If you need an SUV for weekend visits to Sioux Falls or Falls Park, for weekly errands, or for just about anything else, it's important to look at the towing capacity. The redesigned 2023 Ford Escape's outstanding engine options provide an impressive towing capacity of between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds. Ford altered the SUV's look and improved the interior quality, but like with the prior model year, you have three engines with different towing capacity ranges. Check out the engine towing capability, powertrains, and related features of the 2023 Ford Escape.
2023 Escape Trims and Engines
The Ford Escape's remarkable powertrain choices are unchanged for 2023. To understand the SUV's towing capacity, you should first know what these choices are. The standard gasoline powertrain is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with 181 horsepower, while higher trims get a 2-liter EcoBoost engine with 250 horsepower. Ford also continues to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, underpinned by a 2.5-liter engine and electric motors. Both choices come with 163 horsepower.
Engine availability depends on your choice from among the seven trim levels: Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is the sole choice on the Base and Active versions, while the 2-liter EcoBoost engine, as well as the hybrid powertrain, are optional on the ST-Line and Platinum trims. The Plug-In Hybrid trim, of course, uses the hybrid powertrain.
Ford Escape Towing Capacity by Engine
When properly equipped with the optional Class II Trailer Tow Package and the available 2-liter EcoBoost engine, the Ford Escape has an impressive towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The 2023 Ford Escape's standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine configuration has a 2,000-pound tow rating. Finally, when equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 Hybrid or equivalent Plug-in Hybrid powertrain, drivers in Sioux Falls can expect 1,500 pounds of towing. The one exception is the ST-Line, which can get up to 2,000 pounds with the hybrid engine.
Overall, for the highest towing capacity possible, we recommend a 2-liter engine on an ST-Line or Platinum trim level. For lighter jobs, such as connecting a 500-pound moving trailer, you can definitely get by with any of these 2023 Ford Escape powertrains and trim choices. If you're unclear about how much towing capacity you'll get, you can always contact us at Sioux Falls Ford in Sioux Falls for assistance.
Ford Escape Towing and Performance Features
Connecting and carrying weight on a trailer is one thing, but the 2023 Escape also has dependable performance and cutting-edge safety systems to help you out. Consider these contemporary technologies that can help you when towing:
- All-Wheel-Drive Disconnect: This feature allows the all-wheel drive to turn off under optimal road conditions, sticking to front-wheel drive or partial all-wheel drive and improving efficiency. When greater traction is required, such as during spring storms or winter snow and ice, the system automatically increases control for all four wheels.
- Selectable Drive Modes: Selectable drive modes on the Escape can adjust various performance factors based on current road and weather conditions. Regardless of whether you're towing or not, you can select from among Eco, Sport, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Snow/Sand settings.
- Trailer Sway Control: A trailer sway control system stabilizes and corrects possible lateral movements in the trailer caused by wind, curves, turns, lane changes, and more.
You won't have to worry about losing control of any towed equipment with the Ford Escape. Just make sure you have the right engine, gear, and trailer, and that you aren't going beyond its towing capacity.
What Objects Can a 2023 Ford Escape Tow?
Hybrid or gasoline, you might be amazed at how much you can haul with the Ford Escape. The 3,500-pound towing capacity, in particular, should be enough for the gross vehicle weight rating of most:
- Jet ski trailers (170-275 pounds).
- Towing dollies (around 500 pounds).
- Motorcycle trailers (300-800 pounds).
- Fishing boat trailers (200-1,100 pounds).
- A-frame campers (1,200-2,300 pounds).
- Teardrop trailers (500-3000 pounds).
- Small open utility trailers (1,000-3,000 pounds).
Canoe and kayak trailers, most moving trailers, and other everyday examples are no problem with the right Ford SUV or truck. Some Ford Escape models should even be able to tow closed utility trailers, ranging from 2,000 to 7000 pounds.
What Gear Is Required for Towing With a 2023 Ford Escape?
You can't safely tow without the correct accessories. Some aren't required for towing in general but are important for certain types of trailers. Here are some towing accessories that you can find on your next Escape, or you can order them from our parts department:
- Trailer hitch 2-inch receiver: This is the shaft that connects to the rear of your Escape, with the ball mount standing upward on the back.
- Trailer hitch ball mount 2-inch drop receiver: This is an alternate design for a receiver that curves down at the end into a lower platform for the ball. This may be required for trailers that connect low to the ground.
- Locking hitch pin: This should fit into the holes between your 2-inch receiver and the frame, locking it in place. It should also come with a hitch clip, a small piece of metal that slips into a tiny hole in the pin as extra security.
- Curt hitch shackle kit: An alternative to a ball receiver, a D-Ring or curt hitch shackle is designed for crashed vehicle recovery and other rough, straight-line towing jobs.
- Trailer tow wiring kit: Contains the wiring and plugs necessary to power a trailer's brake lights and other lights.
The 2023 Ford Escape makes it simple to move both freight and crew in style. Apart from the features above, you'll also benefit from backup cameras and other safety systems, an automatic rear lift gate, and many features that will prove useful during long road trips or family getaways.
Tow More Easily With the 2023 Escape
Many Ford models, including the Escape, are built to tow, but this SUV is one of the best for its size. Are you ready to put the 2023 Ford Escape or Ford Escape Hybrid to the test on the streets of Sioux Falls? Browse our inventory today, and if you need help with leasing or financing a new Ford Escape, please contact our finance department. You could also save money on your next vehicle by taking advantage of our new car specials.