2027 Ford Explorer towing capacity
Max tow rating
5,000 lb
- Cheapest at max
- Active RWD
- 2.3L 4cyl
- Hitch class at max
- III, up to 8,000 lb
Top 44% of 79 SUVs (2027).
Trailer check
Yes. Under the rating, but over 85% of curb weight.
- Tow rating
- 5,000 lb
- 80% of the rating
- Up to 4,000 lb
- Room left
- 1,000 lb (20% of the rating)
- Hitch class needed
- III, up to 8,000 lb
- Share of curb weight (guideline 85%)
- 92% of 4,344 lb
80% of the rating: a common owner margin, not a maker limit. 85% of curb weight: a common owner guideline for cars and SUVs.
What it can pull
80% of the rating: a common owner margin, not a maker limit.
- Max tow rating
- 5,000 lb
- 80% of the rating
- 4,000 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, $38,465.
Source marks: two or more sources agreeone sourcesources differmodel-level or estimate
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD | 2.3L 4cyl | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,344 lb | $38,465 |
| ST-Line RWD | 2.3L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,344 lb | $44,200 |
| ST-Line 4WD | 2.3L 4cyl | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,360 lb | $46,200 |
| Police Interceptor Utility AWD | Not listed | AWD | 5,000 lb | 4,409 lb | $49,050 |
| Tremor 4WD | 2.3L | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb to 4,755 lb | $49,200 |
| Platinum RWD | 2.3L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,344 lb | $50,660 |
| Platinum 4WD | 2.3L 4cyl | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,360 lb | $52,660 |
| ST RWD | 3.0L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,670 lb | $53,660 |
| ST 4WD | 3.0L 6cyl | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,688 lb | $55,660 |
| Active w/100A Pkg RWD | 2.3L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,344 lb | $38,465 to $38,680 |
| Active w/200A Pkg RWD | 2.3L | RWD | 5,000 lb | 4,344 lb | $40,400 to $40,615 |
| Active 4WD | 2.3L 4cyl | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,360 lb | $38,465 to $40,465 |
| Active w/100A Pkg 4WD | 2.3L | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $40,465 to $40,680 |
| Active w/200A Pkg 4WD | 2.3L | 4WD | 5,000 lb | 4,457 lb | $42,400 to $42,615 |
No rating listed: 1 trim.
Highest rating by year
- 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 4WD | $66,600 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 6,200 lb | Altitude 4WD | $46,960 |
| Ford Explorer (this car) | 5,000 lb | Active RWD | $38,465 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 lb | LT FWD | $41,100 |
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.
- Two or more sources agree
- One source
- Model-level or estimate
- Sources differ