2025 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity Guide With Key Specs & Limits
The Ford Ranger has long been a favorite in the midsize truck segment, known for its versatility, durability, and capability. For drivers who need more than just a daily commuter — whether it’s towing a fishing boat for the weekend, hauling a camper across state lines, or pulling work equipment — the Ford Ranger towing capacity is a critical factor in the decision-making process. With the release of the 2025 model, Ford has added even more muscle to this already capable truck, offering drivers not just power, but smart towing features that make the job safer and easier. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the Ford Ranger’s towing ability, so you can make an informed decision based on real-world needs and specs.
Key Highlights:
- Max towing capacity of 7,500 lbs with tow package
- Standard towing up to 3,500 lbs without package
- Raptor model tows up to 5,510 lbs with unique engine
- Payload up to 1,805 lbs depending on drivetrain
- Tow package includes advanced towing tech
What Is the Ford Ranger Towing Capacity?
When properly equipped, the 2025 Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds — a number that puts it right at the top of the midsize truck class. However, this maximum capacity depends on the engine configuration and whether the truck includes Ford’s optional tow package.
Without that package, the standard towing capacity sits at a respectable 3,500 pounds, making it suitable for lighter loads like a single-axle trailer, small utility hauls, or a couple of dirt bikes.
Drivers eyeing the Raptor variant should know that its towing capacity is slightly lower, maxing out at 5,000–5,510 pounds, depending on engine and configuration. That’s not a downside — the Raptor prioritizes off-road power and suspension tuning over pulling muscle, which explains the trade-off.
2025 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity by Model and Configuration
Towing performance varies depending on the trim and options selected. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you compare the specs across different models:
Base Ranger (2.3L EcoBoost I4)
The entry-level 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 engine may be small, but don’t underestimate it. It produces solid low-end torque, which is essential for towing.
- Towing without tow package: 3,500 lbs
- Towing with tow package: 7,500 lbs
- Best for: light trailers, compact campers, jet skis
Ranger with Tow Package
The tow package significantly enhances the truck’s towing capability, and is a must-have if you plan to tow more than basic loads.
Tow Package Includes:
- Class IV hitch receiver
- 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
- Trailer sway control
- Enhanced engine cooling
- Integrated trailer brake controller (optional)
With this package installed, towing capacity jumps to 7,500 lbs, opening up possibilities like pulling a 24-foot boat, dual-axle camper, or even a small car trailer.
Ranger Raptor (3.0L V6 EcoBoost)
Designed for off-road dominance, the 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor is a different animal altogether. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, it trades towing capacity for high-speed desert performance.
- Max towing: 5,000–5,510 lbs
- Horsepower: Estimated 405 hp
- Torque: Around 430 lb-ft
- Best for: light utility towing, off-road recovery, lifestyle gear
Table 1: Towing Capacity Comparison
| Model/Trim | Engine | With Tow Package | Without Tow Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Ranger | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 7,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Ranger XLT/Lariat | 2.3L or 2.7L V6 | 7,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Ranger Raptor | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 5,000–5,510 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Payload Capacity: How Much Weight Can the Ranger Carry?
Towing is just one side of the equation — payload capacity matters just as much for jobs like carrying construction tools, camping gear, or heavy materials in the truck bed.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Max payload: 1,805 lbs
- Ideal for: equipment-heavy loads, loading up for long trips, work-related cargo
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Max payload: 1,711 lbs
- Slightly reduced due to drivetrain weight, but offers better traction and off-road capability
Table 2: Payload Capacity by Drivetrain
| Drivetrain | Max Payload Capacity |
|---|---|
| Rear-Wheel Drive | 1,805 lbs |
| Four-Wheel Drive | 1,711 lbs |
Engine Options and How They Affect Towing Power
Not all engines are built the same, and the engine under the hood is a key factor in determining how much you can tow safely and efficiently.
2.3L EcoBoost I4
- Great torque at low RPM
- Efficient for both city and highway towing
- Ideal for most light-to-medium towing needs
2.7L EcoBoost V6 (Available in XLT and Lariat)
- More horsepower and torque
- Feels smoother under heavy load
- Excellent for hilly or mountainous towing routes
3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Raptor Only)
- Prioritizes performance, not towing
- More power, but heavier vehicle
- Best for off-road adventures with occasional towing
Real-World Towing: How the Ranger Handles Under Load
Owners and reviewers have consistently praised the Ford Ranger for towing reliability in real-world conditions. In one test, a 2024 Ranger with the 2.3L engine and tow package easily handled a 7,000-pound trailer across a 200-mile trip, including steep grades and city driving. The transmission downshifted smoothly, and trailer sway control kept everything stable on the highway.
Another Ranger Raptor owner noted that while towing a 2,500-lb off-road trailer, the truck maintained a confident feel without feeling overworked — a testament to how well the suspension and turbocharged engine handle moderate loads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
How much can a Ford Ranger tow without a tow package?
A standard Ford Ranger without the tow package can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
What’s included in the Ford Ranger tow package?
The tow package includes a Class IV hitch, trailer wiring, upgraded cooling systems, sway control, and sometimes a trailer brake controller.
Can the Ford Ranger tow a 24-foot boat?
Yes, with the tow package, the Ranger’s 7,500-lb capacity is enough to tow most 24-foot boats safely.
Is the Ford Ranger Raptor good for towing?
The Raptor is capable of towing up to 5,510 pounds, but it’s better suited for off-road use rather than heavy towing.
Does engine choice affect towing capacity in the Ranger?
Yes, the engine impacts torque and overall performance. Higher-end engines like the 2.7L V6 or 3.0L V6 may offer smoother towing experiences, though the base 2.3L performs well with the tow package.
