When you’re eyeing the Ford Bronco Sport, you’re probably drawn to its rugged looks and go-anywhere attitude. But can this compact SUV actually pull your gear when adventure calls? Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and talk real numbers.
What’s the Actual Towing Capacity?
The Ford Bronco Sport can tow between 2,200 and 2,500 pounds, depending on which engine you choose. That’s not a massive number, but it’s honest capability for a vehicle in this size class.
Here’s the breakdown: the base 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine handles 2,200 pounds, while the beefier 2.0-liter EcoBoost bumps that up to 2,500 pounds. You’ll find the stronger engine in Badlands, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition trims.
Most competitors in this segment—think Honda Passport, Jeep Compass, or Subaru Forester—offer similar or slightly lower capacities. The Bronco Sport sits comfortably in the middle, which makes sense given its urban-friendly dimensions.
Breaking Down the Engine Options
The 1.5L EcoBoost Three-Cylinder
This turbocharged engine delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. It’s standard on Base, Big Bend, and some Outer Banks models. While 2,200 pounds might sound modest, that’s enough for a small camper, jet skis, or a lightweight utility trailer.
The 2.0L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder
Stepping up gets you 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That extra grunt translates to 300 more pounds of towing capacity—meaningful when you’re shopping for towable gear.
Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, which helps with traction when pulling loads on varied terrain.
What Can You Actually Tow?
Let’s get practical. With 2,200-2,500 pounds, you’re looking at:
Perfectly Suited For:
- Pop-up campers (most weigh 1,400-2,000 lbs)
- Small teardrop trailers
- Dual-axle motorcycle trailers
- Lightweight boat trailers with 14-16 foot boats
- Utility trailers for landscaping or home improvement hauls
- ATV or dirt bike trailers
Pushing the Limits:
- Small travel trailers (carefully selected models only)
- Two-horse trailers (without horses—too heavy)
- Heavier watercraft on tandem-axle trailers
Remember, your actual capacity drops when you account for passengers, cargo, and tongue weight. Speaking of which…
Understanding Tongue Weight and Payload
Here’s where things get technical but crucial. Tongue weight—the downward force the trailer puts on your hitch—should be 10-15% of total trailer weight.
For a 2,500-pound trailer, you’re looking at 250-375 pounds pressing down on your hitch. That weight eats into your payload capacity, which runs around 1,200-1,400 pounds depending on your trim level.
Load up four adults (around 700 pounds), add camping gear (200 pounds), and suddenly you’re working with tight margins. This is why experienced towers recommend staying well below maximum ratings for safety and vehicle longevity.
Towing Package: What’s Included?
Ford offers a Class II trailer tow package on most Bronco Sport models. You’ll get:
- Trailer sway control
- Upgraded cooling system
- Four-pin and seven-pin wiring harness
- Rubber towing load floor
- Heavy-duty flashers
The package typically costs around $595-$795, depending on your dealer and current promotions. It’s factory-installed, which means proper integration with your vehicle’s computer systems for trailer brake controllers and stability management.
Real-World Towing Performance
Owners report the Bronco Sport handles light trailers confidently on highways. The eight-speed transmission downshifts predictably on hills, and the all-wheel-drive system helps with boat ramp launches.
However, expect your fuel economy to drop significantly. The EPA rates the 2.0L at 21 city/26 highway normally. When towing near capacity, many drivers see that drop to 14-17 mpg combined.
Wind resistance becomes noticeable above 60 mph with taller trailers. The Bronco Sport’s boxy shape catches wind, and you’ll feel larger trailers pushing back in crosswinds.
Comparing the Competition
Jeep Cherokee: Up to 4,500 lbs with the V6—significantly more capacity
Honda CR-V: 1,500 lbs—considerably less than Bronco Sport
Subaru Outback: 2,700-3,500 lbs depending on engine—slight edge here
Mazda CX-50: 3,500 lbs—stronger towing game
Toyota RAV4: 1,500-3,500 lbs depending on trim—wide range
The Bronco Sport doesn’t lead this pack, but it balances capability with daily drivability better than some alternatives.
READ MORE: 2006 NauticStar 205DC Sport Deck
Essential Towing Tips
Weight Distribution Matters
Load 60% of cargo weight toward the front of your trailer. This prevents sway and maintains stability, especially in emergency maneuvers.
Brake Early and Often
Your stopping distance increases dramatically with a trailer. Start braking earlier than usual, and avoid sudden inputs that could trigger sway.
Check Tire Pressure
Increase rear tire pressure slightly (check your manual for specs) when towing. This helps manage the additional weight and improves handling.
Use Tow/Haul Mode
The transmission’s tow mode adjusts shift points for better engine braking and reduces gear hunting on hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I flat-tow a Bronco Sport behind an RV?
No, Ford doesn’t recommend flat-towing any Bronco Sport model. The all-wheel-drive system isn’t designed for this, and you’ll void your warranty.
Does towing void my warranty?
Towing within rated capacity doesn’t void your warranty. Exceeding limits or improper hitching can lead to denied claims on related components.
What size hitch do I need?
A 2-inch receiver handles the Class II rating perfectly. Avoid 1.25-inch hitches—they’re not rated for this weight range.
Should I use weight-distribution bars?
For trailers over 2,000 pounds, weight-distribution hitches help level your vehicle and improve handling. They’re worth the investment for frequent towing.
The Bottom Line
The Bronco Sport’s 2,200-2,500 pound towing capacity won’t replace a half-ton truck, but that’s not its job. This compact SUV delivers enough muscle for weekend warriors who need occasional towing without sacrificing daily drivability.
Choose the 2.0L engine if you plan regular towing near the max capacity. Stick with the 1.5L if you’re hauling light loads occasionally and want better fuel economy.