When shopping for an SUV in 2025, many drivers are drawn not just to style, performance, or tech—towing capacity has become a significant factor for families, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re hauling a boat, trailer, camper, or gear for a weekend in the mountains, choosing the right SUV makes all the difference.
For Ford enthusiasts, the 2025 lineup offers a wide range of choices, from compact crossovers to full-sized powerhouses. But which Ford SUV reigns supreme in towing capability? Let’s dive deep into the specifications, performance, and real-world usability of Ford’s 2025 SUV range to determine the best option for towing.
Understanding Towing Capacity: What It Means And Why It Matters
Before diving into the specific Ford models, it’s important to understand what towing capacity actually means. Towing capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can safely pull behind it on a trailer. This figure is determined by the manufacturer and takes into account the vehicle’s engine power, transmission, suspension, brakes, and frame strength.
Towing capacity is not just about raw power—it’s also about safety and control. An SUV with a higher towing capacity usually has more advanced stability and braking systems to handle heavy loads. Additionally, the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the presence of towing packages can significantly influence a vehicle’s performance under load.
Ford’s Towing Tech: A 2025 Snapshot
Ford has long been known for building tough, capable vehicles, and in 2025, that tradition continues with state-of-the-art towing technologies. Across its SUV lineup, Ford offers a variety of towing-assist features such as:
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist: This system simplifies the challenge of backing up a trailer by allowing the driver to steer the trailer using a knob while the vehicle takes over the steering wheel.
- Trailer Sway Control: Standard on many models, this system automatically detects trailer sway and applies selective braking to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer.
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Available on select models, this provides smoother and more coordinated braking between the SUV and the trailer.
- Smart Tow Ratings: A digital display that provides real-time towing information like tongue weight and trailer status via the SYNC infotainment system.
With these innovations in place, the actual driving and towing experience is becoming safer, more intuitive, and less intimidating—even for newcomers.
The Top Contender: 2025 Ford Expedition
When it comes to towing prowess, no SUV in Ford’s current stable can match the 2025 Ford Expedition. This full-size SUV, built on a truck-like frame, is engineered specifically for power, cargo capacity, and, most importantly, towing.
At the heart of the Expedition is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, capable of producing 400 horsepower and a robust 480 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition delivers a jaw-dropping maximum towing capacity of 9,600 pounds when properly equipped.
This means the Expedition can easily haul large boats, multi-axle trailers, or even mid-sized campers, making it a favorite among those with heavy-duty towing demands. The Expedition Max, an extended version of the SUV, provides even more cargo space while maintaining strong towing capabilities.
From a driver’s perspective, towing with the Expedition feels surprisingly composed. The ride quality remains stable even under load, and thanks to available four-wheel drive, traction remains reliable on uneven or slippery terrain.
Ford Explorer: A Midsize Marvel With Impressive Muscle
If the Expedition feels like too much SUV for your needs, the 2025 Ford Explorer offers a refined alternative with more than enough towing capability for most tasks. Positioned in the midsize SUV segment, the Explorer combines comfort, versatility, and solid towing power.
The top-tier towing setup is found with the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which churns out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. With this engine and the Class III Trailer Tow Package installed the 2025 Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
That’s enough strength for small boats, single-axle campers, jet skis, or utility trailers. This makes the Explorer ideal for weekend warriors who need to haul gear but also want a vehicle that’s manageable in daily driving scenarios.
The Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive architecture enhances towing dynamics, while the available Intelligent 4WD system ensures capability on rougher terrain. Additionally, it retains great fuel efficiency compared to full-size SUVs, making it a smarter pick for drivers who tow occasionally but still value economical driving.
Ford Bronco: Rugged Off-Roading Meets Moderate Towing
The 2025 Ford Bronco, with its rugged charm and off-road DNA, is another appealing choice for towing. It’s not built to tow the heaviest loads, but it strikes a balance between adventure and functionality. The Bronco’s standard towing capacity sits at 3,500 pounds, which is suitable for ATVs, small boats, or compact trailers.
However, if you opt for the high-performance Bronco Raptor trim, you get upgraded suspension, stronger components, and a powerful 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, bringing the towing capacity up to 4,500 pounds.
What makes the Bronco special for towing is how well it performs off the pavement. Whether you’re towing a trailer full of dirt bikes to a remote trailhead or a pop-up camper to an alpine campsite, the Bronco provides confidence with features like Trail Control, G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain), and off-road navigation aids.
While it may not match the Expedition in brute strength, the Bronco excels in environments where adventure calls and the road ends.
Ford Edge And Escape: Light Towing For Urban Lifestyles
For urban drivers or smaller families, the 2025 Ford Edge and Ford Escape offer light towing capabilities without sacrificing everyday practicality.
The Edge, especially in the ST performance trim with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, offers a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the towing package. This allows for transporting small trailers or watercraft, though it’s far from the best choice for heavy-duty hauling.
Similarly, the Escape—Ford’s compact crossover—can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and towing package. Lower trims or hybrid variants offer even less, making them better suited for light recreational use.
Both vehicles cater to drivers who need occasional towing for lighter loads and who prioritize fuel economy, compact size, and maneuverability over maximum power. They’re perfect for occasional trips to the lake or moving supplies across town, but not suited for more ambitious towing tasks.
Key Considerations When Choosing A Ford SUV For Towing
While towing capacity is a major factor, it’s only one part of the equation when selecting the right SUV. Buyers should also take into account:
- Payload Capacity: This includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer. A higher towing capacity means little if you exceed payload limits.
- Drivetrain: All-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations provide more traction and stability when towing on uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Towing Package: Always check if the SUV includes or offers a towing package. These often include enhancements like upgraded cooling systems, wiring harnesses, and trailer sway control systems.
- Driving Comfort and Handling: Heavier loads affect acceleration, braking, and handling. Look for features like adaptive cruise control, tow/haul modes, and brake controllers to make towing easier and safer.
- Trailer Weight Distribution and Hitching: The proper hitch class and weight distribution system can make a huge difference in how safely and smoothly your SUV tows.
Conclusion:
After carefully evaluating each model in Ford’s 2025 SUV lineup, the answer is clear: The Ford Expedition remains the undisputed champion in towing capacity. With a maximum capacity of 9,600 pounds, unmatched torque, a robust frame, and a suite of advanced towing technologies, it’s the ideal choice for anyone who regularly tows heavy trailers or needs a vehicle capable of supporting an adventurous, gear-heavy lifestyle.
That said, other models serve specific needs incredibly well. The Ford Explorer strikes an impressive balance between everyday usability and solid towing performance, while the Bronco appeals to off-road lovers with lighter towing needs. Compact options like the Edge and Escape cater to urban drivers with occasional recreational towing requirements.
Ultimately, choosing the right Ford SUV depends on your unique needs, driving habits, and towing expectations. But if maximum towing is your top priority, the 2025 Expedition delivers capability without compromise.
