Subaru Ascent or Toyota Highlander

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: T@B Acceptable Mid-Size SUV Tow Vehicle.

schout

We're buying a Tab 320 S, and looking for the TV to match, as it seems our current Subaru Outback 3.6r will not really do the job, based on tongue weight.  We're considering a Subaru Ascent or the Toyota Highlander.  Anyone have a preference between those?  Thanks!

SubaruLou

I have a Subaru Ascent and am very happy with the way it tows my 320 S. I’ve seen other people not happy with the Ascent but I haven’t had any problems. On the highway, I almost forget the trailer is back there.

Horigan

I have a 2013 Highlander with tow package and am very happy with how it towed our original 320 and now our 400.

Homebodyatheart

I’m one of those people very dissatisfied with the Ascent, traded it in at 11 months, towing was awful. Not all have the issues I did, but I’m not alone, either. I’m sticking with our Toyota Highlander. Toyota’s hold their value longer, too. 

db_cooper

Homebodyatheart said:

I’m one of those people very dissatisfied with the Ascent, traded it in at 11 months, towing was awful. Not all have the issues I did, but I’m not alone, either. I’m sticking with our Toyota Highlander. Toyota’s hold their value longer, too. 

I would choose the Highlander over the Ascent for towing.  Still not a fan of the CVT for towing, and I've had at least one Subaru in the stable since 1996.

B0atguy

Not sure I would pick an an Ascent for towing, or any Subaru for that matter (and we own a Legacy Limited!) . 
Met up with a fellow T@Ber who was towing his 400 with a Toyota Highlander, and loved it , said it towed great . I would imagine it would tow a 320 with NP . Think they are rated for 5000 lbs ? His was not brand new, a few years old . Maybe a 12/13 ? 

That said , The new Toyota Highlander now uses a "modified CVT" trans . Its kind of like a regular trans that morphs into a CVT . Something about having a "launch gear" . 
It the new Toyota Direct Shift-8AT 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission , that they are using in the new Highlander . 

May want to do a little research before pulling the trigger . Not sure I would feel comfortable towing with a CVT "for the long haul" .  

db_cooper

Good catch @B0atguy, I did a quick Google on the Highlander and saw 8 speed AT, assumed not CVT. I will avoid them for towing, as we like to keep cars 12-15 years.

We bought the last non CVT 3.6 Outback, and even it is not suitable for towing, at least without an aftermarket transmission cooler.  Temps run way too high. We only use it for low elevation kayak camper trips, everything else is with the Xterra.

Otiewon

Our 2019 tows our 320 with ease!

schout

Thanks for the input everyone.  We're working on buying a 2020 Highlander XLE.  

@db_cooper and @B0atguy - is it even still possible to get a mid-sized SUV without CVT?