2025 Ford Explorer towing capacity
Max tow rating
5,000lb
- Active RWD, 2.3L.
- Base trim: 5,000 lb.
- Top 34% of 159 SUVs (2025).
Trailer check
Yes. 4,000 lb is within 80% of the rating.
- Tow rating
- 5,000 lb
- 80% rule
- Up to 4,000 lb
- Margin
- 1,000 lb (20%)
- Hitch class needed
- III, up to 8,000 lb
- Share of curb weight
- 90% of 4,457 lb
Over the 85% curb weight guideline.
Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 14-19 mpg.
What it can pull
Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.
- Max tow rating
- 5,000 lb
- 80% of the rating
- 4,000 lb
- Hitch class at max
- III, up to 8,000 lb
| Trailer | Loaded weight | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Teardrop camper | 1,000 to 2,500 lb | Yes |
| Utility trailer | 1,000 to 3,000 lb | Yes |
| Pop-up camper | 1,500 to 3,000 lb | Yes |
| Boat on a trailer | 2,000 to 6,000 lb | Some, up to 4,000 lb |
| Small travel trailer | 3,000 to 5,000 lb | Some, up to 4,000 lb |
| 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 5,000 lb: Active RWD, $40,050.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD | 2.3L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $40,050 |
| Active 4WD | 2.3L 4cyl | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $42,050 |
| ST-Line RWD | 2.3L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $45,020 |
| ST-Line 4WD | 2.3L 4cyl | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $47,020 |
| Police Interceptor Utility AWD | N/A | AWD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $47,185 |
| Platinum RWD | 2.3L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $52,525 |
| Platinum 4WD | 2.3L 4cyl | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $54,525 |
| ST RWD | 3.0L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,458 lb to 4,670 lb | $54,770 |
| ST 4WD | 3.0L 6cyl | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,458 lb to 4,766 lb | $56,770 |
No rating listed: 1 trim.
Max rating by year
- 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
| Model | Max tow rating | Cheapest trim at max | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Expedition | 9,600 lb | Active 4x2 | $62,400 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 6,200 lb | Laredo A 2WD | $37,095 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 lb | Rock Creek 4WD | $44,490 |
| Ford Explorer (this car) | 5,000 lb | Active RWD | $40,050 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 lb | LT FWD | $40,700 |
| Honda Pilot | 5,000 lb | Sport AWD | $42,300 |
| Toyota Highlander | 5,000 lb | LE FWD | $40,320 |
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 can tow 5,000 lb? 92 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