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Can the 2023 Ford Explorer Tow A Trailer?

May 16, 2023

If you’re looking for a capable vehicle for your next family vacation, Ford built the 2023 Explorer with adventure in mind. The Explorer is an accommodating three-row SUV that can carry your whole family on weekend excursions near and far. Sometimes you need to tow a trailer or other cargo.

Can a Ford Explorer Tow a Trailer?

After all, the Brewster area is close to several lakes and state parks where boating or camping might be on your weekend agenda. So you might wonder if the 2023 Ford Explorer can tow a trailer to help you with your family’s adventures. Read below as our team at Brewster Ford looks at a few of the 2023 Explorer’s specs.

2023 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity

The towing capacity for a 2023 Ford Explorer depends on the trim level and options you select. More specifically, the powertrain and drivetrain you choose determine how much your Explorer can tow. A quick overview reveals the following towing capacities:

Powertrain Options
Towing Capacity
2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4
5,300 pounds
3.0-liter EcoBoost V-65,600 pounds
3.3-liter V-6 Hybrid5,000 pounds

 

So to answer the question that started it all, yes, you can tow a trailer with a 2023 Ford Explorer. If you’re looking to pull a camper, the average weight for a 26-foot travel trailer is between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, so even the Explorer with the lowest towing capacity can take such a trailer for a cruise. If boating is your goal, an Explorer can tow a small fishing boat, cuddy cabin, pontoon boat, bow rider, or something similar, all of which average from 1,500 to 5,000 pounds.

2023 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

The 2023 Ford Explorer comes in eight trim levels to meet your needs. The trim levels in order of least expensive to most expensive are as follows:

  • Base.
  • XLT.
  • ST-Line.
  • Limited.
  • Timberline.
  • ST.
  • Platinum.
  • King Ranch.

If you’re interested in learning about all the available options for these trim levels, check out our model showroom, where you can build your Explorer to your desired specifications.

2023 Ford Explorer Performance

The 2023 Ford Explorer has three engine options. The Base, XLT, Timberline, and Limited trim levels come standard with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which has more than enough power for most of your needs. The ST-Line, ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trim levels boost the performance level up a bit with a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Rounding out the group is the hybrid engine, a 3.3-liter V-6 with an electric motor available on the Limited and Platinum models.

Most trim levels come standard with rear-wheel drive, although four-wheel drive is optional. The only trim level with standard four-wheel drive is the Timberline.  All trim levels have a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain you choose. Combined estimates range from 20 mpg on the base engine’s four-wheel-drive configuration to 27 mpg on the hybrids with rear-wheel drive.

2023 Ford Explorer Trailer Tow Package

Ford knows that drivers looking at an Explorer might be interested in towing. With enough room for up to eight passengers, plenty of cargo space, and off-road capabilities, Ford made the 2023 Explorer for rugged outdoor exploits. With each trim level, you can add a Class IV Trailer Tow Package to help get you tow-ready as soon as you leave the lot.

The Class IV Trailer Tow Package’s main feature is a frame-mounted hitch with trailer connections. A frame-mounted hitch is the best way to help your SUV reach maximum towing capacity. The installed trailer connections make it easy to connect your trailer to your SUV’s electrical system to ensure taillights, turn signals, and brake lights are all in working order.

The tow package also includes trailer sway control, allowing you to maintain control no matter what situation arises. Trailer sway control works with AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Ford’s electronic stability control system, to selectively brake and adjust engine power to help you maintain control of your trailer.

2023 Ford Explorer Additional Features

While towing might be a priority, it’s certainly not all that the 2023 Ford Explorer offers. Ford designed this SUV with both comfort and convenience in mind, offering various features that promote smooth and easy travel for you as the driver and your passengers.

You and your front-seat passengers can enjoy generous legroom and a wide windshield that provides ample viewing to take in the sites around Brewster. Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control allows your front-seat and second-row passengers to select the temperature that best suits their needs. A power-folding second-row seat makes it as easy as pushing a button to access the third-row seats.

Thanks to Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 technology, you can feel secure in controlling this SUV. This impressive driver assistance technology suite includes standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot information system, a lane-keeping system, a rear backup camera, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features include rear parking sensors, available front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera with a split-view display, and reverse brake assist.

If you’re concerned about staying connected while on the road, the 2023 Ford Explorer has you covered. A 10.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system comes standard, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Every trim level except the Base model includes an impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system with an HD radio that includes 12 speakers and a subwoofer.

2023 Ford Explorer Bottom Line

The 2023 Ford Explorer is a versatile three-row SUV that can carry you and your family on your next great adventure. With enough power and towing capacity for travel trailers and boats, the Explorer is a great option if towing is in your plans. A well-equipped interior includes all the comforts and conveniences you’ve come to expect from Ford vehicles.

If you’re interested in taking a look at a 2023 Ford Explorer, check out our latest inventory online to see what’s available. Be sure to take a look at our special offers   to find some of the best deals in the Brewster area. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Photo Credit: Image via OEM

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