2002 Ford Explorer towing capacity
The 2002 Ford Explorer is published in 8 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 5,400 to 7,300 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (7,300 lb) sits in mid-size SUV / pickup territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2002 Ford Explorer with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLS 4dr 4x2 | — | — | — | 3.73 | 5,800 | 5,200 | 4,159 | 1,041 |
| XLT 4dr 4x2 | — | — | — | 3.55 | 7,300 | 5,200 | 4,159 | 1,041 |
| Eddie Bauer 4dr 4x2 | — | — | — | 3.55 | 7,300 | 5,200 | 4,159 | 1,041 |
| Limited 4dr 4x2 | — | — | — | 3.55 | 7,300 | 5,200 | 4,159 | 1,041 |
| XLS 4dr 4x4 | — | — | — | 3.73 | 5,400 | 5,420 | 4,374 | 1,046 |
| XLT 4dr 4x4 | — | — | — | 3.55 | 7,000 | 5,420 | 4,374 | 1,046 |
| Eddie Bauer 4dr 4x4 | — | — | — | 3.55 | 7,000 | 5,420 | 4,374 | 1,046 |
| Limited 4dr 4x4 | — | — | — | 3.55 | 7,000 | 5,420 | 4,374 | 1,046 |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 2001
The 2001 Ford Explorer carried a maximum tow rating of 6,820 lb. The 2002 model adds 480 lb on top of that — usually a sign the manufacturer added a tow package option, refreshed the powertrain, or revised hitch class certification. See the 2001 Ford Explorer page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2002 Ford models
The rest of Ford's 2002 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2002 Ford F 350 | 13,900 |
| 2002 Ford F250 Super Duty Crew CAB | 12,500 |
| 2002 Ford F250 Super Duty Regular CAB | 12,500 |
| 2002 Ford F250 Super Duty Super CAB | 12,500 |
| 2002 Ford F350 Super Duty Crew CAB | 12,500 |
| 2002 Ford F350 Super Duty Regular CAB | 12,500 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.