Best Subaru Models For Boat Towing Enthusiasts

If you're looking for a Subaru to tow your boat, there are several models that can get the job done. The Subaru Ascent, the brand's largest vehicle, has an impressive maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it a great option for towing boats and trailers. The Subaru Outback, a popular choice for outdoor adventures, has a towing capacity of 2,700 to 3,500 pounds, which should be sufficient for most lightweight boats and trailers. The Subaru Forester, with its spacious interior and performance metrics, can tow up to 3,000 pounds, while the compact Subaru Crosstrek has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, suitable for lightweight boats and trailers. It's important to consider the weight of your boat, trailer, and additional gear to ensure you don't exceed the towing capacity of your Subaru.

The Subaru Outback can tow a boat weighing up to 3,500 lbs

The Subaru Outback is a great option for those looking to tow a boat. The Outback has a towing capacity of 2,700 to 3,500 lbs, depending on the model year and engine configuration. For example, the 2.5-liter variants of the latest Subaru Outback (2020-present) provide a braked towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, while the 2.4-liter variants offer a braked towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

When it comes to towing a boat, the Outback can handle most lightweight aluminum or fiberglass boats. It's important to consider the additional weight of any gear or passengers you'll be carrying, as this will impact the overall towing capacity.

Some owners have reported successfully towing boats with their Outback. For instance, one owner shared their experience of towing a 1989 Sea Ray Bowrider 180, which likely maxes out under 3,500 lbs, without any issues.

It's worth noting that the Outback's towing capacity has improved over the years. The earliest models (2000-2004) had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, while later generations offer a higher capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

If you're considering towing a boat with your Subaru Outback, always refer to the owner's manual and ensure that your trailer and cargo weight do not exceed the specified towing limits. Additionally, it's important to consider factors such as tongue weight, trailer brakes, and weight distribution to ensure a safe and stable towing experience.

The Subaru Ascent can tow boats weighing up to 5,000 lbs

The Subaru Ascent is an excellent option for those looking to tow a boat. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, the Ascent can easily accommodate a range of boats, from speed boats to lightweight boats. This makes it a versatile option for those who enjoy boating and want to explore different types of watercraft.

The Ascent's impressive towing capabilities are due in part to its powerful turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, which produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This, combined with the standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, makes towing a smooth and controlled experience. The Ascent also comes equipped with Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), which helps maintain control by sensing unsafe yaw conditions and applying automatic braking to specific wheels when needed.

In addition to its towing prowess, the Ascent offers a spacious interior with 3rd-row seating for up to 8 passengers. With the rear rows folded down, it provides 86.5 cu. ft. of interior cargo space, making it the most spacious Subaru ever made. So, whether you're heading to the lake for a weekend getaway or going on a longer road trip, the Ascent has plenty of room for all your gear.

It's important to note that the Ascent's towing capacity varies by trim level, with the Base trim having a lower capacity of 2,000 lbs. However, even with this lower capacity, the Ascent Base can still tow small boats and trailers, providing a versatile option for those who don't need the full 5,000 lbs of towing power. Overall, the Subaru Ascent is an excellent choice for those looking for a capable and spacious vehicle to tow their boat.

The Subaru Forester Wilderness can tow boats weighing up to 3,000 lbs

The Subaru Forester Wilderness is an excellent choice for those looking to tow a boat. With a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, this capable SUV can handle a wide range of boats and trailers with ease. This increased towing capacity was introduced with the 2022 model, providing a significant boost over the previous 1,500-pound limit of the standard Forester.

When it comes to towing a boat, the Subaru Forester Wilderness offers several advantages. Firstly, its robust 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine delivers an impressive 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for towing your boat. Additionally, the standard Lineartronic CVT and Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive system ensure a smooth and controlled towing experience, even on challenging terrain.

Another advantage of the Forester Wilderness is its Trailer Stability Assist feature. This advanced system senses unsafe yaw conditions, where the trailer sways back and forth instead of following straight behind the vehicle. In such situations, it automatically applies braking to specific wheels, helping you maintain control and stability while towing your boat. This feature is especially valuable when navigating winding roads or encountering unexpected obstacles.

It's important to note that while the Forester Wilderness has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, this includes the weight of both the boat and the trailer. Therefore, when selecting a boat and trailer combination, it's crucial to consider the total weight to ensure it stays within the safe towing limits. Additionally, proper weight distribution is essential to maintain control and stability while towing.

When preparing to tow a boat with your Subaru Forester Wilderness, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that your trailer has brakes, especially if the total weight exceeds 1,000 pounds. This is important for safety and compliance with legal requirements in certain jurisdictions. Secondly, consider installing a brake controller in your vehicle to enhance braking performance while towing. This will provide added peace of mind, especially when descending steep inclines or encountering unexpected obstacles.

In conclusion, the Subaru Forester Wilderness is an excellent choice for towing a boat weighing up to 3,000 pounds. Its robust engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and Trailer Stability Assist feature make it a capable and reliable towing companion. By understanding the weight limitations and following proper towing practices, you can confidently enjoy your boating adventures with the support of your Forester Wilderness.

The Subaru Crosstrek can tow lightweight aluminium or fibreglass boats

The Subaru Crosstrek is a great option for those looking to tow a boat for their outdoor adventures. The 2022 and 2024 models of the Subaru Crosstrek have a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, while the hybrid version of the 2022 model can tow up to 1,000 lbs. This makes the Crosstrek ideal for towing lightweight aluminium or fibreglass boats, which typically weigh less than boats made from other materials.

Aluminium boats are often significantly lighter than fibreglass boats of the same size, making them a good choice for those looking for a boat that is easy to tow. Aluminium boats also require less maintenance and are easier to repair, as they dent rather than crack upon impact. Additionally, their lower weight means that they require smaller powerplants, resulting in lower operating costs.

Fibreglass boats, on the other hand, tend to weigh more and therefore have better seakeeping abilities and stability. Their higher weight makes them less susceptible to being tossed around by the wind or waves, providing a smoother ride in choppy conditions. Fibreglass is also easily mouldable, allowing for more complex hull shapes and the integration of accessories like livewells, tackle stations, and seating modules.

When considering towing a boat with your Subaru Crosstrek, it is important to keep in mind the weight of not just the boat but also any additional gear and cargo. It is recommended to use a towing calculator to ensure that the total weight does not exceed the Crosstrek's towing capacity. Additionally, trailer brakes may be required for safety, depending on the weight of the trailer and local regulations.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness is considered the quintessential overlanding vehicle

The Subaru Outback is considered the quintessential overlanding vehicle. The Outback Wilderness Edition trim, in particular, provides all the requirements for a basecamp setup and the means to get there. Equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Outback Wilderness can pull up to 3,500 pounds, which is enough to tow most lightweight aluminium or fibreglass boats, motorcycle trailers, lightweight utility trailers, compact campers, and even some lightweight horse trailers.

The Outback's impressive towing capacity is further enhanced by its robust roof rails, which can accommodate various racks for bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as Thule cargo boxes for additional storage space. This makes the Outback a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need to bring along their gear.

In addition to its towing prowess, the Outback also offers a spacious interior with ample cargo space. The rear seat backs can be folded down to create up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo room, ensuring that you have plenty of space for all your equipment and supplies.

The Outback's performance metrics are equally impressive, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This combination of power and towing capacity makes the Outback a capable companion for adventurers who need to transport their gear to remote locations.

Furthermore, the Outback benefits from Subaru's attention to accessories and customisation. The company develops its vehicles with accessories in mind, understanding that their customers value the ability to personalise their cars to fit their outdoor lifestyles. This includes offering factory accessories that are ideal for towing, such as the Trailer Stability Assist feature found in the Ascent model, which improves safety when towing by automatically applying brakes to specific wheels when needed.

The Subaru Outback, and especially the Wilderness Edition, is a popular choice for those seeking an overlanding vehicle. Its combination of performance, towing capacity, and versatility makes it a reliable and capable companion for outdoor adventures.

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