What Ford vehicles can tow 5000 pounds?
Ford offers several models that can tow 5,000 pounds or more when properly equipped. The most straightforward options are the F-150 pickup, midsize Ranger, and larger SUVs such as the Explorer and Expedition, plus heavy‑duty pickups in the F‑250/350 line. The electric F‑150 Lightning also offers strong towing capability. Towing numbers depend on the exact engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, and Tow Package, so always verify the exact spec for your build.
Core Ford models capable of towing 5,000 pounds or more
The following Ford models are commonly configured to tow at least 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the necessary packages and options.
- Ford F-150 — Available with multiple engines and the Max Tow Package, with towing ratings that start around 5,000 pounds and can reach well above 14,000 pounds depending on configuration.
- Ford Ranger — Capable of towing up to about 7,500 pounds with the factory Tow Package and appropriate equipment.
- Ford Explorer — Tow ratings up to roughly 5,300 pounds with the Tow Package and proper configuration.
- Ford Expedition — A large SUV capable of towing up to about 9,300 pounds with the right equipment and engine choice.
- Ford F‑250/F‑350 Super Duty — Heavy‑duty pickups that can tow far beyond 5,000 pounds, depending on the engine and towing package (designed for substantial loads).
Note: Exact towing figures depend on the specific engine, axle ratio, transmission, drive configuration (2WD vs. 4WD), and whether the Tow/Haul or Heavy‑Duty Tow Package is added. Always confirm the precise rating for your exact build with Ford’s official specs or your dealer.
Electric and other high-capacity options
Ford also offers electric and high‑capacity options that meet or exceed 5,000 pounds of towing with proper configuration. The F‑150 Lightning, for example, provides substantial towing capability without an internal combustion engine, though range and charging considerations come into play on longer trips.
- Ford F‑150 Lightning — Tow rating around 10,000 pounds with the appropriate drivetrain configuration and equipment.
When towing with electric vehicles, plan for range, charging stops, and available charging infrastructure, in addition to the usual hitch and brake considerations.
Key considerations when planning to tow 5,000 pounds
Achieving and maintaining a 5,000‑pound tow requires more than horsepower. You should factor in payload capacity, braking requirements, hitch class, trailer brakes, sway control, and the correct axle ratio. The Tow Package, trailer‑sway control, and brake controller are often essential for safe, compliant towing. Consult the owner’s manual and your Ford dealer to confirm the exact equipment needed for your configuration.
Summary
In Ford’s lineup, achieving a 5,000‑pound towing capability is common across several models, notably the F‑150, Ranger, Explorer, Expedition, and the heavy‑duty F‑250/350 family. The F‑150 Lightning also offers strong towing potential among electrified options. Always verify the precise rating for your specific build and ensure you have the appropriate towing equipment and packages for safe operation.
What Ford vehicles can tow 5000 lbs?
For midrange towing capabilities, you'll want the Ford Explorer with a max towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds or the larger Expedition, which can tow 6,000 pounds or more. The Explorer can easily tow the following when properly equipped: Utility Trailers. 24-foot Travel Trailers.
What vehicle do I need to tow 5000 lbs?
Many SUVs, crossovers, and some trucks can tow 5,000 lbs, including models like the 2023 Subaru Ascent, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas, and Honda Passport/Pilot. Other options include the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which have towing capacities at or above this weight.
SUVs and crossovers
- Subaru Ascent: 5,000 lbs
- Chevrolet Traverse: 5,000 lbs
- Hyundai Palisade: 5,000 lbs
- Kia Telluride: 5,000–5,500 lbs depending on configuration
- Volkswagen Atlas: 5,000 lbs
- Honda Passport: 5,000 lbs
- Honda Pilot: 5,000 lbs
- Toyota 4Runner: 5,000 lbs
- Ford Explorer: Can tow up to 5,600 lbs
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: Can tow up to 6,200–7,200 lbs depending on engine
- Tesla Model X: 5,000 lbs
- Acura MDX: 5,000 lbs (AWD models only)
- Volvo XC90/XC90 Recharge: 5,000 lbs
Trucks
- Hyundai SANTA CRUZ: Up to 5,000 lbs
- Honda Ridgeline: Up to 5,000 lbs
Important considerations
- Configuration: Towing capacity can vary based on the specific engine, drivetrain (e.g., AWD), and any optional towing packages the vehicle is equipped with.
- Check the manual: Always verify the exact towing capacity for the specific model year and trim level in the owner's manual.
- Payload and tongue weight: Remember to account for the weight of passengers, cargo inside the vehicle, and the tongue weight of the trailer to ensure you don't exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
Which Ford SUV has the highest towing capacity?
Ford Expedition
When you need big towing capabilities, you'll want the power of the Ford Expedition, the largest SUV available. With the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition can tow up to an incredible 9,300 pounds, with standard conventional towing ranging from 6,000 pounds to 9,300 pounds, depending on the configuration.
What is the smallest SUV that can tow 5000 lb?
The Subaru Ascent is one of the smallest SUVs with a 5,000-pound towing capacity, along with other mid-size SUVs like the Honda Passport, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. While the Ascent is a three-row SUV, it's often categorized as smaller than many other models with the same towing rating, and it offers this capability with its standard all-wheel drive system.
- Subaru Ascent: A compact three-row SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a great option if you need the extra seats along with the towing capacity, notes Oliver Travel Trailers.
- Honda Passport: A two-row mid-size SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds, equipped with a standard V6 engine and all-wheel drive, says Honda East Cincinnati.
- Hyundai Palisade: A three-row mid-size SUV capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with trailer brakes, as noted by Hyundai of Hazelwood.
- Kia Telluride: Similar to the Palisade, this is a three-row mid-size SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Volkswagen Atlas: Another three-row mid-size SUV option with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
