Author: Gary WhiteThe Ford Explorer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) that has been produced by the American automaker Ford Motor Company since 1990. The Explorer is one of the most popular SUVs on the market, with a reputation for reliability and versatility. It is available in a range of trim levels, including a base model, a luxury model, and a performance model, and it has a variety of features and options available, including four-wheel drive, a towing package, and a third row of seating. The Explorer is powered by a variety of engines, including four- and six-cylinder options as well as a hybrid powertrain. It has a spacious and comfortable interior, with room for up to seven passengers, and it is known for its handling and performance on both paved roads and off-road terrain.
Ford ventured the first foray into Europe with a specially designed Europe version, which included high-end equipment and was sold from 1993. In Germany, the Explorer therefore positioned itself as a luxurious off-road vehicle in a niche segment.
The second generation from 1995 continued to be sold in Germany until the end of 2001. With that, the Explorer went on a long hiatus in Europe. While the third (2001 - 2005), fourth (2005 - 2010) and fifth (2010 - 2019) generation followed in the USA, Ford's magnificent ship only experienced a resurgence in Europe in 2019 with its premiere at the IAA.
The Explorer, which has been available since 2020, is once again positioning itself as a luxurious off-road vehicle. However, this time with the advantage that this type of vehicle has long since established itself as an SUV. With its comeback, the Ford Explorer has done quite well. Little is left of the once angular and staid off-road vehicle. Now the Explorer exudes a sporty line, while at the same time you can already see its comfort and modernity from the outside.
There are many alternatives to the Ford Explorer for towing, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Some other mid-size SUVs that you might consider for towing a horse trailer or caravan include:
Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander is a popular choice for families, with a spacious interior and a reputation for reliability. It is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and it offers a variety of safety features.
Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot is another popular family SUV, known for its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency. It has a spacious interior and a variety of advanced safety and technology features.
Chevrolet Traverse: The Chevrolet Traverse is a larger SUV with a roomy interior and a variety of storage options. It offers a smooth ride and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Subaru Ascent: The Subaru Ascent is a newer option that offers standard all-wheel drive, making it a good choice for those who need reliable traction in any weather. It also has a spacious interior and a variety of advanced safety features.
Nissan Murano: The Nissan Murano is a stylish mid-size SUV with a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. It offers a variety of advanced safety and technology features, and it is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
For those models of Ford Explorer where towing is allowed, we have detailed the Ford Explorer towing capacity for a braked trailer (this is when the trailer being towed has its own breaking system). To ensure you are both safe and legal it is really important that you check the Ford Explorer towing weight limit for the car.
The Ford Explorer is a big SUV that has plenty of power to match the style and swagger of this excellent towing car. Like most other big SUVs, the Ford Explorer has plenty of space for passengers and luggage. According to Ford, if you take out the Heavy-Duty-Trailer Tow Package you will get a best-in-class towing car. Even tho the Ford Explorers towing ability is top of the range, there are some downsides to the SUV. Compared to competitors this is a very expensive car with poor MPG. Reviews suggest that some of the interiors feel cheap and the materials use are not the best. Also worth noting if you are going to do a lot of towing that pulling a trailer will disproportionately decreases fuel economy. As well as providing the braked towing capacity for your Ford Explorer, where data is available we also have also listed the Ford Explorer's unbraked towing capacity.
Here is a full list of the Unbraked and Braked Towing Capacity for the Ford Explorer. If you cannot find the Ford Explorer you are looking for please drop us a email and we will add this to the list.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the towing weights provided on this website are accurate, we always recommend checking the vehicle log book (V5) for the official towing capacity. We accept no responsibility if the towing weights provided on this website are incorrect.
| Car Make & Model | Max Towing Weight - Unbraked | Max Towing Capacity - Braked |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-Cylinder (300 hp) | (Up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2022 Ford Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost® V6: A 10-Speed Automatic transmission, twin turbo | (Up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2022 Ford Explorer 3.3L Hybrid | (Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2021 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-Cylinder (300 hp) | (Up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2021 Ford Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost® V6: A 10-Speed Automatic transmission, twin turbo | (Up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2021 Ford Explorer 3.3L Hybrid | (Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2020 Ford Explorer ST | (Up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum | (Up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2020 Ford Explorer XLT | (Up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2020 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid | (Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2019 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 | (Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2019 Ford Explorer 3.5L V6 | (Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2019 Ford Explorer 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | (Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped) | |
| 2008 Ford Explorer Limited (4x4) 4.6L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2008 Ford Explorer XLT 4.6L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2007 Ford Explorer Limited (4x4) 4.6L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2007 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2006 Ford Explorer Limited (4x4) 4.6L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2006 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2005 Ford Explorer Limited (4x4) 4.6L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2004 Ford Explorer Limited (4x4) 4.6L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) | |
| 2004 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 Speed Automatic | 2500kg (2.5t) |
