If you have a 2021 Ford Explorer and need to know your towing capacity, you have come to the right place.
Here you will find all the GCWRs, max trailer towing weights, payload capacity and GVWR suggested by Ford. The information is collected from the 2021 Ford Explorer Brochure and 2021 Ford Explorer Owners Manual and 2021 Ford Explorer Towing Guide.
The 2021 Ford Explorer has a max trailer towing capacity between 3,000 and 5,600 lbs depending on the engine and package added. Any weight over 1,500 lbs requires a separate trailer braking system.
Ford says that the tongue weight for any towing should be no more than 10% of the trailer weight. So this should be taken into account when setting up your trailer.
2021 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
The max towing capacity of the 2021 Ford Explorer is 5,600 lbs or 5,300 lbs for the gas engines and 5,000 lbs for the Hybrid Explorer.
This is only available when it is properly equipped, which means it includes the Class III Trailer Tow Package. Without this package, the Explorer can only tow 3,000 lbs.
Below you will find the max towing capacities of the Ford Explorer separated by engine.
One thing to keep in mind is that when carrying a trailer over the weight of 1,500 lbs, you will need a separate braking system for the trailer.
2.3 L EcoBoost Towing Capacity
The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine in the 2021 Ford Explorer has a towing capacity of either 3,000 lbs or 5,300 lbs without and with the Class III Trailer Tow Package respectively.
| Drive | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| 2WD | 3,000 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| 4WD | 3,000 lbs | 7,800 lbs |
| 2WD w/Class III Trailer Tow Package | 5,300 lbs | 10,000 lbs |
| 4WD w/Class III Trailer Tow Package | 5,300 lbs | 10,100 lbs |
3.0 L EcoBoost V6 Towing Capacity
The 3.0 L EcoBoost V6 engine in the 2021 Ford Explorer has a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs without the Class III Trailer Tow Package and 5,600 lbs with it.
| Drive | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| 4WD | 3,000 lbs | 10,800 lbs |
| 4WD w/Class III Trailer Tow Package | 5,600 lbs | 10,600 lbs |
3.3 L V6 Towing Capacity
The 3.3 L V6 engine in the 2021 Ford Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs on all trim levels.
| Drive | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| 2WD | 3,000 lbs | 8,000 |
| 4WD | 3,000 lbs | 10,600 lbs |
| 2WD w/Class III Trailer Tow Package | 5,600 lbs | – |
| 4WD w/Class III Trailer Tow Package | 5,600 lbs | – |
3.3 L HEV V6 Towing Capacity
The 3.3 L HEV V6 engine in the 2021 Ford Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs on all trim levels.
| Drive | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| RWD | 3,000 lbs | 8,500 lbs |
| 4WD | 3,000 lbs | 8,600 lbs |
| RWD w/Class III Trailer Tow Package | 5,000 lbs | 10,500 lbs |
| 4WD w/Class III Trailer Tow Package | 5,000 lbs | 10,600 lbs |
2021 Ford Explorer Tongue Weight
Tongue weight refers to the weight exerted on a trailer hitch/ball mount. Generally speaking the tongue weight should usually be between 10-15% of the total trailer weight.
However, Ford specifies that for the Explorer this should be no more than 10% of the total weight. This means for a Explorer carrying the max capacity, the max tongue weight should be between 300 and 560 lbs.
2021 Ford Explorer Towing Features
The Ford Explorer is not equipped to handle towing in its stock form. You will need to install the necessary equipment, including a hitch, to tow with this vehicle.
This combination, however can be purchased through an offered package.
Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T)
The Class III Trailer Tow Package is the only towing package available, but is required for any towing purposes and most specifically those applications for towing over 3,000 lbs.
You may be able to add other equipment to tow up to 3,000 lbs, but it is not included. Over 3,000 lbs Trailer Sway Control and wiring are necessary.
Included in the Class III Trailer Towing Package is:
- 7 Wire Harness & 4/7 Pin Connector
- Hitch Receiver
- BLIS with Trailer Coverage
- Trailer Sway Control
Trims
There are 6 trims in the 2021 Ford Explorer, both gas and hybrid versions. These are:
- Explorer
- XLT
- ST
- Platinum
- Limited
- Limited Hybrid
Each of these vehicles has various features available such as interior and exterior design.
2021 Explorer Engine Specs
2.3 L EcoBoost Engine
The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine is a 10-speed automatic engine with auto start-stop technology.
It comes standards in the Explorer, XLT, and Limited trims.
It supplies max 300 hp and 310 lb.-ft. or torque.
3.0 L EcoBoost V6 Engine
The 3.0 L EcoBoost engine is a twin turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It comes standard on the Platinum trim.
It provides max 365 hp and 380 lb.-ft of torque.
Enhanced 3.0 L EcoBoost V6 Engine
The enhanced 3.0 L EcoBoost is a premium version of the 3.0 L EcoBoost providing max 400 hp and 415 lb.-ft of torque.
This is only available/standard on the ST trim.
3.3 L HEV V6 Engine
In the 2021 Explorer, there is also one Hybrid option in the 3.3 L HEV engine.
This engine is equipped on the Limited Hybrid trim and supplies max 318 hp and 322 lb.-ft of torque.
Additional Resources
Conclusion
Ford states that the 2021 Explorer has a max towing capacity of 5,600/5,300 lbs and 3,000 lbs for the hybrid version.
Though this guide provides good guidance on how much you can tow with your 2021 Explorer, you should always calculate your own towing capacity.
Not sure how? Read: How is Towing Capacity Calculated? Here you will find a helpful calculator as well.
