Towing a 320 with a 2025 or 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Subaru Ascent?

FishDoctor
FishDoctor Member Posts: 79
I am in the market for a new vehicle capable of towing my 2017 320S-Max (approx. 2,000 lb). Considerations right now include a 2025 or 2026 Subaru Ascent (plenty of tow capacity, but lower gas mileage) and a 2025 or 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (higher gas mileage, lower towing capacity). I would appreciate any experiences or thoughts about using these vehicles to tow a T@B 320. Thanks!

Downers Grove, IL
2017 T@B 320S Max, Blue and Silver -- "The Blueb@rry"

2026 States Visited Map-small.jpg

Comments

  • RCB
    RCB Member Posts: 249
    FishDoctor. I towed my 2019 400 for six years with two different Ascents. My 400 has a tongue wt of 400 +/- lbs. we had no problems whatsoever.
    400 - 2019
    St Catharines, ON
  • Horigan
    Horigan Member Posts: 880
    I think both are capable for towing a 320 without issue.  The gas mileage may not be that different though given the wind resistance of a Tab.  I would base the decision on other factors.
    Rich
    2019 T@b 400
    2025 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Turbo
    Bellingham WA
  • abriddell
    abriddell Member Posts: 6
    I tow my 320 BD with a Subaru Outback 2.5L with no issues.  The 2.5L Outback is rated for 2700 lbs towing capacity.  I live in Wisconsin so it’s mostly rolling hills here with a few long climbs in and out of the Mississippi River valley and also the south central portion of the state.   I monitor the RPMs to keep btw 2500-3500 and don’t have any trouble maintaining a safe driving speed on the highway. 
    MPG is about 22-23 when towing.   

    I’m careful with the total loads in the trailer, the car, and the balance w/in the trailer.  
  • benpc
    benpc Member Posts: 24
    We tow a 400 BD with a 2023 Ascent and get about 15 MPG, so I’d imagine your gas mileage couldn’t be any worse than with a 320 and an Ascent. 
  • FishDoctor
    FishDoctor Member Posts: 79
    I did buy a 2026 Ascent. The tow kit is being installed later this week and I will see what it's like after that.

    Downers Grove, IL
    2017 T@B 320S Max, Blue and Silver -- "The Blueb@rry"

    2026 States Visited Map-small.jpg
  • ckjs
    ckjs Member Posts: 137
    We tow our 320CS with a 2020 Outback 2.4L turbo. It's great, including long inclines such as heading west out of Death Valley. 18MPG if flat, 16 for really hilly trips.
    Charles & Judy, Santa Cruz, CA
    2018 T@B 320 CS-S; Alde 3020; 4 cyl 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT