Subaru Outback vs. Forester vs. Ascent: Towing & U

Subaru Outback, Forester, and Ascent: Which Is Best for Towing and Utility?

If you're searching for a Subaru truck near Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, there's an important distinction to make: Subaru does not currently make a pickup truck. Instead, Subaru's SUV lineup provides several ways to get the cargo space, all-wheel-drive capability, ground clearance, passenger room, and towing ability that many shoppers are looking for when they search for a truck.

For drivers who need practical utility without a traditional pickup, the Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, and Subaru Ascent are three models worth comparing. Each offers standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while their differences in size, cargo capacity, seating, ground clearance, and towing capability make each better suited to different types of drivers.

Whether you're looking for a vehicle for Pennsylvania winters, weekend projects, camping, outdoor recreation, family transportation, or towing a trailer, comparing these three Subaru SUVs can help you find the configuration that fits your needs.

Does Subaru Make a Truck?

No, Subaru does not currently make a pickup truck. Subaru's lineup is focused on cars, SUVs, crossovers, and electric vehicles rather than traditional pickup trucks. However, that doesn't mean you have to give up utility when choosing a Subaru.

The Outback, Forester, and Ascent provide different combinations of cargo space, passenger capacity, towing capability, ground clearance, roof-loading capability, and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For many drivers, those features can provide the functionality they were hoping to get from a pickup while retaining the enclosed passenger and cargo areas of an SUV.

Subaru Outback vs. Forester vs. Ascent Utility Comparison

Each of these Subaru SUVs approaches utility differently. The Outback combines a long cargo area with available turbocharged power and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. The Forester is a smaller, easy-to-maneuver SUV with generous cargo room and an available Wilderness trim capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. The larger Ascent adds three rows of seating and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Subaru's current specifications show the Outback with up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Forester with up to 74.4 cubic feet, and the Ascent with up to 75.6 cubic feet. The Ascent is the only one of the three with three rows and seating for up to eight. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Which Subaru Is Best for Towing?

If towing capacity is your primary consideration, the Subaru Ascent provides the highest maximum towing capacity of the three. The 2026 Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds and offers three rows of seating, making it particularly useful for families that also need to tow campers, boats, utility trailers, or recreational equipment.

The 2026 Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds depending on trim. The 2026 Forester reaches up to 3,500 pounds specifically in the Wilderness configuration, while other Forester configurations have lower towing limits. Always check the towing rating for the specific vehicle and equipment before towing. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Subaru Outback: Cargo and Adventure Utility

The Outback is a strong option for drivers who want SUV utility in a midsize package. The 2026 Outback offers up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seatbacks lowered and up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance on the Wilderness trim. It also offers up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity on Wilderness and XT models. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

That combination makes the Outback useful for road trips, camping, bikes, kayaks, home projects, and other activities where cargo flexibility matters. Its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE also provide traction-focused capability for rain, snow, gravel, and other challenging surfaces. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Best Outback Uses

• Daily commuting and family transportation
• Camping and outdoor recreation
• Carrying bikes, kayaks, and recreational equipment
• Light trailer towing
• Driving in snow and changing Pennsylvania weather
• Drivers who want generous cargo space without a large SUV

Subaru Forester: Compact Utility and Ground Clearance

The Forester is the compact option in this comparison. It provides seating for up to five and up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives every Forester traction-focused capability. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

For shoppers interested in more rugged capability, the 2026 Forester Wilderness increases ground clearance to 9.3 inches and raises towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. It also includes off-road-focused equipment such as front underbody protection. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Best Forester Uses

• Everyday commuting and errands
• Drivers who prefer a more compact SUV
• Snow and all-weather driving
• Camping and outdoor recreation
• Light towing with the appropriate configuration
• Drivers who want increased ground clearance in the Wilderness trim

Subaru Ascent: Family Space and Maximum Subaru Towing

The Ascent is Subaru's largest SUV and the choice in this comparison for shoppers who need three rows and greater towing capability. The 2026 Ascent seats up to eight passengers and offers up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. It also has a 5,000-pound towing capacity. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Ascent combines family transportation with the ability to tow larger loads than the Outback or Forester. That makes it a practical option for families who regularly carry passengers and also need room for camping gear, luggage, recreational equipment, or a trailer.

Best Ascent Uses

• Large families and three-row transportation
• Long-distance road trips
• Camping and recreational travel
• Towing campers, boats, and larger utility trailers
• Carrying multiple passengers and their gear
• Drivers who want the highest towing capacity in the Subaru lineup

Fairway Subaru's current advertised offers also show available Subaru incentives on select vehicles, including a $500 incentive shown with example Outback, Forester, and Ascent offers. Actual eligibility, vehicle availability, down payment requirements, credit approval, and offer terms vary. Offers are subject to change, so shoppers should review the current offer details before making a purchase decision. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

View current Subaru offers and incentives at Fairway Subaru to see the latest available programs in Hazle Township.

Which Subaru SUV Is Right for Your Utility Needs?

Shop Subaru SUVs and Current Offers in Hazle Township

If you're searching for a Subaru truck because you need cargo space, towing capability, all-wheel drive, or additional ground clearance, the Outback, Forester, and Ascent give you several SUV options to consider. Instead of a pickup bed, these Subaru models provide enclosed cargo areas, flexible seating, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and different levels of towing and off-road capability.

Browse the new Subaru inventory at Fairway Subaru to compare current Outback, Forester, and Ascent models in Hazle Township. You can also view current Subaru offers to check available financing, incentives, and other specials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Trucks, Towing and Utility

Find Your Subaru SUV at Fairway Subaru

Subaru may not make a traditional pickup truck, but the Outback, Forester, and Ascent offer several ways to get the utility you're looking for. From the Outback's generous cargo area and available 3,500-pound towing capacity to the Forester Wilderness's increased ground clearance and the Ascent's three-row seating and 5,000-pound towing capacity, each SUV serves a different purpose.

Visit Fairway Subaru in Hazle Township to compare available models in person. Browse new Subaru inventory, view current Subaru offers, and explore the Outback, Forester, and Ascent to find the SUV that fits your cargo, towing, passenger, and all-weather driving needs.