2020 Ford Explorer towing capacity
The 2020 Ford Explorer is published in 6 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (5,600 lb) sits in mid-size SUV / pickup territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Utility 4D | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 300 | 310 | — | 5,300 | — | 4,345 | — |
| XLT Sport Utility 4D | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 300 | 310 | — | 5,300 | — | 4,437 | — |
| Limited Sport Utility 4D | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 300 | 310 | — | 5,300 | — | 4,437 | — |
| Limited HEV Sport Utility 4D | V6, Hybrid, 3.3 Liter | 318 | 0 | — | 5,000 | — | 5,076 | — |
| Platinum Sport Utility 4D | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 365 | 380 | — | 5,600 | — | 4,701 | — |
| ST Sport Utility 4D | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 400 | 415 | — | 5,600 | — | 4,701 | — |
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 2019
The 2019 Ford Explorer carried a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lb. The 2020 model adds 600 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 2019 Ford Explorer page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2020 Ford models
The rest of Ford's 2020 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.