2017 Ford Escape Towing Capacity: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Ford Escape is a versatile compact SUV that offers impressive towing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who need to haul trailers, boats, or other recreational gear. Understanding the towing capacity of your specific Escape model is crucial to ensure safe and efficient towing. In this guide, we'll break down the towing capacities based on engine options, drivetrain configurations, and available towing packages.


Towing Capacity by Engine and Configuration

The 2017 Ford Escape offers three engine options, each with different towing capacities:

1.5L EcoBoost® Engine

  • Maximum Towing Capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs

  • Available on: SE and Titanium trims

  • Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

  • Note: Achieving the maximum towing capacity requires the Class II Trailer Tow Package, which includes a factory-installed hitch receiver, trailer wiring harness, and trailer sway control .(landmarkford.net, letstowthat.com, earnhardtford.com)

2.0L EcoBoost® Engine

  • Maximum Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs

  • Available on: Titanium trim

  • Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

  • Note: The Class II Trailer Tow Package is required to achieve the maximum towing capacity. This package includes a factory-installed hitch receiver, trailer wiring harness, trailer sway control, and an auxiliary transmission oil cooler .(wired.com, edmunds.com, earnhardtford.com)

2.5L iVCT Engine

  • Maximum Towing Capacity: Up to 1,500 lbs

  • Available on: S trim

  • Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

  • Note: The 2.5L engine does not offer a factory-installed towing package, and towing capacity is limited to 1,500 lbs .(landmarkford.net, letstowthat.com, blakeutterford.net, ford.com)


Important Towing Considerations

  • Trailer Sway Control: This feature is part of the Class II Trailer Tow Package and helps maintain vehicle stability when towing.

  • Transmission Oil Cooler: The 2.0L EcoBoost® engine includes an auxiliary transmission oil cooler as part of the towing package, which is essential for maintaining transmission performance during towing .(ford.com)

  • Trailer Wiring Harness: The towing package includes a 4-pin trailer wiring harness, which is necessary for connecting trailer lights and brakes.(earnhardtford.com)

  • Frontal Area Considerations: The maximum frontal area for a trailer is 20 sq. ft. without the towing package and 30 sq. ft. with the towing package .(ford.com)


Real-World Towing Experiences

Owners of the 2017 Ford Escape have shared their experiences regarding towing capabilities. One owner noted that without the factory-installed towing package, the towing capacity is limited to 2,000 lbs, even with the 2.0L EcoBoost® engine . This highlights the importance of ensuring the appropriate towing package is installed to achieve the maximum towing capacity.(reddit.com)


The 2017 Ford Escape offers a range of towing capacities depending on the engine and configuration:

  • 1.5L EcoBoost® Engine: Up to 2,000 lbs

  • 2.0L EcoBoost® Engine: Up to 3,500 lbs (with the Class II Trailer Tow Package)

  • 2.5L iVCT Engine: Up to 1,500 lbs(reddit.com)

To maximize towing capacity, ensure that your Escape is equipped with the appropriate towing package. Always consult your owner's manual and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for safe towing practices.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with towing accessories, feel free to reach out to your local Ford dealership or consult the official Ford website.


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