The Ford Bronco Towing Capacity Depends on Engine & SUV Size

This story originally published in April 2021 and updated extensively in 2024.

It’s been a few years now since Ford brought its iconic nameplate back, following a 24 year slumber. The variants still include the smaller Bronco Sport for adventure-seekers seeking a compact SUV and a pair of full-size Broncos, including a 2- and 4-door variant (with a burly Bronco Raptor we put to the test, introduced in 2022). Though time has passed, the Ford Bronco towing capacity figures have not changed. Here’s a closer look.

Towing Capacity with Different Engines since 2021

Before getting in the Bronco towing specs, note there are two engine choices for the Bronco when it first arrived in 2021: a standard 2.3L turbo-4 generating 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and a more robust 2.7L turbo V6 good for 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can either opt for a 7-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The latter is standard for the 2.7L turbo.

The Bronco Sport also offers two powerplant options: an 181 horsepower 1.5L turbo-3 and a 245 horsepower turbo-4. Both the mills pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

When first introduced, the Bronco arrived in six trim levels (Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, and Badlands), while the Bronco Sport in five (Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and First Edition). 

The Bronco and Bronco Sport Towing Specs

Summary:

• Full-size Bronco with the 2.3L 4-cyl. turbo and 7-speed manual: 3,500 pounds
• Full-size Bronco Raptor: 4,500 pounds
• Bronco Sport with 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and 8-speed automatic: 2,200 pounds
• Bronco Sport with 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo and 8-speed automatic: 2,000 pounds

1. The Full-Size Bronco

The larger Ford Bronco’s towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. However, to take advantage of its maximum towing capabilities, you need to add the Ford Bronco tow package, known as the Class II Trailer Tow Package. It comes with many handy safety facilities, like Trailer Sway Control, to make your journeys secure.

No matter which engine, transmission, and body style you choose for your Bronco, it is capable of lugging 3,500 pounds. Remember that the 2.3L EcoBoost engine is standard for 2-door and 4-door models, while the 2.7L Ecoboost is optional. The new 2022 Bronco Raptor will tow even more at 4,500 pounds.

2. The Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when using the standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine. Those who opt for the 2.0L EcoBoost engine can tow up to 2,200 pounds. However, buyers will need to add the Class II Trailer Tow Package to harness the Bronco’s sporty, true towing prowess. 

Some key features are required to help the larger, full-size Broncos capable of towing trailers, sporting equipment, ATVs, small cargo, and other toys. Here’s a look at what makes this possible:

• Independent HOSS front suspension system
• Solid five-link HOSS rear suspension system
• AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control )
• Ground clearance of 8.4 inches (Base) to 11.6 inches (with 35-inch tires)
• Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) Two-Speed Transfer Case for part-time 4WD
• Two-Speed Electromechanical Transfer Case (EMTC) for active 4WD
• Neutral, 4H, and 4L driving modes with ESOF
• Neutral, 2H, and 4H driving modes with EMTC

[Chart] 2021 Ford Bronco Towing Capacity Vs. the Competition

The figures below are as of 2021; while the Bronco figures haven’t changed, the other SUVs may have, so please check yourself for the latest specs.