When it comes to versatile vehicles that can handle both daily driving and heavy-duty towing, Ford has two impressive contenders in its lineup: the Ford Ranger and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles offer robust towing capabilities but cater to different needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the towing capacities of these two popular Ford models, exploring their strengths, differences, and what makes each unique in the towing department.
2024 Ford Ranger: The Midsize Pickup Powerhouse
The Ford Ranger continues to impress with its remarkable towing capacity, especially considering its midsize pickup classification.
Maximum Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, this Ford pickup truck boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs). This impressive figure puts it at the top of its class for midsize pickups, making it an excellent choice for those who need serious towing power without stepping up to a full-size truck.
Engine Options and Their Impact on Towing
The Ranger towing prowess comes from its powerful engine options:
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Engine: This is the standard engine. It delivers 300 horsepower and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. With this engine, this pickup truck can tow up to 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) when equipped with the optional Trailer Tow Package.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine: This engine is available on XLT and LARIAT trims. It produces up to 315 horsepower and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque. Despite its increased power, the towing capacity remains at 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) with the Trailer Tow Package.
Trailer Tow Package
The Ford Ranger requires the Class III Trailer Tow Package to achieve the maximum towing capacity of 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs). This package includes:
- Class III trailer hitch receiver
- 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
- Engine oil cooler
- Trailer Sway Control
With this package, the towing capacity increases from 2,404 kg (5,300 lbs) to 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs), a significant boost for those needing to tow heavier loads.
Payload Capacity
While not directly related to towing, it’s worth noting that the Ford Ranger has a maximum payload capacity of up to 819 kg (1,805 lbs). This capacity allows for heavy loads in the bed while still maintaining impressive towing capabilities.
2024 Ford Explorer: The Versatile SUV Hauler
The Ford Explorer, while primarily designed as a family SUV, doesn’t shy away from towing duties. Let’s examine its towing capabilities:
Maximum Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the Ford Explorer offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,540 kg (5,600 lbs). While this is less than the capacity of the pickup, it’s still impressive for a three-row SUV and surpasses many competitors.
Engine Options and Their Impact on Towing
The Explorer offers multiple engine options, each affecting its towing capacity:
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Engine: This is the standard engine for most Explorer trims. It produces 300 horsepower and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. With this engine, the Explorer can tow up to 2,404 kg (5,300 lbs) when properly equipped.
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Engine: Available on higher trims like the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum, this engine delivers up to 400 horsepower and 563 Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque. Surprisingly, despite its increased power, the maximum towing capacity remains at 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) for these models.
- 3.3L Hybrid V6 Engine: The Explorer Hybrid, equipped with this engine, can still tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) when properly equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Class III Trailer Tow Package
The Ford Explorer requires the Class III Trailer Tow Package for maximum towing capacity. This package includes:
- Class III frame-mounted hitch
- 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
- Engine oil cooler (on non-EcoBoost engines)
- Trailer Sway Control
With this package, the towing capacity increases to its maximum of 2,540 kg (5,600 lbs) on properly equipped models.
Cargo Capacity
While not directly related to towing, the cargo capacity of the Explorer is worth mentioning. It offers up to 2,486 liters (87.8 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the first row, making it versatile for hauling and carrying large items.
Compare the Ranger and Explorer: Towing Capabilities
Now that we’ve examined each vehicle’s towing capacities, let’s compare them directly:
- Maximum Towing Capacity:
- Ford Ranger: 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)
- Ford Explorer: 2,540 kg (5,600 lbs)
- The Ranger takes the lead here, offering about 862 kg (1,900 lbs) more in towing capacity.
- Base Towing Capacity:
- Ford Ranger: 2,404 kg (5,300 lbs)
- Ford Explorer: 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
- Even without the towing package, the Ranger still edges out the Explorer.
- Engine Performance:
Both vehicles offer powerful engine options, but the Ranger engines focus more on towing performance, while the engines of the Explorer balance power with family-friendly fuel efficiency. - Vehicle Type:
The Ranger is a purpose-built pickup designed with towing and hauling in mind. The Explorer balances towing capability with passenger comfort and versatility as an SUV. - Towing Features:
Both vehicles offer advanced towing features like Trailer Sway Control, but the Ranger design as a pickup gives it an edge in towing-specific capabilities.
Choose Between the Ranger and Explorer for Towing
When deciding between the Ford Ranger and the Ford Explorer for towing purposes, consider the following factors:
- Towing Needs: If you regularly tow heavy loads exceeding 2,540 kg (5,600 lbs), the Ranger is the clear choice. For lighter towing needs, both vehicles are capable options.
- Passenger Capacity: The Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers, making it more suitable for large families or groups. The Ranger typically seats four to five, depending on the cab configuration.
- Cargo Versatility: The open bed of the pickup truck offers flexibility for hauling large or dirty items, while the enclosed cargo area of the SUV is better for secure, weather-protected storage.
- Daily Driving: Consider your day-to-day driving needs. The Explorer might be more comfortable and fuel-efficient for daily commutes, while the Ranger excels in rugged, work-oriented scenarios.
- Off-Road Capability: Both vehicles offer capable off-road variants (Ranger Raptor and Explorer Timberline), but the Ranger is generally more suited to rough terrain.
2024 Ford Ranger or 2024 Ford Explorer?
The Ford Ranger and the Ford Explorer offer impressive towing capabilities, each catering to different needs. The Ranger stands out with its class-leading 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) towing capacity, making it the go-to choice for those with serious towing requirements. While not matching the raw towing power of the Ranger, the Explorer offers a compelling blend of towing capability, passenger comfort, and versatility that many families will find appealing.
Ultimately, your choice between these two capable Ford vehicles will depend on your specific needs, balancing towing requirements with passenger capacity, daily driving comfort, and overall versatility. Both the Ranger and Explorer showcase a commitment to providing vehicles that can handle tough jobs while still delivering in other key areas of performance and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 2024 Ford Ranger tow more than the 2024 Ford Explorer?
Yes, it can. When properly equipped, the Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs), while the SUVs maximum towing capacity is 2,540 kg (5,600 lbs).
Do I need a special package for maximum towing capacity in both vehicles?
Yes, to achieve the maximum towing capacity in the Ford Ranger and Ford Explorer, you must equip them with the Class III Trailer Tow Package. This package includes features like a trailer hitch receiver, wiring harness, and trailer sway control.
Which 2024 Ford Explorer engine offers the highest towing capacity?
Interestingly, when properly equipped, the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine offers the highest towing capacity of up to 2,540 kg (5,600 lbs). Despite its higher horsepower, the more powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine has a slightly lower towing capacity of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).
How does the cargo capacity compare between the 2024 Ford Ranger and Ford Explorer?
The Explorer offers more enclosed cargo space with up to 2,486 liters (87.8 cubic feet) behind the first row. The Ranger, being a pickup, has an open bed that offers different cargo advantages, particularly for tall or bulky items. The payload capacity of the pickup truck is up to 819 kg (1,805 lbs), separate from its towing capacity.
