2023 Ford Explorer towing capacity
Up to 5,600 lbs (the source does not say which hitch type the figure is for). That rating is for this configuration: King Ranch and Platinum, RWD, 3.0L EcoBoost V6, RWD, 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.
Highest published rating5,600 lbsHitch type not stated. Lowest in the same tables: 3,000 lbs.
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.
2023 Ford Explorer towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2023 Ford Explorer towing capacity chart
All 15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Ranch and Platinum, RWDAutomaticfootnote 4 on the axle: King Ranch and Platinum models only; footnote 6 on the engine: Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST model; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.31 | 5,600 lbs | 10,800 lbs | p. 39 | |
| King Ranch and Platinum, 4WDAutomaticfootnote 4 on the axle: King Ranch and Platinum models only; footnote 6 on the engine: Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST model; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.31 | 5,600 lbs | 10,800 lbs | p. 39 | |
| ST, RWDAutomaticfootnote 5 on the axle: ST model only; footnote 6 on the engine: Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST model; RWD GCWR cell is blank on this line; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.58 | 5,600 lbs | p. 39 | ||
| ST, 4WDAutomaticfootnote 5 on the axle: ST model only; footnote 6 on the engine: Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST model; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,600 lbs | 10,800 lbs | p. 39 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4WDAutomaticfootnote 7 on the engine: Fleet only; GCWR and trailer weight cells each print two figures separated by a slash; paired here first with first and second with second; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,600 lbs | 10,600 lbs | Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 39 |
| 4WDAutomaticfootnote 1: Explorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as dealer accessory; footnote 7 on the engine: Fleet only; GCWR and trailer weight cells each print two figures separated by a slash; paired here first with first and second with second; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.58 | 3,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs | p. 39 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.58 | 5,300 lbs | 10,000 lbs | Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 39 |
| 4WDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,300 lbs | 10,100 lbs | Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 39 |
| Timberline, 4WDAutomaticfootnote 3: Class IV Trailer Tow Package standard on Timberline model; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,300 lbs | 10,300 lbs | p. 39 | |
| RWDAutomaticfootnote 1: Explorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as dealer accessory; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.58 | 3,000 lbs | 7,700 lbs | p. 39 | |
| 4WDAutomaticfootnote 1: Explorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as dealer accessory; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.58 | 3,000 lbs | 7,800 lbs | p. 39 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWDAutomaticGCWR and trailer weight cells each print two figures separated by a slash; paired here first with first and second with second; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.58 | 5,000 lbs | 10,500 lbs | Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 39 |
| 4WDAutomaticGCWR and trailer weight cells each print two figures separated by a slash; paired here first with first and second with second; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.73 | 5,000 lbs | 10,600 lbs | Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) | p. 39 |
| RWDAutomaticfootnote 1: Explorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as dealer accessory; GCWR and trailer weight cells each print two figures separated by a slash; paired here first with first and second with second; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.58 | 3,000 lbs | 8,500 lbs | p. 39 | |
| 4WDAutomaticfootnote 1: Explorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as dealer accessory; GCWR and trailer weight cells each print two figures separated by a slash; paired here first with first and second with second; table does not name the hitch type; the page lists only a ball-type hitch receiver; hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.73 | 3,000 lbs | 8,600 lbs | p. 39 |
Common questions
Which 2023 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.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2023 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 2023 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 2023 Ford Explorer. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver for the 2023 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
- 2023 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
- 2024 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- 2022 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- Every year of the Ford Explorer
- Other SUVs that can tow 5,000 lbs
- 2023 Ford F-450, up to 30,000 lbs
- 2023 Ford F-350, up to 28,000 lbs
- 2023 Ford F-250, up to 22,000 lbs
- 2023 Ford F-550 Chassis Cab, up to 18,500 lbs
- 2023 Ford F-600 Chassis Cab, up to 18,500 lbs