Ultimate SUV 2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity.

2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity chart.

The 2021 Ford Expedition full-size three-row SUV model gives you immense performance capabilities and spaciousness for up to eight passengers. The 2021 Expedition interior and exterior, feature more style, comfort, power, and luxury. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the available trim levels, and engine options, and also explore the towing capacity of the 2021 Ford Expedition in detail.

2021 Ford Expedition trim levels2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity (lbs.)
Ford Expedition STX6,000
Ford Expedition XLT6,000 – 9,200
Ford Expedition XLT Max6,000 – 9,000
Ford Expedition Limited6,000 – 9,300
Ford Expedition Limited Max6,000 – 9,000
Ford Expedition King Ranch6,000 – 9,300
Ford Expedition King Ranch Max6,000 – 9,000
Ford Expedition Platinum6,000 – 9,300
Ford Expedition Platinum Max6,300 – 9,000
The above-shown numbers are subject to change and are for reference purposes only. Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration listed in the chart above. Maximum weights shown are for properly equipped vehicles with the required equipment and a driver. The weight of additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo must be deducted from this weight.
When hauling a trailer, it is important to keep in mind the maximum recommended weight that your vehicle can handle. Going beyond this weight limit can cause significant harm to your vehicle, such as damage to the engine or transmission, as well as structural damage. It can also result in loss of control over the vehicle, which can lead to a dangerous rollover situation and potential injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the weight limits specified on the certification label and not exceed the GVWR or GAWR.

2021 Ford Expedition Engine Specs

Engine Type3.5L EcoBoost V63.5L EcoBoost V6 Platinum Series
Horsepower375 hp @ 5,000 rpm400 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque470 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm480 lb.-ft. @ 3,250 rpm

2021 Ford Expedition tow capacity

The standard tow rating for the 2021 Ford Expedition is 6,000 pounds. For trailers over 6,000 pounds, the available Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package must be equipped properly to maximize up to 9,300 pounds of tow capacity. 

2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity without tow package

Vehicle TypeDrive Type Axle RatioGross Combined Weight Ratio (lbs.)Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Short
Wheel-base
4×23.1512,000 6,000
Short
Wheel-base
4×23.3112,0006,000
Short
Wheel-base
4×43.3112,1006,000
Short
Wheelbase
4×43.3112,3006,000
Long
Wheel-base
4×23.3112,5006,300
Long
Wheel-base
4×43.3112,4006,000
Short
Wheel-base
4×43.7312,3006,000
Long
Wheel-base
4×43.7312,4006,000
Note: If you do not know the axle ratio of your vehicle, check its Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label (located on the left front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar).

2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity with tow package

Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package: heavy-duty radiator, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, 3.73 non-limited slip rear axle, integrated trailer brake controller, and 2-speed automatic 4WD (4×4 only) with Neutral towing capability. It may vary depending on model, trim, and powertrain. Contact your dealer or go through the individual vehicle owner’s manual for specific content information. Trailer Towing Package is recommended for all vehicles that will be used for towing to help ensure easy, proper connection of trailer lights.

Vehicle TypeDrive Type Axle RatioGross Combined Weight Ratio (lbs.)Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Short
Wheel-base
4×23.7315,3009,300
Short
Wheel-base
4×43.7315,5009,200
Long
Wheel-base
4×23.7315,2009,000
Long
Wheel-base
4×43.7315,5009,000
Requires available Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. Maximum loaded trailer weight requires a weight-distributing hitch. Max. towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and the number of passengers.
Also Read:
What is the difference between Class III and Class IV trailer hitch?
Hitch receiver types and sizes are important when you are towing trailers, campers, RVs, or other equipment with your vehicle. Explore the major difference between Class III and Class IV Trailer Hitch (With Comparison). Read more....

Frontal Area Considerations

Frontal Area is the total area in square feet that a moving vehicle and trailer expose to air resistance. Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the performance of your towing vehicle. The table below shows the limitations that must be considered in selecting a vehicle/trailer combination.

Ford Expedition55 sq. ft.
60 sq. ft.
Without Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package
With Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package

Hitch Receiver Weight Capacity

Hitch receivers do not include a hitch ball or ball mounting. You are responsible for obtaining the proper hitch ball, ball mounting, and other appropriate equipment to tow both the trailer and its cargo load. The trailer tongue load weight should be 10% of the total loaded trailer weight. Make sure vehicle payload (reduced by option weight) will accommodate trailer tongue load weight and weight of passengers and cargo added to the towing vehicle. The addition of trailer tongue load weight and weight of passengers and cargo cannot cause vehicle weights to exceed rear GAWR or GVWR. The chart below shows the weight-carrying and weight-distributing capacities of this hitch receiver.

Ford Vehicle ModelWeight-Carrying Max.
Trailer Capacity (lbs.)
Max. Tongue
Load (lbs.)
Expedition6,000
9,300
600
930
Expedition MAX6,300
9,000
630
900
2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity

2021 Ford Expedition trims

You can choose from five well-equipped outstanding trim levels, beginning with the base trim XL, STX, and XLT. Higher trims continue with the Limited, King Ranch®, and the top variant Platinum. Apart from the base level, the 2021 Ford Expedition is also available in a MAX variant. There are numerous packages available, such as the FX4 Off-Road Package, Cargo Package, Black Accent Package, and Convenience Package for more distinctive qualities. The 2021 Expedition with the best options specific vehicle’s tow capability could be reduced based on the weight of the selected trim series and option content. Discover more specs and features of the 2021 Ford Expedition below.

2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity (STX)

2021 Ford Expedition STX towing capacity

With a 2nd-row, 3-passenger bench and room for up to five, the Expedition STX trim is both versatile and practical in one powerful package. The Chrome grille with Magnetic secondary bars, front & rear lower bumper accents, black roof-rack side rails, side view mirror caps, platform running boards, body-color door handles, and an STX badge. The 18″ Magnetic-painted cast-aluminum wheels, Halogen headlamps & fog lamps, an 8-way power driver seat & two-way manual front-passenger seat, a Manual-tilt/telescoping steering column, 2nd-row 40/20/40 split-fold seats with CenterSlide & manual recline, Ford Co-Pilot 360 Technology, AM/FM stereo with 6 speakers and MP3 capability. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition STX is 6,000 lbs.

2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity (XLT)

2021 Ford Expedition XLT towing capacity

With standard seating for eight, In Expedition XLT is all about comfort, convenience, and connectivity. The highlighted features are a Chrome grille with Magnetic secondary bars, Silver front & rear lower bumper accents, body-color side view mirror caps, and black roof-rack side rails & platform running boards, Reverse Sensing System, 60/40 split PowerFold 3rd-row seat with power recline, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Universal garage door opener, SYNC voice-activated technology with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition XLT is between 6,000 – 9,200 lbs. depending upon the engine configuration and axle ratio.

2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity (LIMITED)

2021 Ford Expedition Limited towing capacity

The 2021 Ford Expedition Limited offers luxury on a grand scale with bright exterior accents on the grille and power-deployable running boards that extend to help you enter and exit. The highlighted features are Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist, LED taillamps, 10-way power driver seat & 8-way power front-passenger seat, including power lumbar and recline, 2nd-row power-folding tip-and-slide 40/20/40 split-fold seats with CenterSlide, 3rd-row smart-charging USB ports, 8″ productivity screen in the instrument cluster, Heated & ventilated 1st-row seats, Remote Start System, Wireless charging pad, Ambient lighting, 4-door Intelligent Access, and B&O Sound System. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition Limited is between 6,000 – 9,300 lbs. depending upon the engine configuration and axle ratio.

2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity (KING RANCH)

2021 Ford Expedition King Ranch towing capacity

The Ford Expedition King Ranch luxury trim level is the embodiment of the freedom-loving spirit of the American West in one big, beautiful package. The Expedition style with rich wood accents and Del Rio leather trim on the seats, door-trim inserts, armrests, center console side rails, and steering wheel on all 3 rows. The highlighted features are massive 22″ machined-face aluminum wheels, 360-Degree Camera with Split-View Display and front & rear washers, LED headlamps & fog lamps, Brushed-aluminum front door-sill scuff plates, Ziricote wood accents on the center console, Power Panoramic Vista Roof, 2nd-row power-folding tip-and-slide captain’s chairs. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition King Ranch is between 6,000 – 9,300 lbs. depending upon the engine configuration and axle ratio.

2021 Ford Expedition towing capacity (PLATINUM)

2021 Ford Expedition Platinum towing capacity

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum has massive 22″ aluminum wheels, Luxury leather-trimmed heated and ventilated multi-contour front seats with Active Motion that deliver optimal comfort to both the driver and passenger, while 1st- and 2nd-row seats boast perforated inserts and quilted bolsters. A leather-wrapped instrument panel top, wood accents, and a panoramic Vista Roof® add to the allure of this vehicle, making Platinum quite a pleasing package. The highlighted features are Continuously controlled damping (CCD) suspension, Real wood accents on the center console, and Unique front, and rear floor mats. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition Platinum is between 6,000 – 9,300 lbs.

2021 Ford Expedition Max towing capacity

The 2021 Ford Expedition MAX is nearly a foot long and can carry 16.9 more cu. ft. with an extra spacious cabin is big on comfort and convenience. From roomy interiors with seating for up to 8 in a range of durable fabrics and available leather trims to innovative technologies and standard Ford Co-Pilot360. The Expedition Max is available in four different variant options XLT MAX, Limited MAX, King Ranch Max, and Platinum Max. The towing capacity of the Expedition Max is between 6,000 to 9,000 pounds depending upon the engine configuration and axle ratio when properly equipped.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a 2021 Ford Expedition tow?

The 2021 Ford Expedition Full-size SUV comes in five trim levels: STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum. The regular version of the SUV is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, while the Platinum model receives a tuned version with 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition has a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds when properly equipped, and both models come with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

2021 Ford Expedition Video
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Aaron Bennett is an accomplished author and a true aficionado when it comes to pickup trucks. With an unwavering passion for all things automotive, Aaron has dedicated his life to exploring the world of pickups and sharing his expertise with others. As the proud owner of several powerful machines, he has spent countless hours behind the wheel, navigating rugged terrains and conquering highways with unrivaled enthusiasm.

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