How much can a Ford Ranger tow? Ratings by configuration for Southwest Houston drivers
A Ford Ranger’s towing rating depends on its configuration: the factory Trailer Tow Package, engine, drivetrain and trim each change the pounds Ford publishes. We sell the new Ranger at 6445 Southwest Fwy in Houston and can match a configuration to your trailer.
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 Ranger configuration tows the most?
The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 tie for the highest Ranger rating, at 7,500 pounds each when properly equipped. The Raptor’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is rated lower, at 5,510 pounds, so the engine you choose sets the ceiling for the trailer you can pull.
| Ranger configuration | Engine | Max towing, when properly equipped (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 7,500 |
| Ranger 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 7,500 |
| Ranger Raptor 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 5,510 |
These are Ford’s own published 2026 Ranger figures, one per engine. If the trailer you plan to pull weighs more than 5,510 pounds, the 2.3L and 2.7L trucks carry it under Ford’s rating, and the Raptor does not.
How much can a Ford Ranger Raptor tow?
Ford rates the Raptor’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 at 5,510 pounds when properly equipped. If you are shopping the Raptor, use that figure, because it is the Raptor’s own rating and not the number for the 2.3L or 2.7L Rangers.
The Raptor is the right truck when the trailer fits under that number and the Raptor’s build is what you want. A heavier trailer points to the 2.3L or 2.7L configuration, both rated at 7,500 pounds.
How do Ranger engines and 4×2 or 4×4 change towing?
On the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, Ford lists a curb weight of 4,240 pounds for the 4×2 and 4,462 pounds for the 4×4.
The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 carries the same 7,500-pound rating, and the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Raptor carries 5,510 pounds. Ford sets the rating by engine, so pick the engine first, then compare the drive and the curb weight that come with it.
Does Southwest Houston change a Ranger’s towing rating?
No. Your location in Southwest Houston does not change the physical towing capacity of the truck. The flat terrain around Southwest Houston makes heavy towing more straightforward than in mountainous areas, but the rating stays the same.
Texas also sets rules for the trailer itself. A trailer is not required to have brakes if its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less. A trailer heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds is also exempt, if it is drawn at not more than 30 miles per hour (Texas Constitution and Statutes, Transportation Code Chapter 547, Sec. 547.401).
Texas also requires safety chains. A passenger car or light truck towing a trailer on a public highway must have safety chains of an approved type attached from the trailer to the towing vehicle. Two separate and individual chains must be used at the same time in every situation where chains are required (Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Chapter 21, Section 21.5, Standards for Safety Chains).
Which Ford truck fits your trailer: Maverick, Ranger or F-150?
The F-150 has the highest rating of the three Ford trucks, at 13,500 pounds for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 4×4, when properly equipped. The Ranger is rated to 7,500 pounds, and the Maverick reaches 4,000 pounds with the extra-cost 4K Tow Package on AWD.
| Ford truck and configuration | Max towing, when properly equipped (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Ford Maverick 2.0L EcoBoost AWD, with 4K Tow Package (53Q) | 4,000 |
| Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 or 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 7,500 |
| Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 4×4 | 13,500 |
A trailer of 4,000 pounds or less fits the Maverick with the 4K Tow Package. Without that package, the front-wheel-drive Maverick is rated to 2,000 pounds. A trailer between 7,500 and 13,500 pounds points to the F-150.
FAQ
What does a new Ford Ranger start at?
Ford’s published 2026 Ranger starting prices are $33,550 for the XL, $35,575 for the XLT, $43,955 for the Lariat and $57,270 for the Raptor. Ford prices by trim, so each starting figure belongs to the trim it names.
What warranty comes with a new Ford Ranger?
According to Ford’s published 2026 Ranger specifications, the basic warranty is 3 years/36,000 miles. The powertrain coverage runs 5 years/60,000 miles, and corrosion coverage runs for unlimited miles over the same 5 years.
Can I book a Ford Ranger test drive at home in Southwest Houston?
We offer home test drives and deliveries. Our Ranger inventory is at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074, so you can start the visit there.
What financing does Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston offer for a new Ranger?
We offer Ford leases along with new and pre-owned financing. Financing is available for all credit types, so you can compare a lease and a loan on the same Ranger.
What are the sales and service hours at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?
Our sales department is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM, and it is closed on Sunday.
How do I request Ford Ranger parts from the Southwest Houston store?
Parts can be requested through an online order form. We then confirm the request 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, and parts is closed Sunday.
Shop a Ford Ranger for towing at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston
We are Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston, at 6445 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074, on the US 59 Southwest Freeway corridor inside Beltway 8. We sell new Ford vehicles, including the Maverick, Ranger, F-150, Super Duty, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Expedition, Escape, Mustang, Mustang Mach-E and the Transit van. Our parent company is Group 1 Automotive.
We carry the Ford franchise on the Southwest Freeway inside Beltway 8. Customers rate us 4.3 stars across 4,732 Google reviews (Google, 2026), and 3,643 of those reviews are five star.
Our sales process is part of why buyers return. In an August 2026 5-star Google review, Christopher S. wrote: “We had a very positive experience buying a used Explorer at Group 1. Sales representative and GM were knowledgeable and professional. There was no pressure to buy and the price negotiated was fair and competitive. Finance guy was also nice and professional and didn’t try to pressure sell add ons.”
Start your Ranger search with us at 6445 Southwest Fwy. Bring your trailer’s weight and the engine you are considering, and we will match a configuration to your trailer. Visit Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston online at https://www.group1fordofsouthwesthouston.com.
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.
