Last Updated on March 16, 2025
When it comes to towing capacity, Ford’s SUV lineup offers a range of options to suit various needs. From the compact EcoSport to the full-size Expedition, each model brings its own strengths. Let’s review the towing capacities, cargo volumes, and engine specifications of Ford’s SUV lineup, covering model years from 2020 to 2025.
Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport, though compact, has impressive towing duties. For the 2020-2025 models, the Ford EcoSport maintains a consistent towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it suitable for light towing tasks such as hauling a small trailer or a couple of jet skis. In terms of cargo volume, the Ford EcoSport offers a respectable 50 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. This combination of towing capacity and cargo space makes the EcoSport a versatile choice for urban dwellers who occasionally need to haul gear for weekend getaways. The EcoSport comes with two engine options, including:
1.0L EcoBoost: This turbocharged three-cylinder engine is designed for efficiency.
2.0L Ti-VCT: This naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine offers more power for those who need it.
Both engines are paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes whether or not you’re towing a load.
Ford Escape
Moving up in size, the Ford Escape offers increased towing capacity and cargo volume. For the 2020-2025 models, the Ford Escape’s towing capacity ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the engine and configuration. The Ford Escape’s cargo volume is impressive for its class, offering up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This combination of towing capacity and cargo space makes the Ford Escape a popular choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. The Ford Escape offers several engine options, including:
1.5L EcoBoost: This turbocharged three-cylinder engine balances power and efficiency.
2.0L EcoBoost: This more powerful four-cylinder engine is ideal for those who need maximum towing capacity.
2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I4 Hybrid: This engine option is perfect for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.
With the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and the available Class II Trailer Tow Package, the Escape can reach its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge, a midsize SUV, offers a blend of comfort and capability. For the 2020-2025 models, the Edge maintains a consistent maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Ford Edge typically offers generous space for its class, making it a practical choice for families and those who need to haul larger items. The Ford Edge comes with two primary engine options, including:
2.0L EcoBoost: This turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the standard offering, providing a good balance of power and efficiency.
2.7L EcoBoost V6: Available on the ST trim, this more powerful engine is perfect for those who want extra performance.
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery whether towing or not.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer, a popular three-row SUV, offers impressive towing capabilities. For the 2020-2025 models, the Ford Explorer towing capacity ranges from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine and configuration. This towing capacity allows the Ford Explorer to handle a wide range of towing tasks. For example, you could easily tow a medium-sized boat, a camping trailer, or a pair of jet skis. The Ford Explorer’s versatility makes it a favorite for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The Ford Explorer offers several powertrain options, including:
2.3L EcoBoost I4: This turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency.
3.0L EcoBoost V6: This more powerful engine is perfect for those who need maximum towing capacity.
3.3L Hybrid V6: This option is ideal for those who want to balance power with fuel efficiency.
The Ford Explorer also comes with towing-specific features, such as trailer sway control, which helps maintain stability while towing.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition, Ford’s full-size SUV, is the towing champion of the lineup. For the 2020-2025 models, the Ford Expedition’s towing capacity ranges from 6,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the configuration. In terms of cargo volume, the Ford Expedition offers a cavernous 104.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, expanding to 121.5 cubic feet in the Ford Expedition MAX. This combination of towing capacity and cargo space makes the Ford Expedition ideal for large families or those who frequently need to haul heavy loads.
The Ford Expedition is powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, which delivers impressive power and torque for towing. When equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package, the Ford Expedition can reach its maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco, reintroduced in 2021, offers a unique blend of off-road capability and towing capacity. For the 2021-2025 models, the Ford Bronco maintains a consistent maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Ford Bronco engine comes in two options, including:
2.3L EcoBoost: This turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency.
2.7L EcoBoost: This more powerful V6 engine is perfect for those who need extra performance, especially in off-road situations.
Both engines can be paired with either a seven-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. The Ford Bronco’s adventure capabilities extend beyond its towing capacity. With features like a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes, the Ford Bronco is designed to tackle a wide range of off-road conditions while still being able to tow your gear.
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Towing Features and Technologies
Ford has invested heavily in towing assistance features across its SUV lineup. Two standout technologies are Trailer Sway Control and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Trailer Sway Control is an electronic system that detects and corrects trailer sway by applying the brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine torque. This system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s stability control system to monitor lateral movements and yaw rate, helping to prevent dangerous swaying situations. Pro Trailer Backup Assist is a game-changing feature that makes backing up with a trailer easy. This system uses advanced cameras and sensors to guide the trailer in the direction you indicate, taking the stress out of maneuvering in tight spaces.
Comparison of Towing Capacities
When choosing the right Ford SUV for towing, it’s essential to compare maximum towing capacities across the different models. Whether you’re hauling light loads or need a vehicle capable of towing larger trailers, understanding the differences in towing capacity can help you make the best decision for your needs. Here is an overview of each model and their comparative towing capabilities.
| Model | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) |
| EcoSport | 2,000 |
| Escape | 3,500 |
| Edge | 3,500 |
| Explorer | 5,600 |
| Expedition | 9,300 |
| Bronco | 3,500 |
What Can You Tow?
Understanding what you can tow with each SUV model is crucial for selecting the right vehicle for your towing needs. Towing capacity can vary significantly across models, so it’s important to match the vehicle’s capabilities to the weight and type of load you plan to tow. Below are some common towing scenarios and their approximate weights, paired with the appropriate Ford SUV models.
Jet Ski (500-1,000 lbs)
Any Ford SUV, including the EcoSport
Jet skis are lightweight and can easily be towed by any model in the Ford Sport Utility Vehicle lineup, including the compact EcoSport. If you’re heading out for a day on the water, any Ford Sport Utility Vehicle will handle a jet ski with ease.
Small Aluminum Boat (1,500-2,000 lbs)
Escape, Edge, Bronco
A small aluminum boat typically falls within the 1,500-2,000-pound range, which is well within the towing capacity of the Ford Escape, Edge, and Bronco. These vehicles can comfortably haul your boat to and from the water, especially with the available towing packages.
Pop-up Camper (2,000-3,000 lbs)
Escape, Edge, Bronco
If you’re planning a weekend camping trip, a pop-up camper usually weighs between 2,000-3,000 pounds. The Ford Escape, Edge, and Bronco are perfect choices for hauling a pop-up camper, offering enough towing capacity for a smooth trip.
Medium-sized Travel Trailer (3,000-5,000 lbs)
Explorer
A medium-sized travel trailer, such as those used for longer road trips, often is between 3,000-5,000 pounds. The Ford Explorer, with a max towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, is well-equipped to tow these trailers, making it a great option for those who want to travel in comfort with their gear.
Large Boat or RV (6,000-9,000 lbs)
Expedition
For those who need to haul a large boat or RV, the Ford Expedition is the ideal choice. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds, the Ford Expedition can handle heavy loads like large boats or RVs, making it perfect for extended road trips or large-scale towing tasks.
Choosing the Right SUV for Your Towing Needs
Selecting the right SUV for your towing needs involves considering several factors, including:
Frequency of towing: If you tow frequently, you might want to opt for a larger SUV with a higher towing capacity.
Typical load: Consider the weight of what you’ll be towing most often.
Storage needs: Think about how much cargo space you need when not towing.
Fuel efficiency: If you’re concerned about fuel costs, consider models with more efficient engines or hybrid options.
Off-road needs: If you’ll be towing in off-road conditions, the Bronco might be a good choice.
Choosing the right vehicle depends on your towing requirements, driving conditions, and overall lifestyle. Based on these factors, here are our top recommendations to help you find the best fit:
For occasional light towing and city driving: EcoSport or Escape
For regular towing of medium-sized loads: Edge or Explorer
For frequent heavy towing or large families: Expedition
For off-road adventures with towing needs: Bronco
Conclusion
Ford’s sport utility vehicle lineup offers a wide range of towing capabilities to suit various needs. From the compact EcoSport’s 2,000-pound capacity to the Expedition’s impressive 9,300-pound maximum, there’s a Ford vehicle for every towing task. The integration of advanced technologies like Trailer Sway Control and Pro Trailer Backup Assist demonstrates Ford’s commitment to making towing safer and more accessible for all drivers. Whether you’re towing jet skis for a weekend at the lake or hauling a large RV for an extended road trip, Ford’s sport utility vehicle lineup has you covered. Remember to always consider your specific towing needs, including frequency, typical load, and driving conditions, when choosing the right Ford vehicle. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of towing capability, cargo space, and driving performance for your lifestyle.