2021 Ford Escape towing capacity
Max tow rating
3,500lb
- SEL AWD, 2.0L 4cyl.
- Base trim: 2,000 lb.
- Rank 71 of 127 SUVs (2021).
Trailer check
Yes. 2,800 lb is within 80% of the rating.
- Tow rating
- 3,500 lb
- 80% rule
- Up to 2,800 lb
- Margin
- 700 lb (20%)
- Hitch class needed
- II, up to 3,500 lb
- Share of curb weight
- 78% of 3,607 lb
Within the 85% curb weight guideline.
Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 16-21 mpg.
What it can pull
Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.
- Max tow rating
- 3,500 lb
- 80% of the rating
- 2,800 lb
- Hitch class at max
- II, up to 3,500 lb
| Trailer | Loaded weight | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Teardrop camper | 1,000 to 2,500 lb | Yes |
| Utility trailer | 1,000 to 3,000 lb | Some, up to 2,800 lb |
| Pop-up camper | 1,500 to 3,000 lb | Some, up to 2,800 lb |
| Boat on a trailer | 2,000 to 6,000 lb | Some, up to 2,800 lb |
| Small travel trailer | 3,000 to 5,000 lb | No |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 5,000 to 7,500 lb | No |
| Car on a car hauler | 5,500 to 7,500 lb | No |
| Large travel trailer | 7,500 to 10,000 lb | No |
| Fifth wheel | 10,000 to 16,000 lb | No |
Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.
Tow rating by trim
Cheapest at 3,500 lb: SEL AWD, $33,205.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEL AWD | 2.0L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 3,607 lb | $33,205 |
| Titanium AWD | 2.0L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 3,607 lb | $36,455 |
| S FWD | 1.5L 3cyl | FWD | 2,000 lb | 3,302 lb | $25,555 |
| SE FWD | 1.5L 3cyl | FWD | 2,000 lb | 3,302 lb | $27,035 |
| S AWD | 1.5L | AWD | 2,000 lb | 3,474 lb | $27,055 |
| SE AWD | 1.5L | AWD | 2,000 lb | 3,474 lb | $28,535 |
| SEL FWD | 1.5L | FWD | 2,000 lb | 3,298 lb | $29,505 |
| SE Hybrid FWD | 2.5L 4cyl | FWD | 1,500 lb | 3,550 lb | $28,030 |
| SE Hybrid AWD | 2.5L | AWD | 1,500 lb | 3,668 lb | $29,530 |
| SEL Hybrid FWD | 2.5L 4cyl | FWD | 1,500 lb | 3,550 lb | $30,500 |
| SEL Hybrid AWD | 2.5L | AWD | 1,500 lb | 3,668 lb | $32,000 |
| Plug-in Hybrid SE FWD | 2.5L 4cyl | FWD | 1,500 lb | 3,298 lb to 3,909 lb | $33,075 |
| Titanium Hybrid FWD | 2.5L 4cyl | FWD | 1,500 lb | 3,550 lb | $33,600 |
| Titanium Hybrid AWD | 2.5L | AWD | 1,500 lb | 3,668 lb | $35,100 |
| Plug-in Hybrid SEL FWD | 2.5L 4cyl | FWD | 1,500 lb | 3,298 lb to 3,909 lb | $35,815 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Titanium FWD | 2.5L 4cyl | FWD | 1,500 lb | 3,298 lb to 3,909 lb | $38,885 |
Max rating by year
- Changed in 2010: 3,500 lb to 1,500 lb.
- Changed in 2011: 1,500 lb to 3,500 lb.
- Changed in 2012: 3,500 lb to 2,000 lb.
- Changed in 2013: 2,000 lb to 3,500 lb.
- Changed in 2014: 3,500 lb to 2,000 lb.
- Changed in 2020: 2,000 lb to 3,500 lb.
- Changed in 2023: 3,500 lb to 2,000 lb.
Rivals: max tow rating
| Model | Max tow rating | Cheapest trim at max | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 5,600 lb | ST 4WD | $49,000 |
| Ford Escape (this car) | 3,500 lb | SEL AWD | $33,205 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 3,500 lb | Adventure AWD | $33,455 |
| Ford Bronco Sport | 2,000 lb | 4WD | $27,215 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 1,500 lb | L FWD | $23,800 |
| Honda CR-V | 1,500 lb | LX 2WD | $25,350 |
| Nissan Rogue | 1,350 lb | FWD S | $26,050 |
Lists by trailer weight
Other models rated for these weights.
- What can tow 1,500 lb? 173 models (2026)
- What can tow 2,000 lb? 155 models (2026)
- What can tow 3,500 lb? 135 models (2026)
What this cannot tell you
Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.
Passengers and cargo count against the payload.
- 2 or more sources
- 1 source
- Model-level, rule or estimate
- Sources disagree