Ford Explorer 4WD towing capacity by year

The Ford Explorer 4WD has tow data across 6 model years, from 2005 through 2020. The most recent 2020 Ford Explorer 4WD carries a maximum tow rating of 5,600 lb. The highest tow rating recorded for the nameplate was the 2008 model year at 7,130 lb.

Pick a year below to open the full Ford Explorer 4WD page for that model year. Each year page shows the maximum tow capacity, every trim the dataset covers separately, the engine and drivetrain combination, GVWR, curb weight, payload, and axle ratio.

Ford Explorer 4WD max tow rating, last 2 model years

Year-over-year max tow rating for the Ford Explorer 4WD, with the most recent year highlighted. Use the trend to spot generation changes, powertrain refreshes, and SAE J2807 re-tests that revised the published figure.

Recent Ford Explorer 4WD years (2016–2020)

Click any year for the full per-trim breakdown — engine, drivetrain, horsepower, torque, axle ratio, GVWR, curb weight, and payload.

Older Ford Explorer 4WD years (2005–2015)

Earlier model years for the Ford Explorer 4WD, going back to 2005. Pre-2015 ratings predate SAE J2807, so figures from those years may be measured under different assumptions than current ratings.

All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled.