The Ford Explorer was introduced into Ford’s lineup as a range of SUVs in 1991 and is still made today. The Explorer has many features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The 2025 Ford Explorer tow capacity can vary based on a few different factors such as engine size, drivetrain, and others which we’ll cover in this guide.
How Much Can The 2025 Ford Explorer Tow?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The 2025 Ford Explorer towing 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 Explorer can tow.
You can check out our guide to Ford Explorer 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.
2025 Explorer Tow Capacity By Trim Level
There are several trim levels for the 2025 Explorer, and some engines are not available on certain trims, so they’ll each have different max towing limits.
Here’s the max tow capacity broken down for each trim level on the 2025 Ford Explorer:
2025 Ford Explorer Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
2025 Ford Explorer Active | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2025 Ford Explorer ST | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2025 Ford Explorer Active Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Ford Explorer ST Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Towing Capacity By Engine Size & Drivetrain
2025 Ford Explorer Engine Towing Specs
There are two engine options for the 2025 Explorer, which are a 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine.
2025 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Engine Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Ford Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Engine Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Ford Explorer Drivetrain Towing Specs
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with rear wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option.
2025 Ford Explorer RWD Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Ford Explorer AWD Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Note that these are the max towing limits for each 2025 Ford Explorer engine. Your Ford Explorer may have a lower towing capacity based on the drivetrain, axle ratio, and if your vehicle has a towing package installed.
2025 Ford Explorer Payload Capacity
The maximum payload capacity of the 2025 Ford Explorer is 1,723 pounds.
Note that the max payload capacity of your 2025 Explorer 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.
2025 Ford Explorer Tow Package
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with a towing hitch, 4-pin and 7-pin wiring harness, hitch receiver, trailer brake wiring kit, upgraded front springs, upgraded rear axle, rear stabilizer bar, trailer brake controller, and trailer sway control.
We definitely recommend getting the tow package if you plan on towing anything with your 2025 Explorer.
7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector: Provides the necessary electrical connections between the truck and the trailer, allowing the trailer’s lights, brakes, and other features to function properly. Essential for safety and legal compliance when towing.
Hitch Receiver: This is the main component that connects the trailer to the truck, providing a secure attachment point. A high-quality hitch receiver is crucial for towing heavy loads safely.
Trailer Brake Wiring/Feed Kit: This kit ensures that the trailer’s brakes are properly wired to the truck, enabling the driver to control the trailer brakes from the truck. This enhances safety by allowing better control of the trailer, especially under heavy loads or during emergency braking.
Max Front Springs: Upgrade to the front suspension to handle the additional weight from towing.
Upgraded Rear Axle: A stronger rear axle helps support the increased load capacity that comes with towing heavy trailers. This reduces wear and tear on the truck and improves overall performance and durability.
Increased GCW (6.7L): GCW stands for Gross Combined Weight. Increasing the GCW means the vehicle can legally and safely carry more weight, which includes the weight of the truck, trailer, and cargo. This is particularly important for heavy-duty towing.
Rear Stabilizer Bar: The stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when towing, enhancing stability and control. This is particularly beneficial when towing large or heavy trailers, as it improves handling and safety.
Trailer Brake Controller: An integrated trailer brake controller allows the driver to adjust the braking force applied to the trailer brakes from within the cab, improving safety and ease of use.
Trailer Sway Control This feature helps reduce trailer sway, which can occur when the trailer moves side to side uncontrollably. Trailer sway control improves stability, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions, making towing safer and more manageable.
2025 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capability of 5,600 pounds, which makes it capable of doing some heavy duty trailer towing.
This number is a little less than the Explorer’s main competitors which are the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Kia Telluride.
Here are some similar vehicles to the 2025 Ford Explorer and their towing capacities below:
2025 Hyundai Palisade Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Kia Telluride Towing Capacity: 5,500 pounds
2025 Honda Pilot Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2025 Ford SUVs Towing Capacity Chart
2025 Ford SUV Model | Towing Capacity |
2025 Ford Expedition | 9,300 pounds |
2025 Ford Explorer | 5,000 pounds |
2025 Ford Edge | 3,500 pounds |
2025 Ford Escape | 3,500 pounds |
2025 Ford Ecosport | 2,000 pounds |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2025 Ford Explorer 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 2025 Ford Explorer.