2004 Ford Escape towing capacity
The 2004 Ford Escape is published in 7 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (3,500 lb) sits in compact SUV / minivan territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2004 Ford Escape 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 Value Front-wheel Drive | — | 127 | 135 | — | 1,000 | 4,120 | 3,052 | 1,068 |
| XLS Front-wheel Drive | — | 201 | 196 | — | 3,500 | 4,380 | 3,206 | 1,174 |
| XLT Front-wheel Drive | — | 201 | 196 | — | 3,500 | 4,380 | 3,206 | 1,174 |
| Limited Front-wheel Drive | — | 201 | 196 | — | 3,500 | 4,380 | 3,206 | 1,174 |
| XLS 4x4 | — | 201 | 196 | — | 3,500 | 4,520 | 3,364 | 1,156 |
| XLT 4x4 | — | 201 | 196 | — | 3,500 | 4,520 | 3,364 | 1,156 |
| Limited 4x4 | — | 201 | 196 | — | 3,500 | 4,520 | 3,364 | 1,156 |
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 2003
The 2003 Ford Escape carried a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lb. The 2004 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2003 Ford Escape page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2004 Ford models
The rest of Ford's 2004 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2004 Ford F250 Super Duty Super CAB | 14,200 |
| 2004 Ford F350 Super Duty Super CAB | 14,200 |
| 2004 Ford F250 | 14,200 |
| 2004 Ford F350 | 14,200 |
| 2004 Ford F-350 Super Duty Reg. Cab 2WD DRW | 13,900 |
| 2004 Ford F250 Super Duty Regular CAB | 13,700 |
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.