Ford Explorer Towing Capacity & Payload Guide
Whether you're an avid camper, boater, or hobbyist who wants the flexibility of towing and the cabin space of an SUV, investigating Ford Explorer towing capacity is absolutely the right decision. Most people immediately assume that a truck is needed for trailering, but today's SUVs are often just as capable – and far more comfortable on long road trips.
The Aaron Ford of Escondido team created a helpful Ford Explorer towing capacity chart to illustrate towing capacity by engine. We have also detailed Ford Explorer towing capacity by year from 2020 to 2025 and included a helpful "Ford Explorer Payload" chart to make sure you're fully informed.
2025 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
The gorgeously capable 2025 Ford Explorer comes in four trim levels. The first three variants – Active, ST-Line, and Platinum – share a four-cylinder engine and offer up to 5,000 pounds of towing strength.1 The top-spec model boosts performance with a larger V-6 while maintaining 5,000 pounds of Ford Explorer towing capacity.1 All four 2025 editions come with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a standard Class 3 Trailer Tow Package, and Trailer Sway Control.
Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Engine
For many recent model years, the Explorer SUV has equipped its first few trims with an efficient 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. On paper, this engine may not look like much, but settle yourself behind the wheel of this inline-four setup, and you'll harness a high-horsepower machine with a lightweight build that leaves more room in your weight budget for cargo.
Move up a few trim levels, and you'll find a signature Ford 3.0-liter V-6 beneath the Explorer's hood; some model years offer 365- and 400-horsepower versions, while others solely offer 400 horsepower. Either way, the vehicle's engine balances twin-turbo systems and well-engineered components – the perfect recipe for strong, long-term performance.
Between 2020 and 2023, the Ford Explorer also gave drivers a 3.3-liter hybrid V-6 option, which used gas power, an electric motor, and regenerative braking to optimize efficiency. Take a closer look at the Ford Explorer towing capacity and horsepower by engine using the chart below.
Compare Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Engine: 2020 to 2025
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| Engine | Horsepower | Standard Towing1 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L turbo EcoBoost I-4 | 300 | 5,000 lbs |
| 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 | 365 | 5,000 lbs |
| 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 | 400 | 5,000 lbs |
| 3.3L HEV V-6 | 318 | 3,000 lbs |
Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Year: 2020 to 2025
Every 2019 Explorer SUV offered drivers a standard tow strength of 3,000 pounds,1 though pairing an optional Class 3 towing package with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine could increase that spec to 5,000.1 The Ford brand quickly recognized the demand for higher trailering capabilities and adjusted accordingly.
Beginning in 2020, engineers standardized the SUV's Class 3 Trailer Tow Package to bump the Ford Explorer towing capacity to a standard 5,000 pounds,1 opening up a world of trailering possibilities that include toy trailers and campers. The hybrid powertrain, available for the Ford Explorer between 2020 and 2023, towed 3,000 pounds with standard equipment.1
Compare Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Year
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| Model Year | Engine Options | Standard Towing w/Class 3 Tow Package1 | Available Towing w/Class 4 Tow Package1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
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| 2020 |
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Ford Explorer Payload Capacity & Its Even-More Vital GCWR
Drivers who don't trailer often may assume that knowing their trim's Ford Explorer payload capacity is necessary for towing. Because payload tells you how much cargo your SUV can carry but not how heavy your combined vehicle, trailer, towing system, and cargo can weigh, Ford Explorer payload is not as vital as Ford Explorer GCWR.
GCWR, or Gross Combined Weight Rating, represents the total maximum allowable weight of a vehicle when it's towing, which is a far more helpful number to know as you're hitching your trailer, loading it with toys or equipment, and packing your vehicle. Browse the chart below to understand Ford Explorer GCWR, trailer weight, and tongue load by engine so you can safely pack for any adventure.
Compare Ford Explorer GCWR
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| Engine | GCWR | Trailer Weight | Tongue Load |
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Beef Up Your Ford Explorer Towing Capacity With Towing & Payload Packages
As you can see in the charts above, there's a surefire way to elevate your Ford Explorer towing capacity: tow package add-ons! Although the Explorer SUV comes with a standard Class 3 Trailer Tow Package (and has since 2020), adding the available Class 4 Trailer Tow Package to your build can increase your vehicle's tow strength.1 We recommend adding this available package to your build if you plan to tow equipment at the top of the Explorer's capacity.
Tow Safely & Confidently With Aaron Ford of Escondido
Aaron Ford of Escondido is more than your local Ford dealership; we also help guide and support our patrons to keep them as safe, comfortable, and confident on the road as possible. Before you tow anything with your Ford SUV, make sure you do your homework. The Aaron Ford of Escondido staff can answer questions about Ford Explorer payloads, tow ratings, and tongue weights to help keep you and your possessions secure while you tow. Reach out for support, or stop by our dealership for a Ford Explorer tour and test drive.
What Our Customers Say About The Ford Explorer
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1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.