Best Ford Engine for Towing – 2023 Ford Towing Capacity Guide
Whether it’s used for business, recreation, or even a blend of both – having a vehicle capable of towing your most prized possessions helps you make the most of your weekend plans. Fortunately, you’ll find an outstanding selection of Ford SUVs and trucks that have the towing capabilities you need to transport your biggest toys and equipment. To provide you with some useful information about which Ford model is the best match for your personal towing needs, our team at Mike Bass Ford has assembled this handy Ford Towing Reference Guide. If you’ve been wondering what’s the best Ford engine for towing, you’ve come to the right place!
Ford Truck Towing Capacities
Ford F-150 Engine Towing Capacity
Truly a legend among full-size pickup trucks, the iconic Ford F-150 has built its reputation on proven performance capabilities that make it an excellent tool for towing. The F-150 lineup offers buyers their choice of seven proven powertrain configurations, making it simple to choose the model that’s right for your needs. Engineered to a higher standard than the competition, the F-150 is built with a robust military-grade, aluminum-alloy body construction along with a fully-boxed frame featuring 78 percent high-strength steel. Ready to help you work and play harder, the Ford F-150 has the muscle and capability that makes it easy to tow your largest cargo. While it’s tough to say definitively which F-150 engine is the best for towing, the proven 5.0L Ti-VCT currently offers the largest maximum towing capacity in the F-150 lineup.
| Engine | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Max Towing (lbs) | Max Payload (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 290 @ 6,500 | 265 lb-ft @ 4,000 | 8,200 | 1,955 |
| 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 | 325 @ 5,000 | 400 lb-ft @ 3,000 | 10,100 | 2,465 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 | 400 @ 6,000 | 500 lb-ft @ 3,100 | 14,000 | 3,235 |
| 3.5L PowerBoost™ Full Hybrid V6 | 430 @ 6,000 | 570 lb-ft @ 3,000 | 12,700 | 2,120 |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 400 @ 6,000 | 410 lb-ft @ 4,250 | 13,000 | 3,315 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost® H.O. V6 | 450 @ 5,850 | 510 lb-ft @ 3,000 | 8,200 | 1,445 |
| 5.2L Supercharged V8 | 700 @ 6,650 | 640 lb-ft @ 4,250 | 8,700 | 1,400 |
Ford F-150 Lightning Towing Capacity
The future of the legendary F-150 has never been brighter thanks to the introduction of the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning. Boasting the same proven dependability as the F-150, the F-150 Lightning benefits from the jaw-dropping efficiency and power made possible by its sophisticated all-electric powertrain. Proving that going electric no longer means sacrificing on capability, the F-150 Lightning stands out from the competition with an astounding 10,000-pound maximum towing capacity along with an impressive driving range of up to 320 miles. Your choice of two battery sizes and an assortment of industry-leading technology features like the available Ford Intelligent Backup Power and Enhanced Zone Lighting places the F-150 Lightning in a class all its own.
| Ford F-150 Lightning | Standard Range Battery | Extended Range Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 452 | 580 |
| Torque | 775 lb-ft | 775 lb-ft |
| Max Payload | 2,235 lbs | 1,952 lbs |
| Max Towing | 7,700 lbs | 10,000 lbs |
Ford Super Duty Engine Towing Capacity
Sitting atop the Ford pickup lineup is the purpose-built Ford Super Duty, catering to the needs of the most demanding truck buyers. Built for those who demand only the best for their personal or business needs, the Super Duty is up to the task with remarkable muscle and smart innovations to help you get the job done. Boasting a class-leading 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque from its available 6.7L High Output Power Stroke Diesel engine, the Super Duty is ready to conquer anything that stands in your path. Other innovative towing features available on this heavy-duty pickup include available Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch, Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, and much more.
| Ford Super Duty | |
|---|---|
| Max Horsepower | 500 |
| Max Torque | 1,200 lb-ft |
| Max Conventional Towing | Up to 30,000 lbs |
| Max 5th-Wheel / Gooseneck Towing | Up to 40,000 lbs |
Ford Ranger Engine Towing Capacity
Searching for the ultimate midsize pickup truck that’s also capable of towing your favorite toys and equipment? Look no further than the proven Ford Ranger, engineered to help you make the most of your next adventure. Under the hood lies a balanced 2.3L EcoBoost® that delivers the perfect blend of muscle and efficiency paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission. Equally as capable on the trails as it is on city streets, the Range is available with an optional FX4 Off-Road Package that adds the Terrain Management System™, all-terrain tires, and off-road-tuned shocks. No matter if you’re hauling a utility trailer or a fishing boat up the mountain for a camping trip, the Ford Ranger is the perfect choice for those living active lifestyles.
| Ford Ranger | 2.3L EcoBoost® |
|---|---|
| Horsepower @ RPM | 270 @ 5,500 |
| Torque @ RPM | 310 lb-ft @ 3,000 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 7,500 lbs |
| Max Payload Capacity | 1,860 lbs |
Ford Maverick Engine Towing Capacity
Challenging the conventional thought of what a pickup truck is capable of, the Ford Maverick made history as the first pickup truck in the United States to come standard with its advanced 2.5L hybrid powertrain that delivers remarkable efficiency. Craving more power? The Maverick is also available with a potent 2.0L EcoBoost® engine and an All-Wheel Drive system for outstanding capability. Even more impressive, you can opt for the available 4K Towing Package to boost the maximum towing capacity of your Maverick to an astounding 4,000 pounds (when properly equipped). Other clever innovations offered on the Ford Maverick include its groundbreaking FLEXBED™, Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS), and practical under-seat storage bins. No other compact pickup combines versatility and value quite like the Ford Maverick.
| Ford Maverick | 2.5L Hybrid Powertrain | 2.0-liter EcoBoost® |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower @ RPM | 191 @ 5,600 | 250 @ 5,500 |
| Torque @ RPM | 155 lb-ft @ 4,000 | 277 lb-ft @ 3,000 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
| Max Payload Capacity | 1,559 lbs | 1,559 lbs |
Ford SUV Towing Capacities
Ford Expedition Engine Towing Capacity
Designed for those with growing families or those who simply like to live large, the Ford Expedition sits atop the Ford SUV lineup. With available three-row seating for up to 8 passengers and a proven 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine under the hood, the Expedition is ready for the challenge. You’ll have your choice of two wheelbase lengths and an available 4×4 system for enhanced off-road control.
| Ford Expedition | Expedition 4×2 | Expedition 4×4 | Expedition MAX 4×2 | Expedition MAX 4×4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 with Ti-VCT | |||
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 5,368 | 5,623 | 5,534 | 5,794 |
| Max Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) | 104.6 | 104.6 | 121.5 | 121.5 |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 23.2 | 23.2 | 27.8 | 27.8 |
| Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 9,300 | 9,200 | 9,000 | 9,000 |
Ford Explorer Engine Towing Capacity
Credited with kickstarting the initial SUV craze over three decades ago, the Ford Explorer remains an immensely popular choice for today’s SUV shoppers. More refined and more capable than ever before, the Explorer offers three-row seating for up to 7 passengers along with an array of cutting-edge tech and safety features.
| Ford Explorer Engines | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 | 5,300 lbs |
| 2.0L EcoBoost® V6 | 5,600 lbs |
| 3.3L HEV V6 | 5,000 lbs |
Ford Edge Engine Towing Capacity
Shopping for a midsize crossover that’s also able to tow? The Ford Edge delivers sophisticated style along with capable performance to match its good looks. Edge shoppers can choose between two potent engines and enjoy standard amenities like an 8-speed automatic transmission and Auto Start-Stop Technology for maximum efficiency.
| Ford Edge Engines | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Twin-scroll 2.0L EcoBoost® I-4 (AWD) | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 (AWD) | 3,500 lbs |
Ford Bronco Engine Towing Capacity
One of the most instantly recognizable off-road icons in the industry, the Ford Bronco is back and better than ever. This iconic nameplate is now offered in both 2-door and 4-door variants, making it easy to choose a model that’s right for your thirst for adventure. Better still, it’s also capable of towing your prized possessions.
| Ford Bronco Engines | Max Towing Capacity – 2-Door Models | Max Towing Capacity – 4-Door Models |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 | N/A | 4,500 lbs |
Ford Bronco Sport Engine Towing Capacity
A rugged alternative to the uninspired alternatives in its segment, the Ford Bronco Sport offers a youthful attitude and capable performance to match. Along with outstanding off-road capabilities, the Bronco Sport is able to tow smaller utility trailers, motorcycles, and jet skis to help you get out and explore the path less traveled.
| Ford Bronco Sport Engines | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 1.5L EcoBoost® I3 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.0L EcoBoost® I4 | 2,200 lbs |
Ford Escape Engine Towing Capacity
A perennial favorite among compact SUV shoppers, the dynamic Ford Escape delivers bold styling, innovative technology, and your choice of three powertrain options to help you go further than ever before.
| Ford Escape Engines | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid / PHEV | 1,500 lbs |
| 1.5L EcoBoost® I3 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.0L EcoBoost® I4 | 3,500 lbs |
*Maximum towing capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver and passenger and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content, and number of passengers. For additional information, see your Ford Dealer.