What the 2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport Can Actually Tow
Ford’s Bronco family gives adventurers two distinct paths to towing capability. The full-size Bronco rides on a body-on-frame platform built for heavy-duty off-road work, while the compact Bronco Sport uses a unibody design that balances fuel economy with light-duty hauling. Both can pull a trailer, but the numbers and requirements differ significantly between them.
- Most 2026 Ford Bronco trims tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with dealer-installed towing gear, while the Raptor maxes out at 4,500 pounds.
- The 2026 Bronco Sport tops out at 2,700 pounds with the Badlands trim and its standard Class II Trailer Tow Package.
- Both models require specific tow packages to reach their maximum ratings, so knowing what’s included matters before you hitch up.
Ford Bronco Towing Capacity by Engine
Ford fits the 2026 Bronco with three turbocharged engines, and understanding Ford Bronco towing capacity starts with knowing what’s under the hood. The base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder cranks out 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. You can pair it with either a 7-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic, though the automatic handles towing duties more smoothly.
Upgrade to the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, and you’ll get 330 horsepower along with 415 lb-ft of torque. That extra twist helps when pulling loaded trailers up steep grades or accelerating onto highways. Both engines support the same 3,500-pound maximum towing rating when you add dealer-installed towing equipment for trailers over 2,000 pounds.
At the top sits the Bronco Raptor with its exclusive 3.0L EcoBoost V6. This one pumps out 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, pushing the towing ceiling to 4,500 pounds. The Raptor includes its enhanced tow package as standard equipment, so you won’t need any add-ons to reach that full rating.
2026 Bronco Towing Specs by Trim
Towing numbers stay consistent across most Bronco trims, with the Raptor standing alone at the top. Check out the full breakdown:
| Model / Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Bronco (Body-on-Frame) | ||||
| Base | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 hp | 325 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs |
| Big Bend | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 hp | 325 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs |
| Outer Banks | 2.3L or 2.7L EcoBoost | 300-330 hp | 325-415 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs |
| Badlands | 2.3L or 2.7L EcoBoost | 300-330 hp | 325-415 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs |
| Stroppe Edition | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 hp | 325 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs |
| Heritage Edition | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 hp | 325 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs |
| Raptor | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 418 hp | 440 lb-ft | 4,500 lbs |
| Ford Bronco Sport (Unibody Crossover) | ||||
| Big Bend | 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 | 180 hp | 200 lb-ft | 2,200 lbs* |
| Outer Banks | 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 | 180 hp | 200 lb-ft | 2,200 lbs* |
| Badlands | 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 | 250 hp | 280 lb-ft | 2,700 lbs |
*Requires Class II Trailer Tow Package (standard on Badlands, available with specific packages on other trims)
How the Bronco Sport Compares
Built on Ford’s compact crossover platform, the Bronco Sport trades the full-size Bronco’s body-on-frame toughness for better fuel economy and easier daily driving. Its towing numbers reflect that tradeoff. Most trims use a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder making 180 horsepower, which caps towing at 2,200 pounds when you add the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Opt for the Bronco Sport Badlands, and you’ll get a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That extra power pushes the max towing rating to 2,700 pounds, and the Badlands comes with the Class II Trailer Tow Package as standard equipment. For jet skis, small utility trailers, or lightweight campers, the Bronco Sport can handle the job without the larger footprint of its bigger sibling.
What Each Model Can Actually Pull
With 3,500 pounds of capacity, the full-size Bronco handles aluminum fishing boats, dual jet ski trailers, teardrop campers, pop-up campers, and most utility trailers without issue. The Raptor’s 4,500-pound rating opens the door to larger boats, A-frame campers, and some compact travel trailers.
For lighter loads, the Bronco Sport works well. Think single jet skis, small fishing boats, motorcycle trailers, or compact utility trailers. If you’re towing near that 2,200 or 2,700-pound limit regularly, the full-size Bronco will feel less strained and handle the load with more confidence.
Tow Package Requirements to Know
Neither Bronco model can hit its maximum towing rating straight off the lot without the right equipment. For the full-size Bronco, trailers over 2,000 pounds require dealer-installed towing gear, including a hitch receiver, 7-pin wiring harness, and trailer module. The Raptor is the exception, coming fully equipped from the factory.
Bronco Sport trims need the Class II Trailer Tow Package for any trailer over 1,500 pounds. This package includes a hitch receiver, 4-pin wiring harness, front and rear recovery hooks, and Trailer Sway Control. Badlands gets this package standard, while Big Bend and Outer Banks require specific off-road packages to add it.
Find Your Bronco at Gates Ford Lincoln
We stock both the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport at our Richmond location, and our team can walk you through the towing packages and configurations that fit your needs. Whether you’re pulling a boat to the lake or hauling gear to a campsite, we’ll help you find the right setup. Stop by for a test drive and see which Bronco matches your next adventure.
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