How much can a Ford Explorer tow? Ratings by configuration for Southwest Houston drivers

A Ford Explorer’s towing rating is set by its engine, drive and tow package, and Ford publishes a separate maximum for each configuration. Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston sells the new Explorer at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074.

For the 2026 model year, Ford’s published maximum is 5,000 pounds on every Explorer trim we list, with the Class III Tow Package standard. Drivers in Southwest Houston who tow with an Explorer can start from that number and check each trailer against it.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Houston. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

Which Ford Explorer configuration tows the most?

Every 2026 Explorer configuration Ford publishes carries the same 5,000-pound maximum, so no one setup tows more than another. For a Southwest Houston driver, the answer to which Explorer tows the most is plain: each one tows 5,000 pounds.

The Class III Tow Package is standard on all models. That means the rating does not depend on buying an add-on package before a trip. Treat 5,000 pounds as the limit for the loaded trailer rather than a target to aim for.

What towing rating does each Ford Explorer trim carry?

Each 2026 Explorer trim carries a 5,000-pound maximum, from the Active 100A and Active through the ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum and ST. Ford lists the same figure for all six, so picking a trim for towing alone gives no tow advantage.

A buyer who chooses a trim for other reasons keeps the same 5,000-pound rating. The towing number does not decide the trim.

What equipment does an Explorer need to reach its towing rating?

The Class III Tow Package comes standard on every 2026 Explorer trim Ford lists. The 5,000-pound rating comes with the vehicle, so no extra package is needed to reach it.

If the rating is the number you plan around, confirm the Class III Tow Package on the vehicle before you commit to a trailer. Match the trailer’s loaded weight to that figure, not to the empty weight on its sticker.

How do current and last model-year Explorer towing ratings compare?

Ford’s published 2026 Explorer rating is 5,000 pounds on every trim. That is the figure to check against any 2026 Explorer you are weighing.

The model year printed on the vehicle tells you which published Ford figure applies to it. Check that year before you rely on a number from a different year.

What if a Southwest Houston driver needs more towing than an Explorer?

Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston sells the Expedition, F-150, Ranger and Bronco, and each carries a different published maximum for 2026. The F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in 4×4 reaches 13,500 pounds when properly equipped, the highest figure in this group.

A driver whose trailer needs more than 5,000 pounds has a path in our lineup. Match the model, engine and drive setup to the figure the trailer needs.

What Texas rules apply when you tow a trailer with an Explorer?

Texas does not require brakes on every trailer. A trailer or pole trailer with a gross weight of 4,500 pounds or less needs no brakes (Texas Constitution and Statutes, Transportation Code Chapter 547).

A trailer between 4,500 and 15,000 pounds can go without brakes only when it is drawn at not more than 30 miles per hour (Texas Constitution and Statutes, Transportation Code Chapter 547).

In a hypothetical example, a loaded trailer weighs 4,600 pounds. That is over 4,500 pounds, so it needs brakes unless it is drawn at not more than 30 miles per hour. The weight decides the rule, so weigh the loaded trailer before the trip.

Texas also requires safety chains. A person may not operate a passenger car or light truck while towing a trailer on a public highway unless safety chains of an approved type are attached (37 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.5, Legal Information Institute, 2013). Two separate and individual safety chains must be used at the same time in every situation where chains are required (37 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.5, Legal Information Institute, 2013).

Does rear-wheel or four-wheel drive change what an Explorer can tow?

Ford’s published 2026 Explorer rating is 5,000 pounds, with the Class III Tow Package standard on all models. That same 5,000-pound figure appears on every 2026 trim Ford lists, so drive type does not change the answer for towing.

How many people and how much cargo can an Explorer carry?

The Explorer Active 100A seats 7 with the available second-row bench seat, or 6 with the standard captain’s chairs. Its maximum cargo is 85.8 cubic feet. The Tremor has a maximum cargo of 85.3 cubic feet and seats 6, because the second-row bench seat is not offered on it.

What warranty comes with a new Ford Explorer?

Ford publishes a basic warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles on the 2026 Explorer. The powertrain warranty runs 5 years/60,000 miles, and corrosion coverage runs 5 years with unlimited miles.

How do I request a trailer hitch for my Explorer from Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?

Parts can be requested through an online order form. We then confirm by contact, and there is no checkout. Parts hours are Mon to Fri 7 AM to 6 PM and Sat 7 AM to 5 PM, closed Sunday, and we are at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074.

Can I test drive an Explorer at home in Southwest Houston?

Yes. We offer home test drives and deliveries. Ask about a home test drive when you contact us about an Explorer.

What hours can I see an Explorer at the Southwest Freeway store?

We are at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074. Sales hours are Mon to Fri 9 AM to 8 PM and Sat 9 AM to 7 PM, closed Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome, and we sell new Ford vehicles with an online new-vehicle inventory to browse first.

Why Southwest Houston drivers buy an Explorer at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston

Buyers can start online or in person at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074. We sell new Ford vehicles, including the Explorer, and our online new-vehicle inventory lets you look before you visit.

Financing is available for all credit types. We also offer home test drives and home delivery, so a Southwest Houston driver can see the Explorer before deciding.

We hold 4.3 stars across 4,790 Google reviews as of November 2026, and 77 in 100 of those reviews are five-star. In an April 2026 5-star Google review, Gerald G. wrote: “When I came in I was greeted by Mo bara, one of the nicest salesman there. He didn’t pressure me at all while trying to buy my car and was so transparent through the whole process!” That is one customer’s account of a no-pressure sales visit.

To start, get an online trade-in offer and apply for financing online, browse our new Ford and multi-make used inventory, then finish at the store or take a home delivery at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston.

Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Houston showroom, or call 281-588-5000.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.