--- title: "Ford Explorer Towing Capacity and Specs" description: "How the Ford Explorer specs specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. The Ford Explorer tows up to 5,600 lbs when properly equipped. Fuel tank 19.2 gallons. Curb weight, fuel economy, ground clearance and other key numbers for the Ford Explorer, by engine and drivetrain." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/specs" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Ford Explorer Towing Capacity and Key Specifications The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Ford Explorer specs specification changed by year? | Model years | Max towing | Fuel tank | Curb weight | EPA mpg | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/specs) | 5,600 lbs | 19.2 gal | 4,345 lbs | 21 city / 28 hwy (2.3L RWD), 20/27 (2.3L AWD); 18/26 (3.0L ST RWD), ~18/24 AWD; 27/28 (Hybrid RWD), 23/26 (Hybrid AWD). Fuel tank: 19.2 gal (2.3L), 21.8 gal (3.0L/tow), 18.0 gal (hybrid). Towing: up to 5,300 lbs (2.3L w/ Class III pkg), 5,600 lbs (3.0L), 5,000 lbs (hybrid); 2025 models rated 5,000 lbs. | | [2012-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/specs) | 5,000 lbs | 18.6 gal | 4,443 lbs | 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. | ## Full specifications by generation The specs on a Ford Explorer is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2020-2025 Ford Explorer Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/specs) - [2012-2019 Ford Explorer Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/specs) ## Ford Explorer specs: common questions ### How much can a Ford Explorer tow? Up to 5,600 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 Ford Explorer? 19.2 gallons. ### What does a Ford Explorer weigh? About 4,345 lbs at the curb, before passengers and cargo. ### What gas mileage does a Ford Explorer get? 21 city / 28 hwy (2.3L RWD), 20/27 (2.3L AWD); 18/26 (3.0L ST RWD), ~18/24 AWD; 27/28 (Hybrid RWD), 23/26 (Hybrid AWD). Fuel tank: 19.2 gal (2.3L), 21.8 gal (3.0L/tow), 18.0 gal (hybrid). Towing: up to 5,300 lbs (2.3L w/ Class III pkg), 5,600 lbs (3.0L), 5,000 lbs (hybrid); 2025 models rated 5,000 lbs. on the EPA cycle. ## Sources - [2020 Explorer Owner's Manual, Capacities and Specifications (fordservicecontent.com)](https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=6725&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&moidRef=G1635371&Uid=G1977553&ProcUid=G1988500&userMarket=CAN&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web) - [CarCareTruth, 2020-2026 Explorer oil type & capacity (from OEM manuals)](https://www.carcaretruth.com/engine-oil/ford-explorer-6th-gen) - [NHTSA recall 23V-675 / Ford 23S55, rear axle bolt replacement](https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=23V675) - [Ford recall 22S27 (NHTSA 22V-712), rear axle bolt software remedy](https://www.ford.com/support/campaign-details/22s27/) - [NHTSA recall 23V-342 (Ford 23S23), 360-camera blue image](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCLRPT-23V342-5662.PDF) - [Levittown Ford parts, FA-1947 / L1MZ-9601-A engine air filter (3.0L/3.3L)](https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/l1mz-9601-a.html) - [Ford Parts Giant, JX6Z-19N619-B cabin air filter, 2020 Explorer](https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/oem-2020-ford-explorer-cabin_air_filter.html) - [ExplorerST.org, factory H6 battery, fluid capacities (Mercon ULV, 75W-85 rear axle)](https://www.explorerst.org/threads/car-battery-recommendations.9879/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Explorer EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Ford_Explorer.shtml) - [Goodyear / Mavis, 2021-2024 Explorer OE tire sizes by trim](https://www.goodyear.com/en-us/vehicles/Ford/Explorer/2024) - [Car and Driver, 2020 Explorer specs (fuel tank, curb weight, towing)](https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/explorer/specs/2020/ford_explorer_ford-explorer_2020) ## Find your exact Explorer - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012) More Ford Explorer guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/key-fob-battery) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.