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2022 Ford Explorer towing capacity

Max tow rating

5,600lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 4,400 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
5,600 lb
80% rule
Up to 4,480 lb
Margin
1,200 lb (21%)
Hitch class needed
III, up to 8,000 lb
Share of curb weight
Curb weight not listed

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 12-16 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 4,480 lbRating: 5,600 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 4,480 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating
5,600 lb
80% of the rating
4,480 lb
Hitch class at max
III, up to 8,000 lb
What it can pull at 4,480 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbYes
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbYes
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbYes
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbSome, up to 4,480 lb
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbSome, up to 4,480 lb
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 5,600 lb: ST 4WD, $51,260.

2022 Ford Explorer tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingPayloadGVWRCurb weightMSRP
ST 4WD3.0L 6cyl4WD5,600 lbN/AN/A4,458 lb to 4,701 lb$51,260
RWD2.3L 4cylRWD5,300 lb1,510 lb5,855 lb4,345 lb to 4,458 lb$35,510
AWD2.3LAWD5,300 lbN/AN/A4,437 lb$37,510
XLT RWD2.3LRWD5,300 lbN/AN/A4,345 lb to 4,458 lb$38,570
XLT 4WD2.3L 4cyl4WD5,300 lb1,500 lb5,937 lb4,437 lb$40,570
ST-Line RWD2.3LRWD5,300 lbN/AN/A4,345 lb to 4,458 lb$45,760
Limited RWD2.3LRWD5,300 lbN/AN/A4,345 lb to 4,458 lb$47,070
ST-Line 4WD2.3L 4cyl4WD5,300 lbN/AN/A4,437 lb$47,760
Timberline 4WD2.3L 4cyl4WD5,300 lbN/AN/A4,437 lb$48,320
Limited 4WD2.3L 4cyl4WD5,300 lb1,500 lb5,937 lb4,437 lb$49,070
ST RWD3.0LRWD5,300 lbN/AN/A4,458 lb to 4,701 lb$49,260
King Ranch RWD3.0LRWD5,300 lbN/AN/A4,345 lb to 4,458 lb$53,630
Hybrid Police Interceptor Utility AWD3.3L 6cylAWD5,000 lbN/AN/AN/A$41,110
Platinum RWD3.3LRWD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,458 lb to 4,969 lb$52,375
Limited HEV 4WD3.3L 6cyl4WD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,458 lb to 5,076 lb$54,060
Hybrid Limited AWD3.3L 6cylAWD5,000 lbN/AN/AN/A$54,060
Platinum HEV 4WD3.3L 6cyl4WD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,458 lb to 5,076 lb$54,375
Hybrid Platinum AWD3.3L 6cylAWD5,000 lbN/AN/AN/A$54,375
Platinum 4WD3.3L4WD5,000 lb to 5,600 lbN/AN/A4,458 lb to 5,076 lb$54,375
King Ranch 4WD3.0L 6cyl4WD5,300 lb to 5,600 lbN/AN/A4,458 lb to 4,701 lb$55,630

No rating listed: 3 trims.

Max rating by year

02,0004,0006,0008,0002009201220152018202120242026
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2010: 7,115 lb to 3,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2011: 3,500 lb to 5,000 lb.
  • Changed in 2012: 5,000 lb to 2,000 lb.
  • Changed in 2014: 2,000 lb to 5,000 lb.
  • Changed in 2020: 5,000 lb to 5,600 lb.
  • Changed in 2025: 5,600 lb to 5,000 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2022 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Ford Expedition6,300 lbMax XLT 4x2$59,110 to $59,440
Jeep Grand Cherokee6,200 lbLaredo E 2WD$35,665
Nissan Pathfinder6,000 lbPlatinum 2WD$47,140
Ford Explorer (this car)5,600 lbST 4WD$51,260
Chevrolet Traverse5,000 lbLT Cloth FWD$36,200
Honda Pilot5,000 lbSport AWD$40,080
Toyota Highlander5,000 lbL FWD$35,855

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked