We will provide information on the towing capacity of the 2023 Ford Escape, to readers with the necessary knowledge before using the Ford Escape for towing purposes. With the various factors that influence towing capacity, many SUV owners have a need to tow trailers, boats, or other heavy loads the ability to tow safely is a significant aspect when evaluating a vehicle’s suitability.
The 2023 Ford Escape is a class-leading compact SUV maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available optional Class II Trailer Tow Package and available 250-HP 2.0L EcoBoost engine. With even more towing power to accompany you along every adventure allowing you to tow whatever gear or cargo you need to make the most of your vehicle.
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Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of your vehicle and could result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and personal injury. Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label.
2023 Ford Escape towing capacity chart
The 2023 Ford Escape is a class-leading compact SUV offering a range of powertrains and incredible towing capability that packs incredible fuel efficiency and capability into one sleek package. The 2023 Ford Escape boasts a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package and 2.0L EcoBoost, while additional engine configurations deliver anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 lbs of towing power.
| 2023 Ford Escape variants | 2023 Ford Escape towing capacity |
| Ford Escape Base | 2,000 lbs. |
| Ford Escape Active | 2,000 lbs. |
| Ford Escape ST-Line | 2,000 – 3,500 lbs. |
| Ford Escape ST-Line Select | 2,000 – 3,500 lbs. |
| Ford Escape Platinum | 2,000 – 3,500 lbs. |
| Ford Escape ST-Line Elite | 2,000 – 3,500 lbs. |
| Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid | 1,500 lbs. |
Note: Specific states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a specified weight. Be certain to review state regulations for this determined weight. The maximum trailer weights listed could be limited to this specified weight, as the vehicle’s electrical system may not include the wiring connector needed to activate electric trailer brakes.
2023 Ford Escape Engine Specs
There are four powertrain options available for the 2023 Ford Escape, making it easy to make this vehicle your own. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine choices have an available EcoBoost engine that comes with auto start-stop technology that can reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions when you are driving in the city.
| Engine Type | 2.5L Hybrid | 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid | 1.5L EcoBoost | 2.0L EcoBoost |
| Horsepower | 163hp @ 6,250rpm | 163hp @ 6,250rpm | 180hp @ 6,000rpm | 250hp @ 5,500rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb.-ft. @ 4,500rpm | 155 lb.-ft. @ 4,500rpm | 199 lb.-ft. @ 3,000rpm | 280 lb.-ft. @ 3,000rpm |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | 13.0:1 | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
2023 Ford Escape Towing Capacity Guide
| Engine Configuration | Final Drive Ratio | Drive Type | GCWR (lbs.) | Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.) |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid | 2.91 | FWD | 5,373 | 1,500 |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid | 2.91 | AWD | 5,507 | 1,500 |
| 2.5L I4 Plug-in Hybrid | 2.91 | FWD | 5,706 | 1,500 |
| 1.5L EcoBoost I3 | 3.81 | FWD | 5,639 | 2,000 |
| 1.5L EcoBoost I3 | 3.81 | AWD | 5,811 | 2,000 |
| 2.0L EcoBoost I4 | 3.47 | AWD | 7,402 | 2,000/3,500 |
Reminder: Ford Escape does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as a dealer accessory. Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration listed in the chart above. Maximum weights shown are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment. Weight of additional options, equipment, passengers and cargo must be deducted from this weight.
2023 Ford Escape Trailer Towing Package
It is essential that your vehicle includes any optional equipment needed to best perform its expected towing tasks. For trailers over 2,000 lbs. Class II Trailer Tow Package. Available with 2.0L EcoBoost® I4 or 2.5L I4 Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (Platinum, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and PHEV) only.
- Trailer Wiring Harness (4-Pin)
- Hitch Receiver
- Aux. Auto Trans. Oil Cooler
- Trailer Sway Control
The maximum weight capacities for the hitch receivers shown below may exceed the maximum loaded trailer weight for the vehicle specified.
| Hitch Receiver | Max. Tongue Load (lbs.) |
| Ford Escape Hybrid | 150 |
| Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | 150 |
| Ford Escape | 350 |
2023 Ford Escape Frontal Area Considerations
| Vehicle | Trailer Frontal Area Limitations/Considerations | Trailer Tow Package |
| Ford Escape | 20 sq. ft. | Without Class II Trailer Tow Package |
| 30 sq. ft. | With Class II Trailer Tow Package |
2023 Ford Escape Tow-Dolly Flexibility
Tow dollies allow you to tow your vehicle behind an RV or motorhome if you are unable to four-wheel down your car. Tow dollies work by elevating the vehicle’s front drive wheels and resting them securely on the dolly while the back two wheels stay on the ground. They are not as long as the traditional trailers, which helps make turning corners easy.
| Vehicle | FWD | AWD |
| Ford Escape Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Ford Escape | Yes | No |
Before using the tow-dolly, read the manufacturer’s instructions that came with the tow-dolly before towing, loading, or unloading the dolly.
- Attach the appropriate trailer hitch and drawbar hardware to the vehicle for the tow-dolly.
- Attach the dolly to the drawbar. The dolly should be completely secure and on level ground before the vehicle to be towed is put on or taken off the dolly.
- Drive the vehicle onto the dolly with its front wheels.
- Secure the vehicle to the tow-dolly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Follow the instructions for attaching and connecting the auxiliary lights to the back of the vehicle being towed.
- Test the auxiliary lights to make sure that the turn signals, stop lamps, and running lights work properly.
2023 Ford Escape Four-Wheel-Down Towing
Many motorhome owners prefer the practicality of having another vehicle along when they travel. In fact, towing another vehicle behind the motorhome has become more and more popular in recent years. Furthermore, many of those who want to tow another vehicle prefer one that can be easily towed without a dolly or trailer. For safe operation, towed vehicles (or dollies or trailers carrying them) should be equipped with a separate functional brake system.
Note: Some aftermarket camper centers offer kits that may allow vehicles with automatic transmissions to be flat-towed. Check your new vehicle Warranty Guide, as this could void the warranty of your vehicle.
| Vehicle | Automatic Transmission |
| Ford Escape Hybrid | Yes |
| Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | Yes |
| Ford Escape | No |
2023 Ford Escape Weight-Carrying (Non-Weight-Distributing)
A weight-carrying (non-weight-distributing) hitch is commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized trailers. Choose a proper hitch and ball and make sure its location is compatible with that of the trailer. Use a good weight-carrying hitch that uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the bumper and frame (through the body with Escape; bumper hitch not available with Escape). You are responsible for obtaining the proper hitch ball, ball mounting, and other appropriate equipment to tow both the trailer and load that will be towed.
2023 Ford Escape Trims
The 2023 Ford Escape comes in seven different models: base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In-Hybrid. Let’s find out more about all the details of the maximum towing potential of each of the trim levels of the 2023 Ford Escape lineup below.
2023 Ford Escape Base towing capacity
The 2023 Escape Base model combines all modern tech, stylish good looks, and plenty of cargo capacity. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5L EcoBoost Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The highlighted features are 17-inch steel wheels with Sparkle Silver-painted covers, Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology features six unique driver-assist features, Second-row sliding seats with 60/40 split-fold down, and SYNC 4 with an 8-inch LCD center screen. Also, when your vehicle is equipped with FordPass Connect, access standard remote features like start/stop, lock/unlock, scheduled start, and more with the FordPass App. The towing capacity of the Ford Escape Base is 2,000 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2023 Ford Escape Active towing capacity
The 2023 Escape Active model offers many of the amenities of the Base model with a few upscale flourishes. Chrome upper window molding and grill strip, body-color door handles, and 17-inch Shadow Silver-painted aluminum wheels help it stand out on the street. The highlighted features are Dual-zone climate control, an 8-way power driver seat, Intelligent Access with push-button start, and SiriusXM with 360L bringing you an expanded lineup of streaming music channels. The towing capacity of the Ford Escape Active is 2,000 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2023 Ford Escape ST-Line towing capacity
The 2023 Escape ST-Line with racing-inspired style throughout with unique ST-Line badging and floor mats, a sport-style flat-bottom steering wheel, and sport contour bucket seats. Striking red stitching highlights help to complete the interior look. Outside, 18-inch Rock Metallic painted aluminum wheels, a black mesh grille, body-color rocker panels, front/rear fascia, and a large single-wing spoiler are sure to inspire stares. The other highlighted features are Sport handling suspension/tuning on AWD models, Power Liftgate, and the available 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 hybrid engine. The towing capacity of the Ford Escape ST-Line ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Select towing capacity
The 2023 Escape ST-Line Select ups the ST-Line ante even more, with more power, and more comfort. A standard 2.0L EcoBoost Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology peps up the performance, while sport handling suspension and tuning make the most of every horsepower. Exterior enhancements include sporty LED fog lamps, 19-inch machined-face Ebony-painted aluminum wheels, and body-color heated mirrors. And finally, cold days go by easier with heated front-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote start system for frigid winter mornings. The towing capacity of the Ford Escape ST-Line Select ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite towing capacity
The 2023 Escape ST-Line Elite highlighted features are 19-inch machined-face Ebony-painted aluminum wheels, Front rain-sensing wipers, a Wireless charging pad, a larger 12.3″ digital productivity screen, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, and a standard 360-degree camera with split-view utilizes front, rear, and mirror-mounted cameras to provide a full bird’s eye view around your Escape. The towing capacity of the Ford Escape ST-Line Elite ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2023 Ford Escape Platinum towing capacity
The 2023 Escape Platinum is all about style, technology, and comfort providing a truly exceptional driving experience. A front coast-to-coast LED lightbar, chrome beltline molding, and LED fog lamps put a whole new spin on the term “curb appeal”. In the cabin, ActiveX trimmed seats are easier to clean and stain-resistant, while still looking luxurious. From wireless phone charging to a vibrant 13.2-inch capacitive touchscreen that connects you with every function of the vehicle. The towing capacity of the Ford Escape Platinum ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid towing capacity
The 2023 Escape Plug-in Hybrid model lets you get a taste of our electric future. Powered by the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine with FWD, it lets you drive all-electric, all-gas, or a combination of both. Onboard Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, lane-centering assist, and speed sign recognition. Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist also provide a boost of confidence while navigating busy city streets. The towing capacity of the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is 1,500 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2023 Ford Escape Towing Guide
- Before towing a trailer, make sure you’ve driven your vehicle for at least 1000 miles.
- Avoid exceeding 70 mph while towing.
- Follow the provided instructions for correctly installing and adjusting towing accessories.
- If you tow a trailer, increase the frequency of servicing your vehicle as recommended in the maintenance schedule.
- After traveling 50 miles, thoroughly inspect your hitch, electrical connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts.
- In hot weather and heavy traffic, put your gearshift in the “P” position to help cool the engine and transmission, as well as improve air conditioning performance.
- Disable the speed control feature when towing heavy loads or driving in hilly terrain. The speed control may automatically turn off on long, steep grades.
- When driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear instead of constantly applying the brakes to prevent overheating and maintain brake effectiveness.
- Utilize the Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature when towing to benefit from engine braking and minimize excessive transmission shifting, promoting better fuel economy and transmission cooling.
- Allow for increased stopping distance when you have a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and apply the brakes gradually.
Conclusion
The key points covered in this article leave readers with a clear understanding of the 2023 Ford Escape’s towing capacity, the factors to consider when towing, and the importance of seeking further assistance when needed. The importance of understanding the specific requirements of the trailer being towed, such as its weight, type, and any additional equipment needed for safe towing.
Additionally, we encouraged you to consult with experienced tow operators or vehicle specialists who can provide tailored guidance based on their individual towing requirements. Also, visit the official Ford website or contact local Ford dealerships for more detailed information about towing capabilities and available towing packages.
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.
