Can a Ford Fiesta pull a trailer?
In most cases, a Ford Fiesta is not designed for towing, especially in the United States, where no official tow package is offered. In some European markets, certain Fiesta variants can tow light trailers if properly equipped, but always verify the exact specification for your car.
Market realities and official guidance
Vehicle towing capabilities vary by market, model year, engine, and available factory options. Below is a look at what applies in two broad regions—where the Fiesta is sold and how Ford positions towing for this model.
United States market
The U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta traditionally did not offer a factory towing package. Ford catalogs and dealer documentation for the Fiesta in the United States do not publish a formal towing rating, and towing with a Fiesta is not an officially supported or warranty-approved activity. If you need to tow regularly, Ford and many dealers would recommend using a vehicle with an established towing capability rather than attempting to tow with a Fiesta.
- No Ford-approved factory tow package for the U.S.-spec Fiesta.
- Aftermarket towing equipment is not officially endorsed for Fiesta towing in the U.S. and may affect warranty and insurance.
- Even light towing can dramatically affect handling, braking, and safety margins in a small car like the Fiesta.
- For regular towing, consider a larger or purpose-built tow-capable vehicle instead of the Fiesta.
Conclusion: In the American market, towing with a Fiesta is generally not supported by Ford and is not part of the official specs for the vehicle.
Europe and other markets
In Europe and some other regions where the Fiesta has been sold with a broader equipment slate, Ford has offered variants with a factory tow hitch option. When equipped, these versions can tow light trailers, but the allowed weight depends on the engine, transmission, and whether a factory tow pack is installed. Typical braked-trailer limits for compatible configurations tend to fall in the low-to-mid range of a few hundred kilograms up to about 800–1,000 kg (roughly 1,764–2,205 lb), but always confirm the exact figure for your car.
- Tow ratings vary by engine and driveline; not all Fiestas are eligible for towing.
- A factory tow pack (hitch, wiring, and related components) is usually required to reach the stated limit.
- Braked trailers are typically required to reach higher limits; unbraked limits, if any, are lower or not recommended.
- Check the owner’s manual and the official spec sheet for your specific vehicle to know the exact towing capability.
Conclusion: In Europe and similar markets, certain Fiesta configurations can tow light trailers when properly equipped, but you must verify your exact model’s towing specification before attempting any towing.
Key considerations for towing with a Fiesta
Whether you’re in the United States or Europe, towing requires careful planning and strict adherence to limits. Here are the essential factors to review before attempting to tow with a Fiesta.
- Know the official towing ratings for your exact vehicle (gross trailer weight rating, or GTWR; whether a braked trailer is required; and any gross combined weight rating limits).
- Use a proper hitch and wiring harness that are approved for your car’s configuration and comply with local regulations.
- Respect tongue weight (the downward force the trailer tongue applies to the hitch) and distribute the load to maintain stability.
- Ensure the trailer has its own braking system if the rating requires it; consider a brake controller if compatible with your setup.
- Adjust driving behavior for towing: increased stopping distance, gentler acceleration, and careful speed selection on grades and corners.
- Check insurance coverage and local laws regarding trailer towing with a passenger car; some policies require endorsements for towing.
Conclusion: Towing with a Fiesta is feasible only within the specified limits and with proper equipment and compliance; ignoring these constraints can lead to safety risks and warranty/insurance issues.
Alternatives to towing with a Fiesta
If your towing needs are frequent or involve heavier trailers, consider these options rather than relying on a Fiesta for towing duties.
- Rent or borrow a tow-capable vehicle for occasional needs, such as a compact SUV or a small pickup.
- Choose a Fiesta variant in markets where it supports a factory tow package, or switch to a larger Ford model with official towing capability.
- For light, infrequent tasks, keep within the Fiesta’s safe operating range or use a non-towed trailer option (e.g., a cargo carrier) if appropriate and legal.
Conclusion: For regular or heavier towing, a purpose-built tow vehicle is the safer and more reliable choice than attempting to tow with a Fiesta.
Summary
The Ford Fiesta’s towing potential depends on market and equipment. In the United States, towing with a Fiesta is not officially supported, and Ford does not publish a towing rating for this configuration. In Europe and some other markets, certain Fiesta variants can tow light trailers when equipped with a factory tow package, typically with a braked trailer limit around 800–1,000 kg, but exact figures vary by engine and transmission. Always consult your owner’s manual and the dealer for your precise car’s towing specifications, stay within rated limits, and consider safer, purpose-built options if you need to tow regularly.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Ford Fiesta?
Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver, Black, Compatible with Ford Fiesta. DRAW-TITE® Class 1 trailer hitches are the perfect mix of style and stability for those times when you're working on a home project or heading out on an adventure. This DRAW-TITE Class 1 receiver hitch is rated for up to 2,000 lbs.
How much can a 2013 Ford Fiesta tow?
Rated to 2,000 lbs.
How much weight can a Ford Fiesta tow?
The towing capacity of the Ford Fiesta supports up to 900kg.
How much can a 2017 Ford Fiesta tow?
Tow Capacity: 6600 lbs.
