2006 Ford Escape towing capacity
The 2006 Ford Escape is published in 12 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (2,000 lb) sits in light utility / small-trailer territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2006 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 Manual 2.3L 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 153 | 152 | — | 1,500 | 4,300 | 3,180 | 1,120 |
| XLS 2.3L 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 153 | 152 | — | 1,500 | 4,360 | 3,260 | 1,100 |
| XLT 2.3L 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 153 | 152 | — | 1,500 | 4,360 | 3,303 | 1,057 |
| XLT 3.0L 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 200 | 193 | — | 2,000 | 4,500 | 3,303 | 1,197 |
| XLT Sport 3.0L 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 200 | 193 | — | 2,000 | 4,500 | 3,303 | 1,197 |
| Limited 3.0L 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 200 | 193 | — | 2,000 | 4,500 | 3,303 | 1,197 |
| XLS Manual 2.3L 4dr 4x4 | — | 153 | 152 | — | 1,500 | 4,460 | 3,344 | 1,116 |
| XLS 2.3L 4dr 4x4 | — | 153 | 152 | — | 1,500 | 4,520 | 3,408 | 1,112 |
| XLT 2.3L 4dr 4x4 | — | 153 | 152 | — | 1,500 | 4,520 | 3,482 | 1,038 |
| XLT 3.0L 4dr 4x4 | — | 200 | 193 | — | 2,000 | 4,640 | 3,482 | 1,158 |
| XLT Sport 3.0L 4dr 4x4 | — | 200 | 193 | — | 2,000 | 4,640 | 3,482 | 1,158 |
| Limited 3.0L 4dr 4x4 | — | 200 | 193 | — | 2,000 | 4,640 | 3,482 | 1,158 |
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 2005
The 2005 Ford Escape carried a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lb. The 2006 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 2005 Ford Escape page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2006 Ford models
The rest of Ford's 2006 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
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.