Find out if the Ford EcoSport is capable of towing trailers, boats and caravans and how much it is rated to tow. This will help inform your buying decision as you may not need that expensive double cab after all.
South Africans have this strange approach to buying a car; they focus their attention on the two weeks of vacation that they take once a year, if they’re lucky. Too often we hear of people looking for a large 7-seater SUV for that one time that they go on holiday with the family in tow. They search for 4x4s because they once went off-road and it looked like fun. They’ll probably never join a 4×4 community but they just want to know that they can. Buying a car in this manner often sees you overextending to the point where the vehicle costs you more than it should.
The Ford EcoSport is a popular choice amongst small families and individuals alike, those that are looking for a slightly raised driving position, improved visibility and convenience but still want something that is light on fuel and compact enough to be able to negotiate traffic and parking lots. In all honesty, you don’t need much more than this for the daily grind but if you are the sort that occasionally tows something, you may be asking yourself how it would handle something like this.
How much is the Ford EcoSport rated to tow?
The EcoSport is currently available with a choice of three engines and two gearboxes. You get a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder that produces 91 kW and 150 Nm torque. This engine is available in either 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
A single diesel version is available paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This combination produces 74 kW and 205 Nm.
The 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder is the most prolific and is available in either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. All examples produce 92 kW and 170 Nm torque.
Check the table below to see what each combination is rated to tow, both braked and unbraked.
Derivative | Unbraked towing capacity | Braked towing capacity |
1.5-litre manual | 650 kg | 700 kg |
1.5-litre automatic | 670 kg | 700 kg |
1.5TDCi manual | 670 kg | 700 kg |
1.0T manual | 670 kg | 900 kg |
1.0T automatic | 680 kg | 900 kg |
The EcoSport has a limited towing capacity, but will still allow you to tow a small to medium-sized trailer, bike trailer or small watercraft. 1.0T versions do have a higher towing capacity and will be able to accommodate a small, 2-berth caravan or camper trailer. We do not recommend towing medium- to large-sized caravans, car carriers, or larger boats.
Chad LückhoffWith over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Can you tow with a Ford EcoSport?