Need 7 Seats and Tow 3,100 lbs.: Is the Subaru Ascent a Good Option?

“I have a 2017 Toyota Sienna in which I transport my 5 kids. I love to travel and camp; so I need 7 seats and storage space in the trunk. I have a 3,100-pound trailer, so I’m looking for an SUV that can tow 5,000 pounds, and it’s a reliable vehicle (from 8 to 10 years or more) consumes little fuel and has good handling.I thought b Subaru rise. what do you think – Michael Diggle

Answer

Good morning. First, it’s important to note that no midsize SUV will give you more interior space than your Sienna. Looking up, its upgrades for 2023 put it in a best-in-class position. We recommend it, but I’m not sure it’s the best option for you. The Ascent Hotel offers room for 7 or 8 people in a very comfortable setting. On the other hand, in terms of functionality and capacity, it loses feathers. With all rows of seats in place, it only offers 468 liters of cargo volume. In addition, its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will be under constant pressure with a payload of 3,100 pounds or more, since you also have to take into account the baggage and weight of the passengers on board.

Of course, one would be led to believe that manufacturers offer 7 or 8 passenger intermediates with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and that all is well. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. The fact that there are 7 people on board with luggage significantly reduces the towing capacity of the vehicles. What was 5,000 pounds will not be; If we add the accessories in the trailer, it will quickly exceed the safe capacity of the vehicle.

In the midsize segment, two products will have the ability to do their job better, the Nissan Pathfinder, which can tow 6000 pounds, but the 7’s interior space is limited in terms of the trunk. With 3 rows of seats in place, it offers just 468 liters in cargo volume. It is very restrictive for luggage for 7 people. Next up is the Dodge Durango with its V6 engine that tops out at 6,200 lb. -ft. There are also V8s that can tow up to 8,700 lb-ft, but don’t forget about fuel economy; Trunk volume with the three rows in position is no more impressive at 487 liters. Considering an active family life, even these two cars will not adequately satisfy your needs.

Unfortunately, to adequately satisfy all your needs, you will have to go into the full-size SUV segment, and even in extended versions, to improve the trunk volume. For hope, you have to look at a full-size Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban or Ford Expedition SUV. However, prices will be higher, as will capacities and fuel consumption.

We recommend Ford and GM products in full-size SUVs. Although Ford is very interesting, GM has a card up its sleeve that’s not so important when it comes to improving fuel economy: its turbocharged 3-liter engine. Depending on your needs, I think this is the best option. Be aware, however, that prices will be slightly higher than your original plan with Ascent. Therefore, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban or the GMC Yukon/Yukon XL may be an option to consider.