--- title: "2012-2019 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity and Specs" description: "The 2012-2019 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Fuel tank 18.6 gallons. Curb weight, fuel economy, ground clearance and other key numbers for the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer, by engine and drivetrain." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/specs" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2012-2019 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity and Key Specifications The 2012-2019 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Fuel tank 18.6 gallons. Curb weight, fuel economy, ground clearance and other key numbers for the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer, by engine and drivetrain. **Quick answer**: The 2012-2019 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and weighs about 4,443 lbs at the curb. Engine, axle ratio, cab and bed configuration all move the real number down; the door-jamb placard for your exact build governs. ## 2012-2019 Ford Explorer key specs | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Towing capacity (max) | 5,000 lbs | | Fuel tank | 18.6 gallons | | Fuel economy | 17 city / 24 hwy (3.5L FWD); 16/22-23 (3.5L AWD); 20/27-28 (2.0L EcoBoost FWD); 19/27 FWD, 18/25 AWD (2.3L EcoBoost); 16/22 (3.5L EcoBoost Sport/Platinum). Towing: 5,000 lbs with Class III tow package (3.5L NA and EcoBoost); 2,000 lbs max with 2.0L EcoBoost. | | Curb weight | 4,443 lbs | | Key fob battery | CR2032 (both the flip-key remote and the Intelligent Access fob) | ## 2012-2019 Ford Explorer engines | Engine | Trims | Power | Fuel | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (naturally aspirated) | Base, XLT, Limited (standard engine) | 290 hp | Regular 87 octane (FFV/E85 capable most years) | | 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (2012-2015) | XLT, Limited (FWD only; no tow package) | 240 hp | Regular 87 octane (premium improves performance) | | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (2016-2019) | Base, XLT, Limited (FWD or AWD) | 280 hp | Regular 87 octane (premium recommended for max power/towing) | | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Sport 2013-2019, Platinum 2016-2019) | Sport, Platinum (AWD standard) | 365 hp | Regular 87 octane (premium recommended for full 365 hp) | ## Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover? These specs specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2012 through 2019, the U502 (5th generation), mid-size 3-row crossover suv (unibody, fwd/awd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2012 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012) - [2013 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2013) - [2014 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2014) - [2015 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2015) - [2016 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2016) - [2017 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2017) - [2018 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2018) - [2019 Explorer](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2019) ## What changed during the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | 2.0L EcoBoost joins as an FWD-only economy option (no tow package) | | 2013 | Explorer Sport added: 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, 352mm brakes, 20-in wheels | | 2014 | Essentially unchanged: a few new exterior colors added; Limited trim gains standard heated second-row seats | | 2015 | Essentially unchanged: Limited trim adds an available adaptive cruise control option, with second-row heated seats offered as an option lineup-wide | | 2016 | Major facelift: new front/rear styling, 280-hp 2.3L EcoBoost replaces the 2.0L, Platinum trim (3.5L EcoBoost) added, SYNC 3 arrives mid-cycle; low-beam bulb changes to H11 | | 2018-2019 | Minor updates; carryover mechanicals in the final years before the RWD-platform redesign | ## 2012-2019 Ford Explorer specs: common questions ### How much can a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer tow? Up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. That is a maximum for the best-configured version, engine, axle ratio, cab and bed configuration, and towing package all move the real number down, and the door-jamb placard plus the towing guide for your exact build is what governs. ### How big is the fuel tank on a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer? 18.6 gallons. ### What does a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer weigh? About 4,443 lbs at the curb, before passengers and cargo. ### What gas mileage does a 2012-2019 Ford Explorer get? 17 city / 24 hwy (3.5L FWD); 16/22-23 (3.5L AWD); 20/27-28 (2.0L EcoBoost FWD); 19/27 FWD, 18/25 AWD (2.3L EcoBoost); 16/22 (3.5L EcoBoost Sport/Platinum). Towing: 5,000 lbs with Class III tow package (3.5L NA and EcoBoost); 2,000 lbs max with 2.0L EcoBoost. on the EPA cycle. ## Sources - [Ford. What is the recommended engine oil for my vehicle? (oil/filter lookup)](https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/oil-change/oil-change-information/what-is-the-recommended-engine-oil-for-my-vehicle/) - [NHTSA EA17-002 ODI resume, Explorer exhaust odor engineering analysis](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2017/INOA-EA17002-5925.PDF) - [NHTSA recall 21V-537 (Ford 21S32), rear suspension toe link](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V537-1447.PDF) - [NHTSA recall 24V-031 (Ford 24S02), A-pillar trim detachment](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V031-8781.PDF) - [Ford Authority / CarComplaints, 3.5L water pump class action dismissed after settlement](https://fordauthority.com/2024/01/ford-water-pump-lawsuit-settlement-ends-class-action/) - [Ford.com parts, Motorcraft BXT-65-850 Group 65 battery fitment](https://www.ford.com/product/vehicle-battery-p4000109971) - [Ford.com parts, Motorcraft SP-546 spark plug (gap 0.045)](https://www.ford.com/product/spark-plug-p4000139430) - [Ford.com parts, Motorcraft FP-70 cabin air filter (CV6Z-19N619-A)](https://www.ford.com/product/cabin-air-filter-p4000138624) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2013 and 2017 Ford Explorer EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2017_Ford_Explorer.shtml) - [WiperBladesUSA, 2016 Explorer wiper sizes 26/22/11](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/ford/explorer/2016) ## Other Ford Explorer generations - [2020-2025 Ford Explorer specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/specs) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/specs). ## More for the 2012-2019 Ford Explorer - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/key-fob-battery) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.