2021 Ford Escape towing capacity
Up to 3,500 lbs with a conventional ball hitch. That rating is for this configuration: AWD, 2.0L EcoBoost I4, AWD, 3.47 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.
2021 Ford Escape towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2021 Ford Escape towing capacity chart
All 7 configurations in the source, by hitch type and engine, highest rating first. Each row links to the page it is printed on.
Conventional (ball hitch)
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWDAutomatictrailer cell printed as 2,000(2)/3,500(3); final drive ratio; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | AWD | 3.47 | 3,500 lbs | 7,510 lbs | Class II Trailer Tow Package (536) | p. 36 |
| AWDAutomaticEscape does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; trailer cell printed as 2,000(2)/3,500(3); final drive ratio; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | AWD | 3.47 | 2,000 lbs | 7,510 lbs | p. 36 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWDAutomaticEscape does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; final drive ratio; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | FWD | 3.52 | 2,000 lbs | 6,660 lbs | p. 36 | |
| AWDAutomaticEscape does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; final drive ratio; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | AWD | 3.81 | 2,000 lbs | 6,830 lbs | p. 36 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWDAutomaticone trailer rating printed for both FWD and AWD GCWR columns; final drive ratio; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | FWD | 2.91 | 1,500 lbs | 5,460 lbs | Class II Trailer Tow Package (536) (SEL/Titanium Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid) | p. 36 |
| AWDAutomaticone trailer rating printed for both FWD and AWD GCWR columns; final drive ratio; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | AWD | 2.91 | 1,500 lbs | 5,590 lbs | Class II Trailer Tow Package (536) (SEL/Titanium Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid) | p. 36 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWDAutomaticfinal drive ratio; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | FWD | 2.91 | 1,500 lbs | 5,790 lbs | Class II Trailer Tow Package (536) (SEL/Titanium Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid) | p. 36 |
Common questions
Which 2021 Ford Escape engine tows the most?
2.0L EcoBoost I4, at up to 3,500 lbs. Next is 1.5L EcoBoost I3 at up to 2,000 lbs.
What does a 2021 Ford Escape need to tow 3,500 lbs?
The source lists this for the top-rated configuration: Class II Trailer Tow Package (536).
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2021 Ford 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 2021 Ford Escape
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 2021 Ford Escape. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver for the 2021 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
- 2021 Ford 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
- 2022 Ford Escape towing capacity
- 2020 Ford Escape towing capacity
- Every year of the Ford Escape
- Other SUVs that can tow 3,500 lbs
- 2021 Ford F-450, up to 24,200 lbs
- 2021 Ford F-350, up to 21,200 lbs
- 2021 Ford F-250, up to 20,000 lbs
- 2021 Ford F-550, up to 18,500 lbs
- 2021 Ford F-600, up to 18,500 lbs