2008 Ford Escape Towing Capacity

If you’re searching for a roomy yet compact SUV with plenty of comfort and technology then the Ford Escape is a great choice. The Escape was introduced into Ford’s lineup in 2001 and is still made today. But what is the towing capacity of a 2008 Ford Escape?

The 2008 Ford Escape has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The 2008 Ford Escape tow capacity can vary based on a few different factors such as engine size, drivetrain, trim level, and others which we’ll cover in this guide.

How Much Can The 2008 Ford Escape Tow?

The 2008 Ford Escape has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The 2008 Ford Escape tow capacity is affected by other factors like engine type, drivetrain, the weight of cargo and passengers, and whether your vehicle has a towing package equipped or not.

You can always reach out to your local Ford dealership for details to confirm how much your Escape can tow.

2008 Ford Escape Towing Capacity Chart
2008 Ford Escape Towing Capacity Chart

You can check out our guide to Ford Escape towing capacity by year if you’re looking at a different model year’s max capacity or if you want to compare different years of this vehicle.

You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.

2008 Escape Towing Capacity By Trim Level

There are many trim levels for the 2008 Escape. Some engines and features are not available on certain configurations, so they can each have different max towing limits.

Here’s the max tow capacity broken down for each package on the 2008 Ford Escape:

2008 Ford Escape Trim LevelTowing Capacity
2008 Ford Escape XLS1,500 pounds
2008 Ford Escape XLT3,500 pounds
2008 Ford Escape Limited3,500 pounds
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid0 pounds (Towing not recommended)
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited0 pounds (Towing not recommended)
2008 Ford Escape Towing Capacity by Trim Level Chart

Towing Capacity By Engine Size & Drivetrain

2008 Ford Escape Engine Towing Specs

There are three engine options for the 2008 Escape, which are a 2.5L I4 engine that produces 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, a 3.0L V6 engine that produces 240 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.5L Hybrid engine that produces 177 net horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque.

2008 Ford Escape 2.5L I4 Engine Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds

2008 Ford Escape 3.0L V6 Engine Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds

2008 Ford Escape 2.5L Hybrid Engine Towing Capacity: 0 pounds (Towing Not Recommended)

2008 Ford Escape Drivetrain Towing Specs

The 2008 Ford Escape comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional on most trims.

2008 Ford Escape FWD Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

2008 Ford Escape AWD Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

Note that these are the max towing limits for each 2008 Ford Escape engine. Your Ford Escape may have a lower towing capacity based on the drivetrain, axle ratio, and if your vehicle has a towing package installed.

2008 Ford Escape Payload Capacity

The maximum payload capacity of the 2008 Ford Escape is 1,113 pounds.

This means that the 2008 Escape can carry up to 1,113 pounds of combined passenger and cargo weight in the vehicle, which makes it great for road trips and hauling heavier items.

Note that the max payload capacity of your 2008 Escape will vary based on factors like the engine type, drivetrain and whether or not a towing package that includes other features like an engine oil cooler or transmission oil cooler is installed.

You can always contact your local dealership for extra details if you’re unsure of your vehicle’s payload capability.

2008 Ford Escape Tow Package

Ford offers an optional factory-installed towing package for the Escape.

The 2008 Escape Sport Towing Package (code 536) includes a hitch receiver, wiring harness, auxiliary auto transmission oil cooler, and trailer sway control.

We definitely recommend getting a towing package if you plan on towing anything with your 2008 Escape.

ford escape towing a travel trailer
The 2008 Ford Escape can pull up to 3,500 pounds, making it capable of handling medium-duty loads.

2008 Ford Escape Towing Capacity Vs Competitors

The 2008 Ford Escape has a maximum tow rating of 3500 pounds, which makes it capable of  medium-duty towing.

The 2008 Escape’s tow capability is similar to its main competitors which are the 2008 Honda CRV and the 2008 Nissan Rogue.

Here are some similar vehicles to the 2008 Ford Escape and their towing capacities below:

2008 Honda CR-V: 1,500 pounds

2008 Hyundai Tucson: 2,000 pounds

2008 Kia Sportage: 2,000 pounds

2008 Nissan Rogue: 1,500 pounds

2008 Ford SUVs Towing Capacity Chart

2008 Ford SUV ModelTowing Capacity
2008 Ford Expedition 9,200 pounds
2008 Ford Explorer7,130 pounds
2008 Ford Escape3,500 pounds
2008 Ford Edge3,500 pounds
2008 Ford Fusion1,000 pounds
2008 Ford SUVs Towing Capacity Chart

Data Accuracy

We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2008 Ford Escape Owner’s Manual on Ford’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.

Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with a 2008 Ford Escape.

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