2021 Ford Explorer towing capacity
Up to 5,600 lbs with a conventional ball hitch. That rating is for this configuration: 4WD, 3.0L EcoBoost V6, 4WD, 3.31 axle. The lowest-rated configuration in the same tables is 3,000 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 Explorer towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2021 Ford Explorer towing capacity chart
All 12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4WDAutomaticKing Ranch and Platinum models only; Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST, King Ranch and Platinum; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | 4WD | 3.31 | 5,600 lbs | 10,800 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 36 |
| 4WDAutomaticST model only; Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST, King Ranch and Platinum; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,600 lbs | 10,800 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 36 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4WDAutomaticfleet only; GCWR cell printed as 8,000/10,600 and trailer cell as 3,000(1)/5,600(2), paired in order; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,600 lbs | 10,600 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 36 |
| 4WDAutomaticExplorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; fleet only; GCWR cell printed as 8,000/10,600 and trailer cell as 3,000(1)/5,600(2), paired in order; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | 4WD | 3.58 | 3,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs | p. 36 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWDAutomatichitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | RWD | 3.58 | 5,300 lbs | 10,000 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 36 |
| 4WDAutomatichitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,300 lbs | 10,100 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 36 |
| RWDAutomaticExplorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | RWD | 3.58 | 3,000 lbs | 7,700 lbs | p. 36 | |
| 4WDAutomaticExplorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | 4WD | 3.58 | 3,000 lbs | 7,800 lbs | p. 36 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWDAutomaticGCWR cell printed as 8,500/10,500 and trailer cell as 3,000(1)/5,000(2), paired in order; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | RWD | 3.58 | 5,000 lbs | 10,500 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 36 |
| 4WDAutomaticGCWR cell printed as 8,600/10,600 and trailer cell as 3,000(1)/5,000(2), paired in order; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | 4WD | 3.73 | 5,000 lbs | 10,600 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 36 |
| RWDAutomaticExplorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; GCWR cell printed as 8,500/10,500 and trailer cell as 3,000(1)/5,000(2), paired in order; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | RWD | 3.58 | 3,000 lbs | 8,500 lbs | p. 36 | |
| 4WDAutomaticExplorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; GCWR cell printed as 8,600/10,600 and trailer cell as 3,000(1)/5,000(2), paired in order; hitch not named in table; page 41 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; calculated with SAE J2807 method | 4WD | 3.73 | 3,000 lbs | 8,600 lbs | p. 36 |
Common questions
Which 2021 Ford Explorer engine tows the most?
3.0L EcoBoost V6, at up to 5,600 lbs. Next is 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 at up to 5,600 lbs.
What does a 2021 Ford Explorer need to tow 5,600 lbs?
The source lists this for the top-rated configuration: Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T).
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 Explorer
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 Explorer. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver for the 2021 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
- 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 Explorer towing capacity
- 2020 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- Every year of the Ford Explorer
- Other SUVs that can tow 5,000 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