclosed or open cargo trailers can help free up cabin space when every seat is occupied.

The key is planning. Trailer weight is only one part of the equation. You should also factor in passengers, luggage, water, propane, tools, coolers, bikes, and any accessories added to the trailer or vehicle. If you are unsure, a Subaru product specialist can help you review your intended use and identify the right equipment.

How the SUBARU BOXER® Engine Supports Towing

The 2027 Subaru Ascent uses a standard direct-injection 260-horsepower turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine. Its 277 pound-feet of torque is especially important for towing because torque helps move weight from a stop, climb grades, and maintain smooth progress when the vehicle is loaded. Turbocharging helps deliver responsive performance, while direct injection contributes to efficient power delivery.

The horizontally opposed layout of the SUBARU BOXER engine also helps lower the vehicle’s center of gravity. For a three-row SUV, that matters because stability and balance affect how confident the vehicle feels with passengers, cargo, or a trailer behind it. Paired with the standard Lineartronic® CVT, the powertrain is designed to provide smooth acceleration and steady performance rather than abrupt shifting or a strained feel.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Adds Confidence

Towing is not just about pulling power. Traction matters, especially when accelerating from a stop, backing a trailer, driving on uneven surfaces, or navigating changing road conditions. Every 2027 Ascent includes standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which continuously delivers power to all four wheels and can transfer power to the wheels with the most grip if slippage occurs.

That standard AWD system is a meaningful advantage for Erie, CO drivers who want confidence across a variety of routes. Whether you are towing from a driveway, crossing unpaved access areas, heading toward a campsite, or simply driving through mixed traffic with a full cabin, the Ascent’s balanced AWD system helps the SUV feel planted and predictable.

X-MODE® and Ground Clearance for Added Capability

The 2027 Ascent also includes 8.7 inches of ground clearance, giving it added flexibility when roads become rutted, uneven, muddy, or snow-packed. Standard X-MODE optimizes the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for maximum traction and includes Hill Descent Control for added confidence on steeper grades. Limited, Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring trims include Dual-Function X-MODE, which adds settings for snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud.

For towing, this capability can be helpful when the destination is not a perfectly paved parking lot. Campsites, trailheads, boat ramps, and rural properties may involve surfaces that challenge ordinary front-wheel-drive or available-AWD SUVs. The Ascent gives drivers a more reassuring foundation by combining ground clearance, AWD, and traction-focused drive modes.

Interior Space Still Matters When You Tow

A towing-capable SUV should still be comfortable when everyone is on board. The 2027 Ascent offers three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, with seven-passenger configurations available for shoppers who prefer second-row captain’s chairs. The cabin provides up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, so families can adjust the layout based on who is riding and what needs to come along.

That flexibility is useful because towing does not eliminate the need for interior storage. You may still want quick access to backpacks, snacks, charging cables, jackets, sports bags, pet supplies, or overnight essentials. The Ascent also includes standard USB-C and USB-A ports in all three rows, plus 19 cup and bottle holders, making longer drives easier for passengers throughout the cabin.

Helpful Towing Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Before choosing a 2027 Ascent for towing, bring your real-world plans into the conversation. The more specific you can be, the easier it is to match your SUV, accessories, and trailer expectations.

  1. Trailer weight: What is the loaded weight of the camper, boat, or trailer you plan to tow?
  2. Passenger count: How many people will usually ride along when towing?
  3. Cargo needs: What gear will be inside the vehicle versus inside the trailer?
  4. Hitch setup: Do you need an available accessory Class III trailer hitch or additional towing accessories?
  5. Terrain: Will you tow only on paved roads, or will your plans include gravel, dirt, grades, or rougher access routes?

These questions help turn a general towing rating into a practical ownership plan. A three-row SUV is a long-term decision, and understanding how you will use it makes it easier to choose the right trim and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the 2027 Subaru Ascent good for towing a small camper?

Yes, the 2027 Subaru Ascent can be a strong match for many small campers when properly equipped and loaded within its towing limits. It offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, 277 pound-feet of torque, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Always confirm your camper’s loaded weight and required towing equipment before you travel.

Does every 2027 Subaru Ascent have the same towing capacity?

The 2027 Ascent is engineered to offer up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. Your final setup should include the correct hitch equipment, trailer wiring, loading practices, and weight calculations. Reviewing your intended trailer with a Subaru specialist is a smart step.

Does the Ascent have enough power for Colorado grades?

The standard turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, giving the Ascent responsive power for loaded driving and highway travel. Its balanced engine layout and standard AWD system also help support stability and confidence.

Should I choose a specific Ascent trim for towing?

All trims offer strong capability, but shoppers who want added traction settings may appreciate Limited, Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, or Onyx Edition Touring trims because Dual-Function X-MODE is standard on those models. Comfort, technology, seating layout, and available accessories should also guide your decision.

The 2027 Subaru Ascent is a smart choice for families who want a three-row SUV that can do more than carry passengers. Its towing capability, standard AWD confidence, strong turbocharged engine, spacious interior, and safety technology create a well-rounded package for Erie, CO shoppers who value both everyday comfort and recreational flexibility. If a small camper or trailer is part of your plans, the Ascent deserves a serious look.

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