2026 Ford SUV Towing Capacities
Ford's 2026 SUV lineup offers impressive pulling power for your adventures. Whether you need to tow a boat to Cochiti Lake or a travel trailer through New Mexico's mountains, there's a Ford vehicle capable of handling the job. If you're wondering which 2026 Ford SUV can tow the most, our team at Chalmers Ford in Albuquerque has the answers.
Why Towing Capacity Matters for SUV Buyers
Towing capacity isn't just about bragging rights; it's about staying safe and legal on New Mexico's roads. In 2013, the Society of Automotive Engineers created the SAE J2807 standard as a testing procedure for determining a vehicle's trailer tow ratings.
It's essential to follow two codes: the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross combined weight rating (GCWR). The GVWR is the maximum operating weight of a vehicle, including its chassis, body, fluids, accessories, driver, passengers, and cargo. The GCWR is the maximum permitted combined weight of a tow vehicle and its trailer, also including all cargo, occupants, and fluids. If you exceed your GVWR or GCWR, you might face fines and insurance issues.
Remain about 10% below your maximum towing rating because loads shift when you're driving, especially on climbs between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Class I hitches can handle 2,000 pounds, Class II 3,500 pounds, Class III 8,000 pounds, and Class IV 10,000 pounds.
The Complete 2026 Ford SUV Towing Capacity Rankings
Ford offers five SUVs for different towing jobs. Remember that trim levels, engines, and towing packages all affect how much you can pull, meaning there isn't a specific Ford SUV with the highest towing capacity.
The Ford Expedition: Maximum Towing Power
The 2026 Expedition is Ford's most versatile towing SUV, pulling up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped. All this muscle comes from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 in two versions: standard (400 horsepower, 480 lb-ft of torque) and high output (440 horsepower, 510 lb-ft of torque).
The Expedition's towing technology is impressive. Pro Trailer Backup Assist uses the SUV's reversing camera and sensors to help you confidently steer the vehicle while backing a trailer. This is a game-changer when launching a boat at Elephant Butte Reservoir or parking an RV at crowded campgrounds.
Trailer sway control, paired with an integrated trailer brake controller, provides peace of mind on windy plains or mountain roads. You can carry eight people inside the Expedition while towing a large load, explaining why you'll be pointed to it first when you ask which 2026 Ford SUV can pull the most.
The Ford Explorer: Midsize Towing Excellence
Every 2026 Explorer rolls off the line with a Class III trailer tow package already installed. This advantage gives all trim levels the same 5,000-pound towing ability. You've got two engine choices: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower or a beefier 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 delivering 400 horsepower.
The standard package includes a hitch, wiring, and a sway control system. Safety gets a boost from the blind-spot information system with trailer coverage, which watches for cars hiding alongside your trailer. Sidewind stabilization keeps you steady during gusty crosswinds across New Mexico's open spaces.
The Ford Explorer's towing capacity doesn't compromise family comfort. It's perfect for towing travel trailers, boats, or ATVs. Being midsized makes it easier to park than the Expedition, but it still provides towing capability for weekend trips across the Southwest.
The Ford Bronco: Off-Road Towing Capability
The 2026 Bronco lower trims, such as the Base, Outer Banks, and Badlands, can pull 3,500 pounds, enough for small campers or gear trailers. The Bronco Raptor boasts a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that makes 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque and can tow 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Ford's clever Goes Over Any Terrain modes include a tow/haul setting that adjusts the transmission to optimize performance when towing. It holds gears longer on inclines and downshifts sooner to provide engine braking on declines. This feature is essential when descending steep trails in the Gila National Forest with camping gear in tow.
You can remove the doors and roof for open-air driving, but keep in mind how this affects trailer visibility and wind resistance. The Bronco's tough build makes it the optimal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need to tow gear where regular SUVs can't do so safely.
The Ford Bronco Sport: Compact Utility Towing
The 2026 Bronco Sport proves that small SUVs can still pull their weight. With the standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, you can tow 2,200 pounds, while the Badlands trim, with its 2.0-liter EcoBoost, increases this to 2,700 pounds.
This compact SUV excels in tight spots while still pulling small trailers, dirt bikes, or camping equipment. Add the Class II trailer tow package, and you'll get a proper hitch receiver, four-pin wiring, and sway control. The Bronco Sport's smaller size is perfect for squeezing down narrow trails to reach your favorite camping spot or navigating crowded parking lots at popular recreation areas.
Even when towing, this model's fuel economy remains reasonably high, making it a practical choice for regular weekend warriors exploring New Mexico. If you're taking kayaks to the Rio Grande or mountain bikes to Taos, the Bronco Sport gives you just enough pulling power without the gas bill of bigger SUVs.
The Ford Escape: The Entry-Level Towing Option
The Escape is your starting point in Ford's towing lineup, with several engine options to match your needs and budget. The basic 1.5-liter EcoBoost pulls up to 2,000 pounds, enough for Jet Skis or small utility trailers. If you need more muscle, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost with the Class II trailer tow package boosts towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Green-minded drivers can still tow 1,500 pounds with the Escape's hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, which also offer minimal fuel consumption during daily commutes around Albuquerque.
The Escape's smaller size and efficient engines make it ideal for city dwellers who occasionally need to tow something. Whether taking a weekend camping trip or transporting yard equipment, it does the job without being difficult to park or requiring frequent visits to the gas pump.
Choose Your Perfect 2026 Ford SUV Towing Partner
To determine which Ford model best suits your towing needs, visit us at Chalmers Ford in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our knowledgeable team can help you find the right Ford SUV and towing setup for your lifestyle, whether you're planning big family trips across the Southwest or need something reliable for work and play around Rio Rancho. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive.
