How Much Can a 2024 Ford Escape Tow?

The Ford Escape has long been popular among compact SUV buyers thanks to its versatile design, capable performance, and well-rounded feature set. One area where the Escape shines is its impressive towing capacity. Whether you’re looking to tow a small camper for weekend getaways, haul a utility trailer for home improvement projects, or bring along your favorite toys, such as a boat or motorcycle, the 2024 Ford Escape can confidently get the job done. This article takes an in-depth look at the towing capabilities of the 2024 Ford Escape.

2024 Ford Escape Engine Options and Towing Capacities

The 2024 Ford Escape offers a range of engine options to suit different driving preferences and towing requirements. The base engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. This engine can tow up to 2,000 pounds, enough to pull a small utility trailer or a couple of jet skis.

For those who need a bit more towing capability, the available 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the way to go. This powerplant churns out an impressive 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, enabling the Escape to tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the optional Class II Trailer Tow Package. This setup is ideal for towing a small camper, a larger utility trailer, or even a small boat.

It’s worth noting that the Escape’s towing capacities are the same when equipped with front-wheel drive compared to all-wheel drive. The 1.5L engine can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while the 2.0L engine with FWD maxes out at 3,000 pounds, depending on equipment. Opting for AWD provides better traction and stability when towing.

The Escape also offers two hybrid powertrain options, a traditional hybrid and a plug-in configuration, which utilize a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. While these electrified powertrains prioritize fuel efficiency, they still offer a respectable towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, making them a good choice for those who want to tow lighter loads while minimizing their carbon footprint.

2024 Ford Escape Towing and Fuel Efficiency

When towing a trailer or hauling a heavy load, the engine must work harder to maintain speed and overcome the additional weight, which consumes more fuel. The exact impact on fuel economy will depend on factors such as the weight of the trailer, the terrain you’re driving on, your speed, and even the weather conditions.

To give you a general idea, the EPA estimates that the Escape’s fuel economy can drop by around 20-30% when towing at or near the vehicle’s maximum capacity. For example, if you’re getting 25 mpg in combined driving without a trailer, you can expect that figure to drop to around 18-20 mpg when towing a 3,500-pound load with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. You can improve fuel efficiency when towing with your Escape by ensuring proper load balancing and keeping the engine in its ideal rpm range.

Towing Accessories and Features

To make towing with your Ford Escape as safe and easy as possible, there are several available accessories and features designed specifically for this purpose. The most important is the Class II Trailer Tow Package, which is required to achieve the maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.

This package includes a four-pin wiring harness and a trailer hitch receiver, which provide the necessary electrical connections and mounting points for your trailer. It also adds a trailer sway control system, which uses the Escape’s brakes and engine power to help counteract trailer movement and keep everything stable at highway speeds.

Another useful towing feature available on the Escape is a backup camera with dynamic hitch assist, which provides a clear view of the hitch area and helps guide you when lining up to connect your trailer. There’s also an available 360-degree camera system that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings, making it easier to navigate tight spaces with a trailer in tow.

For those who plan to tow a lot in hot weather or at high altitudes, the Escape also offers an available auxiliary transmission oil cooler and an upgraded radiator fan. These help keep the transmission and engine cool under heavy loads, ensuring consistent performance and longevity even in challenging conditions.

Ideal Use Cases for the Ford Escape’s Towing Capacity

With a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (when properly equipped), the Escape is a great choice for hauling small-to-medium-sized trailers and recreational equipment. One popular use case for the Escape’s towing capabilities is pulling a small camper or travel trailer. You can easily tow a lightweight pop-up camper or teardrop trailer for weekend camping trips or longer road trip adventures.

Another common scenario where the Escape’s towing capacity comes in handy is hauling a utility trailer for home improvement projects or landscaping work. A small utility trailer can be the most efficient and cost-effective solution whether you need to transport lumber, tools, or yard waste.

For those who love water sports and outdoor recreation, the Escape’s towing capabilities are also well-suited for pulling small boats, jet skis, or other watercraft. You can easily haul a compact fishing boat, a couple of jet skis, or even a modest sailboat to your favorite lake or coastal destination. With the right trailer and tie-down equipment, the Escape’s towing capacity is also ideal for transporting motorcycles, ATVs, or other small recreational vehicles.

Experience the Ford Escape’s Towing Capabilities at Brewster Ford

Reading about the Ford Escape’s impressive towing capabilities is one thing, but to truly appreciate what this versatile compact SUV can do, you need to experience it yourself. That’s where Brewster Ford comes in.

As your trusted Ford dealership serving the Brewster area, we invite you to visit our showroom and explore the 2024 Ford Escape in person. Our knowledgeable sales staff will happily help you find the perfect configuration for your needs and budget.

Contact our helpful team to test-drive the Escape with a trailer in tow to appreciate its towing prowess fully.

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