2016 Ford Explorer towing capacity
5,000 lbs with a conventional ball hitch. That rating is for this configuration: Explorer FWD, 3.5L V6, FWD, 3.39 axle.
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.
2016 Ford Explorer towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2016 Ford Explorer towing capacity chart
All 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer FWDAutomatic Transmissionfootnote 3 requires a weight-distributing hitch, so treated as conventional; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | FWD | 3.39 | 5,000 lbs | 9,950 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package; weight-distributing hitch | p. 22 |
| Explorer 4WDAutomatic Transmissionfootnote 3 requires a weight-distributing hitch, so treated as conventional; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | 4WD | 3.65 | 5,000 lbs | 10,150 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package; weight-distributing hitch | p. 22 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 4WDAutomatic Transmissionfootnote 3 requires a weight-distributing hitch, so treated as conventional; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | 4WD | 3.16 | 5,000 lbs | 10,400 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package; weight-distributing hitch | p. 22 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer FWDAutomatic Transmissionhitch type not stated for this rating; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | FWD | 3.36 | 3,000 lbs | 7,950 lbs | Class II Trailer Towing Package | p. 22 |
| Explorer 4WDAutomatic Transmissionhitch type not stated for this rating; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | 4WD | 3.51 | 3,000 lbs | 8,150 lbs | Class II Trailer Towing Package | p. 22 |
| Explorer FWDAutomatic Transmissionfootnote 1: no factory towing equipment, dealer accessory only; hitch type not stated for this rating; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | FWD | 3.36 | 2,000 lbs | 6,900 lbs | dealer-accessory towing equipment | p. 22 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer FWDAutomatic Transmissionfootnote 1: no factory towing equipment, dealer accessory only; hitch type not stated for this rating; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | FWD | 3.39 | 2,000 lbs | 6,900 lbs | dealer-accessory towing equipment | p. 22 |
| Explorer 4WDAutomatic Transmissionfootnote 1: no factory towing equipment, dealer accessory only; hitch type not stated for this rating; drive taken from which GCWR column (FWD/4WD) is filled | 4WD | 3.65 | 2,000 lbs | 7,110 lbs | dealer-accessory towing equipment | p. 22 |
Common questions
Which 2016 Ford Explorer engine tows the most?
3.5L V6, at up to 5,000 lbs. Next is 3.5L V6 EcoBoost® at up to 5,000 lbs.
What does a 2016 Ford Explorer need to tow 5,000 lbs?
The source lists this for the top-rated configuration: Class III Trailer Tow Package; weight-distributing hitch.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2016 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 2016 Ford Explorer
The manufacturer's tables name this equipment for some 2016 Ford Explorer configurations. Equipment does not raise a rating. Check the Needs column for your own build before buying anything.
- Weight-distributing hitch, listed for 3 of 8 configurations. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver, listed for 3 of 8 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 2016 Ford Explorer. 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
- 2016 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
- 2017 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- 2015 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- Every year of the Ford Explorer
- Other SUVs that can tow 5,000 lbs
- 2016 Ford F-350, up to 19,000 lbs
- 2016 Ford F-450, up to 19,000 lbs
- 2016 Ford F-550, up to 16,000 lbs
- 2016 Ford F-250, up to 14,000 lbs
- 2016 Ford F-150, up to 12,200 lbs