Is the 2020-2021 Explorer really rated to tow 5,300 lb, or only with the tow package?

Answered from the manual for the 2021 Ford Explorer.

Yes—on both 2020–2021 Explorers, the higher rating requires the factory Trailer Tow Package. The manual’s base rating is 3,000 lb without it; engine, drive type, and hybrid status determine the higher packaged rating.

• 2.3L GTDI, 2WD or 4WD: 3,000 lb without the package; 5,300 lb with Trailer Tow Package.
• 3.0L GTDI, 4WD: 3,000 lb without the package; 5,600 lb with Trailer Tow Package.
• 3.3L PF/DI, 2WD or 4WD: 3,000 lb without the package; 5,600 lb with Trailer Tow Package.
• 3.3L PF/DI HEV, 2WD or 4WD: 3,000 lb without the package; 5,000 lb with Trailer Tow Package.

Ford labels the chart’s “1” as without Trailer Tow Package and “2” as with Trailer Tow Package. Thus, a generic “Explorer tows 5,300 lb” listing applies only to a properly equipped 2.3L model—not every Explorer.

To determine an individual vehicle’s rating, identify its engine and 2WD/4WD configuration, then verify it was built with the factory Trailer Tow Package and use the matching row above. Also stay within the door-label payload, GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR limits: trailer tongue weight counts as vehicle payload.

The manual also limits trailer frontal area to 55 ft² for a Class III trailer over 5,000 lb, and says to reduce gross vehicle and combination weight by 2% per 1,000 ft of elevation to retain sea-level performance.

Sources

• Ford Explorer 2021 - Owner's Manual