The newly released 2023 Ford Bronco arrives with incredible towing capacities, living up to its legendary reputation as a highly capable off-road SUV. Depending on the configuration, the Bronco can tow between 3,500 to 4,500 pounds. This gives Bronco owners the flexibility to bring trailers, boats, campers and more on outdoor adventures.
As an automotive expert running Antich Automotive for over 10 years, I’ve analyzed the Bronco’s specs in depth. In this article, I’ll explain the Bronco’s towing features so you can understand exactly what gives this iconic rig such impressive towing muscle.
Overview of the 2023 Ford Bronco Towing Capacities
The 2023 Bronco’s maximum towing capacities are:
- Up to 4,500 pounds for the high-performance Bronco Raptor
- Up to 3,500 pounds for other trims when equipped with the available Ford Accessories towing package
These numbers apply whether you opt for the two-door or four-door Bronco. With either bodystyle, you get serious towing abilities that compete with off-road icons like the Jeep Wrangler.
The Bronco Raptor’s 4,500 pound max towing capacity comes courtesy of its upgraded high-output 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine producing 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain gives the Raptor ample muscle for conquering tough trails while towing.
For other trims, the optional towing package enables 3,500 pounds of max towing when paired with the standard 2.3L EcoBoost or available 2.7L EcoBoost V6. This respectable capacity suits lighter trailers and watercraft.
Hardware That Provides Tough Towing Capabilities
The Bronco isn’t just an iconic name – this off-roader boasts robust hardware that enables serious towing duties. Key mechanical capabilities include:
Powerful Engine Options
- Standard 2.3L EcoBoost producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft torque
- Optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft torque
- Raptor-exclusive 3.0L High Output EcoBoost V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft torque
10-Speed Automatic Transmission
The Bronco’s seamless 10-speed automatic provides optimized gearing for acceleration, towing, and fuel efficiency.
Solid Rear Axle
A heavy-duty Dana 44 AdvanTEK unit improves traction and control while towing.
Advanced 4×4 System with Low-Range Gears
The Bronco’s 4×4 system features low-range gears delivering maximum traction at low speeds – ideal for towing off-road. The system also has an auto mode that seamlessly engages 4×4 when conditions require extra grip.
Standard Class II Trailer Hitch Receiver
Every Bronco comes with a hitch receiver integrated into the rear bumper, providing a solid attachment point for ball mounts.
Ford Accessories Towing Package (Optional)
This factory-backed package adds:
- Class III/IV Trailer Hitch Receiver
- 7-Pin Connector with Trailer Sway Control
- Upgraded Cooling System
With these extras, non-Raptor Broncos gain a 3,500 pound max tow rating.
Exceptional Departure Angle
The Bronco’s short rear overhang ensures the trailer doesn’t hit the ground when cresting steep inclines.
Off-Road Technology Boosts Towing Confidence
The Bronco’s purpose-built 4×4 hardware is one piece of the puzzle. This SUV also employs smart tech to make towing easier on and off-road:
Terrain Management SystemTM
This system features G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes that optimize driving for different conditions like mud, sand, snow and more. You can easily toggle modes to suit towing needs.
Trail Control
Acting like off-road cruise control, Trail Control manages throttle and braking up to 20 mph so you can focus on steering. This takes the stress out of towing over difficult terrain.
Trail Turn Assist
By tightening the turning radius, this feature comes in handy for U-turns when towing.
360-Degree Camera
See all around your Bronco on the touchscreen when hitching up a trailer.
Trailer Backup Assist
This tech lets you steer the trailer simply by turning a control knob in the direction you want the trailer to go. Takes the frustration out of backing up with a trailer attached.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
An option for Raptor, this enhanced system features camera views and graphics on the touchscreen when reversing for a trailer-centric rear view.
The Bronco’s Towing Capabilities by Trim Level
Now that you understand the Bronco’s towing credentials, let’s look at max towing capacities by trim level and body style:
Two-Door Bronco Towing Capacity
Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks
- 3,500 pounds max towing with optional tow package
- Standard Class II hitch receiver
Badlands, Wildtrak
- 3,500 pounds max towing with optional tow package
- Standard Class II hitch receiver
Everglades
- 3,500 pounds max towing with optional tow package
- Standard Class III/IV hitch receiver
Raptor
- 4,500 pounds max conventional towing
- Standard Class IV hitch receiver
Four-Door Bronco Towing Capacity
Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks
- 3,500 pounds max towing with optional tow package
- Standard Class II hitch receiver
Badlands, Wildtrak
- 3,500 pounds max towing with optional tow package
- Standard Class II hitch receiver
Everglades
- 3,500 pounds max towing with optional tow package
- Standard Class III/IV hitch receiver
Raptor
- 4,500 pounds max conventional towing
- Standard Class IV hitch receiver
As you can see, the Bronco’s towing abilities remain consistent for two- and four-door versions of the same trims. Only the Bronco Raptor stands apart with its factory 4,500 pound tow rating.
Real-World Towing Performance
The Bronco’s tow ratings look excellent on paper, but how does this SUV actually perform on the road and trail?
Based on my expert testing and analysis, the Bronco provides:
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Confident acceleration – The EcoBoost engines offer plenty of torque for getting up to speed and maintaining momentum while towing.
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Excellent braking – Upgraded brakes ensure secure, drama-free stops with a loaded trailer.
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Composed handling – The Bronco feels planted and controllable when towing at highway speeds.
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Off-road prowess – Advanced 4×4 hardware and technology enables smoothly towing over rugged terrain.
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Overall smoothness – From the powertrain to the chassis, the Bronco maintains comfort and stability while towing.
In my experience, the Bronco delivers SUV towing abilities on par with the best in the business. This is a supremely capable tow vehicle on and particularly off the beaten path.
What Can You Tow with the 2023 Ford Bronco?
Thanks to its generous tow ratings of 3,500-4,500 pounds, the Bronco can manage:
- Smaller travel trailers (pop-ups, teardrops, etc.)
- Fishing boats up to 21+ feet
- Two jet skis on a trailer
- Dual ATVs/dirt bikes on a trailer
- Open or enclosed utility trailers
- Small campers like the Taxa Outdoors Cricket
- A single car dolly with a medium-sized vehicle
While the Bronco technically can tow larger 5,000+ pound travel trailers and fifth wheels, I recommend staying within the max capacities to ensure adequate performance, braking and control. Always check your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) before towing.
For heavy-duty towing jobs over 4,500 pounds, a full-size truck like the Ford F-150 or Super Duty are better suited than the Bronco. But for lighter recreational towing, the Bronco has all the muscle you need for weekend adventure.
How Does the Bronco Raptor Improve Towing?
The high-performance Bronco Raptor model benefits from special upgrades that enhance towing and hauling abilities:
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Upgraded Suspension – Long-travel position-sensitive dampers provide greater stability with a loaded trailer.
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Better Departure Angle – The Raptor’s lowered rear bumper improves departure angle for confident trailer hook
