Cedar City Ford – Can the 2026 Ford Explorer tow your family camper with confidence near Ivins, UT?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is built to balance everyday comfort with real utility, and that includes weekend towing around Ivins, UT. Whether you are heading toward Sand Hollow State Park with a small boat or pulling a lightweight camper up Highway 91, the Explorer’s standard towing hardware and confident powertrains make the process straightforward. At Cedar City Ford, our team is ready to help you pair the right engine, drivetrain, and trim with your trailer plans so you can hit the road with peace of mind.
Every 2026 Explorer includes the Class III Towing package from the factory, so you do not have to hunt for the right hitch or wiring after you buy. The lineup offers two strong engines—a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque (power figures are dependent on premium fuel)—both paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard for confident highway stability, and available all-wheel drive can add traction on gravel pull-outs, boat ramps, or wintery shoulder-season trips.
If you are honing in on the nuts and bolts of how the Explorer is set up for towing, here is what you will find across the lineup from day one.
- Hitch receiver: Class III integrated
- Wiring: Trailer wiring harness
- Stability help: Trailer sway control system
- Drivetrain options: Rear-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available
- Powertrain choices: 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6
- Off-road oriented trim: Tremor adds a lifted suspension, limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, and special 18-inch wheels
With the hardware covered, the next question is which configuration fits your use. The Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and that capability spans the range. Notably, the ST-Line—equipped with the 300-hp turbo four—tows the same 5,000 pounds as V-6 models. If you anticipate frequent mountain grades or heavier cargo onboard the SUV itself, the 400-hp V-6 in the ST (and available on Platinum) provides extra reserve for passing and merging with confidence. Our team can help you match the right setup to your typical load, route, and elevation changes around southern Utah.
Comfort and technology also matter during towing days. The standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen with the Ford Digital Experience brings Google and Amazon apps along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through compatible devices, making it easy to pull up maps, weather, or campground info while you are parked. There are eight USB ports and three 12-volt power points to keep devices charged across all three rows, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is standard on most trims for clear directions and relaxed playlists on longer hauls. Driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist come standard to help reduce the workload.
Thinking about mixing in some off-pavement time to reach trailheads near Snow Canyon or dispersed camping areas? The new Tremor trim focuses on traction and control with a lifted suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires, so the Explorer feels composed on rutted access roads. You still benefit from the same integrated hitch and trailer sway control, which can be especially helpful when gusty canyon winds or uneven surfaces try to unsettle a trailer.
From a quick afternoon tow to Quail Creek to a family week at a KOA, the 2026 Explorer’s balanced chassis and standard towing gear take the guesswork out of setup. Visit Cedar City Ford and our team will walk you through hitching best practices, demonstrate features, and help you configure an Explorer that fits your trailer, passengers, and gear—then set you up for a local test route that mirrors your typical trip.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Every model includes the Class III Towing package with an integrated hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system.
Which engine should I choose for towing around southern Utah?
Both the 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and the 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 are rated to pull up to 5,000 pounds. The four-cylinder pairs towing confidence with everyday efficiency, while the V-6 offers quicker acceleration for merging and passing on grades or at altitude. Power ratings are dependent on premium fuel.
Is all-wheel drive necessary for towing near Ivins, UT?
Rear-wheel drive is standard and well-suited for highway towing. Available all-wheel drive is a smart choice if you regularly launch watercraft, tow on gravel or dirt, or travel during shoulder-season weather. Our team can help you decide based on your typical route and terrain.
How does trailer sway control help while towing?
The trailer sway control system monitors vehicle behavior for signs of trailer oscillation and can apply brakes and adjust engine output to help the Explorer and trailer settle. It works in the background to add a layer of stability, especially helpful in crosswinds or when passing large trucks.
Does the new Tremor trim change towing capability?
Tremor focuses on off-road readiness with a lifted suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, and special 18-inch wheels. You still get the standard Class III Towing package and a maximum rating of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Ready to see how the 2026 Ford Explorer fits your camping or boating plans near Ivins, UT? Reach out to Cedar City Ford, serving Santa Clara, Hurricane, and Washington, for a personalized towing walkthrough, engine and AWD guidance, and a test drive that showcases the Explorer’s stability and comfort with a trailer in tow.
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