What can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow?
Yes, up to
5,000 lb
- Trailer types that fit
- 6 of 26
- 80% of the rating
- 4,000 lb
- Owner margin, not a maker limit
- Top trim
- Active RWD
Fit: 80% of the rating or less, and payload when listed.
Trailer check
Yes. 2,110 lb under the rating.
- Trailer
- Utility trailer 5x8, open with gate (U-Haul): 2,890 lb loaded.
- Tow rating
- 5,000 lb. 58% used.
- Payload
- Not listed for this trim. No payload verdict.
Shown: the heaviest trailer type that fits the top trim.
The tow rating as a picture
Checks
| Check | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Tow rating Pass | 2,890 lb loaded. Rating 5,000 lb. 58% of the rating. Margin 2,110 lb. |
| 80% of the rating Pass | Up to 4,000 lb. A common owner margin, not a maker limit. |
| Payload Not known | Payload not listed for this trim. No verdict. |
| Hitch needed Info | Class II, up to 3,500 lb. |
| Frontal area Not known | Maker guides also limit trailer frontal area. Check your towing guide. |
People: 2 at 150 lb each. Trim: Active RWD.
Every trim
16 trims: no payload listed. Tow rating checked only.
Source marks: one sourcemodel-level or estimate
| Trim | Tow rating | Share of rating | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Active w/100A Pkg RWD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Active 4WD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Active w/100A Pkg 4WD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Active (200A) RWD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Active w/200A Pkg RWD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Active (200A) 4WD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Active w/200A Pkg 4WD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| ST-Line RWD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| ST-Line 4WD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Police Interceptor Utility AWD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Tremor 4WD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Platinum RWD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| Platinum 4WD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| ST RWD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
| ST 4WD | 5,000 lb | 58% | Tow rating only |
Sources for this check
- U-Haul: trailer specs (2 pages)
- SAE J2807 assumes 150 lb for driver and passenger (Jalopnik, 2014-06-19)
Trailer table checked 2026-10-11.
What this cannot tell you
Typical weights for the class. Check your trailer's sticker.
Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.
- Two or more sources agree
- One source
- Model-level or estimate
- Sources differ