2025 Ford Explorer towing capacity
5,000 lbs (the source does not say which hitch type the figure is for). That rating is for this configuration: RWD, 2.3L EcoBoost I4, RWD, 3.58 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.
2025 Ford Explorer towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2025 Ford Explorer towing capacity chart
All 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.58 | 5,000 lbs | 10,000 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
| 4WDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,000 lbs | 10,100 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum, RWDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.31 | 5,000 lbs | 10,800 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
| Platinum, 4WDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.31 | 5,000 lbs | 10,800 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
| Police Interceptor Utility, 4WDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.31 | 5,000 lbs | 10,200 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
| ST, RWDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | RWD | 3.58 | 5,000 lbs | 10,800 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
| ST, 4WDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.58 | 5,000 lbs | 10,800 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police Interceptor Utility, 4WDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.73 | 5,000 lbs | 10,100 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police Interceptor Utility, 4WDAutomatictable does not name the hitch type; the page lists only the standard Class III hitch receiver (ball-type); hitch left null per protocol | 4WD | 3.73 | 5,000 lbs | 10,500 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard) | p. 39 |
Common questions
Which 2025 Ford Explorer engine tows the most?
2.3L EcoBoost I4, at up to 5,000 lbs. Next is 3.0L EcoBoost V6 at up to 5,000 lbs.
What does a 2025 Ford Explorer need to tow 5,000 lbs?
The source lists this for the top-rated configuration: Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard).
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Ford Explorer. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver for the 2025 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
- 2025 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
- 2026 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- 2024 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- Every year of the Ford Explorer
- Other SUVs that can tow 5,000 lbs
- 2025 Ford F-450, up to 30,000 lbs
- 2025 Ford F-350, up to 28,000 lbs
- 2025 Ford F-250, up to 22,000 lbs
- 2025 Ford F-550 Chassis Cab, up to 18,500 lbs
- 2025 Ford F-600 Chassis Cab, up to 18,500 lbs