2018 Ford Escape towing capacity
Up to 3,500 lbs (the source does not say which hitch type the figure is for). That rating is for this configuration: Escape FWD, 2.0L EcoBoost I4, FWD, 3.07 axle. The lowest-rated configuration in the same tables is 1,500 lbs, so the answer for your vehicle depends on how it is equipped.
The top figure belongs to one specific build. Find the row that matches your engine, cab, drive and axle, and check the label on your driver's door jamb. Passengers and cargo in the truck come off what you can tow.
2018 Ford Escape towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2018 Ford Escape towing capacity chart
All 5 configurations in the source, by hitch type and engine, highest rating first. Each row links to the page it is printed on.
Hitch type not stated
The source gives these trailer weights without naming a hitch type. They are shown as printed.
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWDAutomatic Transmissionhitch type not stated for this rating; calculated with SAE J2807 method; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | FWD | 3.07 | 3,500 lbs | 7,486 lbs | Class II Trailer Tow Package | p. 30 |
| Escape 4WDAutomatic Transmissionhitch type not stated for this rating; calculated with SAE J2807 method; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | 4WD | 3.07 | 3,500 lbs | 7,639 lbs | Class II Trailer Tow Package | p. 30 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWDAutomatic Transmissionhitch type not stated for this rating; calculated with SAE J2807 method; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | FWD | 3.21 | 2,000 lbs | 5,871 lbs | Class II Trailer Tow Package | p. 30 |
| Escape 4WDAutomatic Transmissionhitch type not stated for this rating; calculated with SAE J2807 method; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | 4WD | 3.51 | 2,000 lbs | 6,023 lbs | Class II Trailer Tow Package | p. 30 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWDAutomatic Transmissionhitch type not stated for this rating; calculated with SAE J2807 method; footnote 2: no factory-installed towing equipment, dealer accessory only; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | FWD | 3.51 | 1,500 lbs | 5,374 lbs | dealer-accessory towing equipment | p. 30 |
Common questions
Which 2018 Ford Escape engine tows the most?
2.0L EcoBoost I4, at up to 3,500 lbs. Next is 1.5L EcoBoost I4 at up to 2,000 lbs.
What does a 2018 Ford Escape need to tow 3,500 lbs?
The source lists this for the top-rated configuration: Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2018 RV & Trailer Towing Guide. Each row in the tables above links to the document and gives the page the figure is printed on.
Towing equipment for the 2018 Ford Escape
The manufacturer's tables name this equipment for some 2018 Ford Escape configurations. Equipment does not raise a rating. Check the Needs column for your own build before buying anything.
- Trailer hitch receiver, listed for 1 of 5 configurations. See on Amazon (paid link)
Parts sold to fit this vehicle. Fitting one does not raise a rating, and the tables above say what each rating needs.
- Trailer wiring harness for the 2018 Ford Escape. See on Amazon (paid link)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The ratings on this page come only from the documents cited.
Where these numbers come from
- 2018 RV & Trailer Towing Guide, Ford. Manufacturer towing guide. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
Page numbers count pages in the linked file, which can differ from the number printed in the corner. Report a number that looks wrong.
Related ratings
- 2019 Ford Escape towing capacity
- 2017 Ford Escape towing capacity
- Every year of the Ford Escape
- Other SUVs that can tow 3,500 lbs
- 2018 Ford F-350, up to 21,000 lbs
- 2018 Ford F-450, up to 21,000 lbs
- 2018 Ford F-550, up to 18,500 lbs
- 2018 Ford F-250, up to 18,000 lbs
- 2018 Ford F-150, up to 13,200 lbs