Can you pull a trailer with a Bronco Sport?
Yes. The Bronco Sport can tow a light trailer—up to about 2,200 pounds—when properly equipped with the available Tow Package and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The smaller 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine has a lower towing capability.
Tow ratings for the Bronco Sport depend on engine choice, trim, and equipment. This article explains the numbers, what gear you need, and practical tips for safe towing, including hitching, weight distribution, and regulatory considerations.
Engine options and official towing numbers
The Bronco Sport is offered with either a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Towing capacity varies by engine and the presence of the Tow Package.
Here is a quick breakdown of capacities by setup:
- 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with the Tow Package: up to 2,200 pounds of trailer weight
- 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine (without the Tow Package): up to about 1,500 pounds
These numbers reflect official ratings when the vehicle is properly equipped. Always verify the exact rating for your model year, trim, and any optional packages in the owner's manual or Ford’s official product materials.
Hitching up and safety basics
To tow anything safely, you’ll need the right hitch setup, wiring, and awareness of weight distribution. The Bronco Sport typically uses a 2-inch hitch receiver when the Tow Package is specified, along with features like trailer sway control to help stabilize the load.
Key prerequisites for a trailer pull with the Bronco Sport:
- Proper tow hitch and wiring harness
- Weight distribution considerations and correct tongue weight (roughly 10-15% of the trailer’s gross weight)
- Trailer brakes where required by law or trailer weight
- Adherence to the vehicle’s GCWR (gross combined weight rating) and the trailer’s rating
- Functional trailer lighting and safety equipment
Following these steps helps ensure a safer and more predictable towing experience with the Bronco Sport.
Important safety and operating tips
Before towing on public roads, perform a slow-speed brake test, verify sway control is active, and confirm all lights and electrical connections work properly. Maintain proper tire pressures on both the vehicle and the trailer, and consider using a weight-distributing hitch for longer or heavier trailers.
Practical considerations and legal tips
Check local laws on trailer brakes and lighting requirements, as some jurisdictions mandate trailer brakes above certain weights. Carry the necessary documentation, and ensure your combined vehicle weight and trailer weight stay within the Bronco Sport’s allowed GCWR and towing specifications for your year and trim.
Load, haul, and maintenance considerations
Safe towing also means thoughtful loading and ongoing maintenance. Distribute weight evenly, keep the trailer tongue weight within specifications, and avoid overloading the cargo area of the Bronco Sport beyond its payload rating. Regularly inspect hitch, ball mount, wiring, tires, and brakes, and plan routes with adequate stopping distances and gentler grades when towing.
Summary
Bottom line: the Ford Bronco Sport can tow light to moderate trailers, most effectively when equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and the optional Tow Package, yielding a maximum around 2,200 pounds. For lighter to mid-range trailers, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost without the Tow Package offers a lower rating—typically around 1,500 pounds. Always confirm the exact figures for your year, trim, and packages in the owner's manual, and follow safe towing practices, including proper hitching, weight distribution, and adherence to local laws. If you anticipate regularly towing heavier loads, consider a larger Ford SUV or pickup designed for higher towing capacities.
