Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
The 2026 Ford Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs, according to Ford's published specifications. Rated configuration: Any engine (2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6) with standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. Other configurations are rated lower, so confirm your exact rating by VIN or on the door-jamb label.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-05 · 11 manufacturer sources
2026 max towing
5,000 lbs
2026 max payload
—
Years covered
2016–2026
Ford Explorer towing capacity by year
| Model year | Generation | Max towing | Max payload | Max-tow configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6th gen (2020–present) | 5,000 lbs [1] | — | Any engine (2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6) with standard Class III Trailer Tow PackageEvery 2026 Explorer is rated 5,000 lbs. |
| 2025 | 6th gen (2020–present) | 5,000 lbs [2] | — | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with standard Class III Trailer Tow PackageClass III tow package standard on all models from 2025. |
| 2024 | 6th gen (2020–present) | 5,600 lbs [3] | — | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) (King Ranch, Platinum, ST)2.3L max 5,300 lbs with 52T; 3.3L hybrid max 5,000 lbs. |
| 2023 | 6th gen (2020–present) | 5,600 lbs [4] | — | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) (King Ranch, Platinum, ST)2.3L max 5,300 lbs with 52T; 3.3L hybrid max 5,000 lbs. |
| 2022 | 6th gen (2020–present) | 5,600 lbs [5] | — | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) (King Ranch, Platinum, ST)2.3L max 5,300 lbs with 52T; 3.3L hybrid max 5,000 lbs. |
| 2021 | 6th gen (2020–present) | 5,600 lbs [6] | — | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 4WD (Platinum, ST) with Class III Trailer Tow Package2.3L max 5,300 lbs with 52T; 3.3L hybrid max 5,000 lbs. |
| 2020 | 6th gen (2020–present) | 5,600 lbs [7] | — | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 4WD (Platinum, ST) with Class III Trailer Tow PackageRedesigned RWD-based Explorer; 2.3L max 5,300 lbs; 3.3L hybrid 5,000 lbs. |
| 2019 | 5th gen (2011–2019) | 5,000 lbs [8] | — | 3.5L V6 or 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with Class III Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch2.3L EcoBoost max 3,000 lbs. |
| 2018 | 5th gen (2011–2019) | 5,000 lbs [9] | — | 3.5L V6 or 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with Class III Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch2.3L EcoBoost max 3,000 lbs. |
| 2017 | 5th gen (2011–2019) | 5,000 lbs [10] | — | 3.5L V6 or 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with Class III Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch2.3L EcoBoost max 3,000 lbs. |
| 2016 | 5th gen (2011–2019) | 5,000 lbs [11] | — | 3.5L V6 or 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with Class III Trailer Tow Package and weight-distributing hitch2.0L EcoBoost max 3,000 lbs. |
— = not published in a manufacturer source we could verify; we leave it blank rather than estimate.
2026 Ford Explorer towing capacity by configuration
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Axle | Package | Max towing | Payload | GCWR | Src |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | RWD | 3.58 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,000 | [1] |
| — | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 4WD | 3.58 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,100 | [1] |
| Tremor | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 4WD | 3.58 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,100 | [1] |
| Tremor | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 4WD | 3.58 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,800 | [1] |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | RWD | 3.58 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,800 | [1] |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 4WD | 3.58 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,800 | [1] |
| Police Interceptor Utility | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 4WD | 3.31 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,200 | [1] |
| Police Interceptor Utility | 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 4WD | 3.73 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,100 | [1] |
| Police Interceptor Utility | 3.3L HEV V6 | 4WD | 3.73 | Class III Trailer Tow Package (std) | 5,000 | — | 10,500 | [1] |
Ratings in lbs, as published by the manufacturer for the 2026 model year.
What lowers your Explorer's real towing limit
- From 2025 the Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard and every retail Explorer is rated 5,000 lbs regardless of engine.
- For 2020–2024 the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) earned 5,600 lbs, while the 2.3L topped out at 5,300 lbs and the hybrid at 5,000 lbs.
- Without factory tow equipment (dealer-accessory hitch only), 2016–2024 Explorers were limited to 2,000–3,000 lbs depending on engine.
- Explorer ratings are calculated with the SAE J2807 method (stated in 2019 and later guides).
The maximum rating assumes a specific, lightly loaded configuration. Three other limits apply on every tow, and the first one you hit is your real limit:
- Payload. Passengers, cargo, accessories and the trailer's tongue weight all count against payload. The payload figure on your door-jamb Tire and Loading Information placard is the one for your exact vehicle.
- Tongue weight. A conventional trailer typically puts 10–15% of its weight on the hitch, so a 5,000-lb trailer adds roughly 500–750 lbs to the truck or SUV. The hitch receiver has its own tongue-weight limit, printed on the receiver label.
- GCWR. The gross combined weight rating caps the loaded vehicle plus the loaded trailer. Every pound of passengers and cargo added to the vehicle comes off the trailer weight you can pull at GCWR.
Always stay within the lowest of these limits for your specific vehicle.
Check your exact Explorer tow rating by VIN
The table above shows the range. Your VIN pins down engine, drivetrain and cab; your window sticker adds the axle ratio and tow package.
Shopping for a Explorer?
Search Ford Explorer inventory · See what buyers actually paid · Ford research
More Ford towing capacity: Bronco · F-150 Raptor · F-150 · F-250 · F-350 · Maverick · Ranger
FAQ
What is the towing capacity of the Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped (Any engine (2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6) with standard Class III Trailer Tow Package). Source: 2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org). Lower-rated configurations tow less — the by-configuration table on this page lists each published rating.
Which Ford Explorer model year tows the most?
Among the model years on this page with a manufacturer-published rating (2016–2026), the highest maximum is 5,600 lbs, first published for the 2024 model year (3.0L EcoBoost V6 with Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) (King Ranch, Platinum, ST)).
How do I find my Ford Explorer's exact towing capacity?
Check the certification label on the driver's door jamb for GVWR and the Tire and Loading Information placard for payload, then match your engine, drivetrain, cab/bed and axle ratio to the manufacturer's table. CarWhere's VIN lookup resolves engine, drivetrain and cab from the VIN; the window sticker lists the axle ratio and tow package.
Sources
- Ford Motor Company, "2026 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20251204182631/https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2026-Ford-RV-and-Trailer-Towing-Guide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20250330222552/https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2025-Ford-RV-and-Trailer-Towing-Guide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2024 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20241205055516/https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2024-Ford-RV-and-Trailer-Towing-Guide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2023 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20250617002623/https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2023-Ford-RV-and-Trailer-Towing-Guide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2022 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, rev. 03/28/22 (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20221120144919/https://www.fleet.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/2022_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide_Calculator-Fleet_r5_Mar30.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2021 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20220707071648/https://www.fleet.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/2021_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2020 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20221029022724/https://www.fleet.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/2020_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2019 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20230610163407/https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/2019_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2018 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20230610163425/https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_18RVTTowGuide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2017 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20230610163429/https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_17RVTTowGuide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
- Ford Motor Company, "2016 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (via web.archive.org)" http://web.archive.org/web/20211110191203/https://www.fleet.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_16RVTTowGuide.pdf (accessed 2026-11-05)
Methodology: ratings transcribed from official manufacturer specifications, press materials and towing guides; figures we could not verify in a manufacturer source are left blank. Cite this page: CarWhere Research, "Ford Explorer Towing Capacity," carwhere.com/towing-capacity/ford/explorer, updated 2026-11-05.