Maximizing Cargo Space in the Subaru Ascent for Family Weekends in Big Bear

The Subaru Ascent is the ideal SUV for families looking for a versatile, spacious, and comfortable ride. With room for up to eight passengers, impressive towing capabilities, and standard all-wheel drive, it’s no wonder that families searching for a reliable and spacious vehicle are increasingly looking for a Subaru Ascent for sale. One of the standout features of the Ascent is its ability to accommodate large amounts of cargo, making it the perfect choice for family weekends in destinations like Big Bear, California.

Whether you’re packing camping gear, snow equipment, or simply enough luggage for a weekend getaway, maximizing your Subaru Ascent’s cargo space ensures that your trip is as comfortable and organized as possible. In this post, we’ll explore practical tips on how to optimize your Ascent’s cargo capacity for family adventures, so you can hit the road without worrying about leaving anything behind.

1. Utilize the Subaru Ascent’s Spacious Interior

The Subaru Ascent’s cargo space is impressive even without any modifications. It offers up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space when the second- and third-row seats are folded down. Even with all rows in place, there’s still a solid 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, which is enough room for essential luggage or outdoor gear.

Here’s how you can make the most of the Ascent’s existing layout:

• Fold down the third-row seats: If you’re not traveling with a full carload of passengers, folding down the third-row seats will give you significantly more space for larger items like bikes, coolers, or camping gear.
• Use the second-row captain’s chairs: If you opt for captain’s chairs instead of the bench seat in the second row, you’ll have easier access to the rear cargo area. Plus, it creates a pathway for storing longer items like skis or snowboards down the middle of the vehicle.
• Organize smaller items under the floor: The Ascent features hidden storage compartments under the rear cargo floor. This is a great spot to stow smaller, less frequently used items like first-aid kits, emergency supplies, or small tools.

2. Invest in Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers

For family weekends in Big Bear, you’ll likely need to pack a variety of outdoor gear, especially if you’re planning to hike, camp, ski, or snowboard. Even with the Subaru Ascent’s generous cargo space, adding a roof rack or cargo carrier can significantly expand your hauling capacity. Subaru offers factory-installed roof rails, making it easy to customize your roof storage with additional carriers or racks.

Here are a few options for maximizing storage on your roof:

• Roof-mounted cargo box: A cargo box is ideal for storing extra luggage, tents, or other bulky items that won’t fit inside the vehicle. Boxes like the Thule Motion XT or Yakima SkyBox are aerodynamic and lockable, ensuring your gear stays safe while minimizing drag.
• Ski and snowboard racks: For winter trips to Big Bear, a dedicated ski and snowboard rack allows you to securely transport your gear without taking up space inside the car. Brands like Yakima and Thule offer racks specifically designed for snow sports equipment.
• Kayak and bike racks: If your family enjoys water sports or cycling, specialized roof racks for kayaks and bikes are available. These racks allow you to safely transport outdoor gear while freeing up interior space for other necessities.

3. Use Cargo Organizers to Keep Things Neat

One of the best ways to maximize cargo space is to keep everything organized. Cluttered and disorganized gear not only takes up more space but also makes it harder to find what you need. Using cargo organizers will help you arrange your belongings neatly, ensuring you can easily access items while making the most of every cubic inch of storage.

Consider the following organizing tools:

• Trunk organizers: A collapsible trunk organizer with compartments is a great way to store smaller items like groceries, camping accessories, or sports equipment. Many organizers have dividers that help separate and categorize gear.
• Cargo nets: Cargo nets attach to the sides or floor of the trunk and are perfect for securing loose items. They’re especially useful for groceries or smaller bags that might shift around during the drive.
• Storage bins: Stackable plastic or fabric storage bins can help you group items together based on your family’s activities. For example, you could pack all camping gear in one bin and ski gear in another, making it easy to unload and access what you need.

4. Take Advantage of the Towing Capacity

If your family is planning a big weekend at Big Bear and needs to haul more gear than your Ascent can handle inside the vehicle, you’re in luck. The Subaru Ascent boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, meaning you can tow a small trailer, boat, or camper without any trouble.

When towing, here are some considerations to ensure a smooth ride:

• Choose the right trailer: Whether you’re bringing along a small camper for a weekend of camping or hauling a trailer full of bikes and kayaks, make sure the trailer is appropriately sized for the Ascent’s towing capacity.
• Pack efficiently in the trailer: Just as you’d optimize the interior cargo space, ensure that your trailer is packed efficiently. Store heavier items at the bottom, distribute weight evenly, and secure everything with tie-downs.
• Use a hitch-mounted cargo carrier: If you’re towing but don’t want to overload your interior space, consider adding a hitch-mounted cargo carrier. This can be especially helpful for carrying coolers, firewood, or bulky camping gear that might otherwise take up valuable interior space.

5. Pack Efficiently for Every Family Member

When you’re packing for a family trip, it can be tempting to bring everything “just in case.” However, overpacking can quickly lead to a cluttered car and make it harder to access important items. A key part of maximizing your Subaru Ascent’s cargo space is learning how to pack efficiently.

Here’s how to pack smart:

• Use packing cubes: For clothing and personal items, packing cubes help compress your belongings, saving space and keeping things organized. Each family member can have their own set of cubes, making it easy to locate everyone’s items when you arrive.
• Roll, don’t fold: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and minimize wrinkles. Use vacuum-sealed bags for bulkier items like jackets or blankets, as they compress down to a fraction of their original size.
• Prioritize essential items: When packing for the weekend, think critically about what you actually need. Prioritize items like jackets, hiking boots, and skis for the trip to Big Bear, and leave behind unnecessary extras that will take up space.

6. Use the Ascent’s Smart Storage Features

The Subaru Ascent comes with several smart storage features that can make packing for family weekends even easier. These built-in conveniences are designed to make accessing and storing your gear as effortless as possible.

Here are a few features to take advantage of:

• Power rear gate: Loading and unloading the Ascent is simple with the available power rear gate. With the touch of a button, you can open the liftgate, even if your hands are full of luggage or camping gear.
• Flexible seating configurations: The second and third rows of the Ascent fold flat, allowing you to configure the seating and cargo space to suit your needs. Whether you need extra room for a cooler or ski equipment, adjusting the seats gives you the flexibility to pack accordingly.
• Side door storage: Take advantage of the side door pockets for storing smaller items like water bottles, maps, or snacks. These compartments are handy for keeping essential items within easy reach.

7. Bring Travel-Friendly Gear for the Kids

Family trips often mean packing extra gear for the little ones, whether it’s strollers, toys, or travel cribs. To make the most of your Subaru Ascent’s cargo space, consider investing in compact, travel-friendly gear that doesn’t take up too much room.

Some ideas include:

• Folding strollers: If you need a stroller for your weekend trip, look for a compact, folding option that can fit easily in the trunk without taking up too much space.
• Portable playpens or cribs: Opt for travel-friendly cribs or playpens that fold flat and can be stored vertically in the cargo area.
• Pack-and-play sets: A pack-and-play is a versatile solution that can serve as both a crib and play area, making it ideal for a weekend away with young children. Many models are lightweight and easy to fold.

Conclusion

The Subaru Ascent is an excellent family SUV for weekend trips to Big Bear and other outdoor destinations. With its impressive cargo capacity, thoughtful design, and versatile features, it provides the space and functionality needed for packing all your family’s essentials. By utilizing roof racks, cargo organizers, and towing capabilities, you can maximize every inch of space and ensure a smooth, organized trip.

If you’re searching for a Subaru Ascent for sale, this spacious and capable SUV could be the perfect fit for your family’s adventures. Whether you’re hiking the trails of Big Bear in the summer or skiing down the mountains in the winter, the Ascent is designed to handle it all—while keeping your cargo neat, organized, and accessible.