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 2012 Ford Escape?
The 2012 Ford Escape has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The 2012 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 2012 Ford Escape Tow?
The 2012 Ford Escape has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The 2012 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.
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.
2012 Escape Towing Capacity By Trim Level
There are many trim levels for the 2012 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 2012 Ford Escape:
2012 Ford Escape Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
2012 Ford Escape XLS | 1,500 pounds |
2012 Ford Escape XLT | 3,500 pounds |
2012 Ford Escape Limited | 3,500 pounds |
2012 Ford Escape Hybrid | 1,000 pounds |
Towing Capacity By Engine Size & Drivetrain
2012 Ford Escape Engine Towing Specs
There are three engine options for the 2012 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.
2012 Ford Escape 2.5L I4 Engine Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds
2012 Ford Escape 3.0L V6 Engine Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds
2012 Ford Escape 2.5L Hybrid Engine Towing Capacity: 1,000 pounds
2012 Ford Escape Drivetrain Towing Specs
The 2012 Ford Escape comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional on most trims.
2012 Ford Escape FWD Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
2012 Ford Escape AWD Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
Note that these are the max towing limits for each 2012 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.
2012 Ford Escape Payload Capacity
The maximum payload capacity of the 2012 Ford Escape is 1,161 pounds.
This means that the 2012 Escape can carry up to 1,161 pounds worth of 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 2012 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.
2012 Ford Escape Tow Package
Ford offers an optional factory-installed towing package for the Escape.
The 2012 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 2012 Escape.
2012 Ford Escape Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 2012 Ford Escape has a maximum tow rating of 3500 pounds, which makes it capable of medium-duty towing.
The 2012 Escape’s tow capability is similar to its main competitors which are the 2012 Honda CRV and the 2012 Nissan Rogue.
Here are some similar vehicles to the 2012 Ford Escape and their towing capacities below:
2012 Honda CR-V: 1,500 pounds
2012 Hyundai Tucson: 2,000 pounds
2012 Kia Sportage: 2,000 pounds
2012 Nissan Rogue: 1,500 pounds
2012 Ford SUVs Towing Capacity Chart
2012 Ford SUV Model | Towing Capacity |
2012 Ford Expedition | 9,200 pounds |
2012 Ford Explorer | 5,000 pounds |
2012 Ford Escape | 3,500 pounds |
2012 Ford Edge | 3,500 pounds |
2012 Ford Fusion | 1,000 pounds |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2012 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 2012 Ford Escape.