The Towing Capacity of the Ford Bronco Sport – A Complete Guide

The newly released Ford Bronco Sport is an exciting addition to Ford’s SUV lineup. With its rugged styling and impressive off-road capabilities, this compact SUV is designed for adventure. One key specification for any utility vehicle is towing capacity – how much weight it can safely pull. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at every aspect of the Bronco Sport’s towing abilities.

Overview of the Bronco Sport Models and Powertrains

The Bronco Sport comes in five trim levels: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and First Edition. All models are equipped with a turbocharged 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

For more grunt, the Badlands and First Edition trims offer an upgraded 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder putting out 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. This engine also uses the 8-speed automatic.

Standard Towing Capacity by Model

• Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks – 2,000 lbs
• Badlands, First Edition (1.5L engine) – 2,000 lbs
• Badlands, First Edition (2.0L engine) – 2,200 lbs

So properly equipped, the Bronco Sport can haul up to 2,200 pounds. While not best-in-class, this matches or beats other compact SUVs like the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Jeep Cherokee. It gives the Bronco Sport enough muscle to tow small campers, boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, ATVs, and utility trailers.

Factors That Affect Towing Capacity

The maximum tow rating applies only to properly equipped vehicles. Several factors impact how much weight your specific Bronco Sport can safely pull:

• Engine and transmission – The more powerful 2.0L engine offers a 200 lb advantage. The 8-speed automatic provides optimized gearing.

• Drive and suspension – The standard all-wheel drive system with traction control helps grip slippery boat ramps. Upgraded suspension on higher trims gives stability.

• Trailer brakes – Trailer brakes are recommended for maximum capacities and required in some states.

• Cooling system – Upgraded transmission oil and engine coolers prevent overheating under load.

• Hitch and wiring – A Class II hitch and 4-pin/7-pin wiring are required for hooking up a trailer.

• Tow packages – Factory tow packages include hitch, wiring, and cooling enhancements.

• Payload capacity – The combined weight of passengers, cargo, and tongue weight cannot exceed set limits.

Towing Equipment and Features

The Bronco Sport has several available upgrades and tech features that aid towing:

• Trailer sway control – This system applies brakes automatically if it detects trailer sway.

• 360-degree camera – Provides a bird’s-eye view when backing up to hitch a trailer.

• BLIS with trailer coverage – Alerts drivers if passing vehicles are in adjacent lanes when towing.

• Hitch guidance with hitch view – Helps align the hitch ball and receiver using camera views.

• Integrated trailer brake controller – Built-in brake controller simplifies connecting electric trailer brakes.

• HOSS – Uses torque vectoring for increased off-road traction.

• Terrain Management System – Adjusts settings for optimal traction over different surfaces.

Towing Capacity by Year

The Bronco Sport debuted for the 2021 model year. Ford increased tow ratings slightly in 2022:

• 2021 – 1,500 to 2,200 lbs
• 2022 – 2,000 to 2,200 lbs
• 2023 – Expected to remain the same

The 2022 boost came thanks to enhanced transmission cooling and suspension upgrades on certain trims. Towing capacities are not expected to change through at least the 2023 model year.

Weight Distribution is Critical

Making sure your Bronco Sport and trailer are loaded properly is key for safe towing. Follow these weight distribution guidelines:

• Keep tongue weight between 10-15% of total trailer weight
• Heavy items should be low, centered over the trailer axles
• Don’t exceed rear GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
• Adjust hitch height so trailer runs level with SUV
• Use anti-sway bars on travel trailers

Adhering to weight limits will prevent excess strain on the chassis, instability, and dangerous tire blowouts. Always verify you are within GAWR, GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), and payload using certified scales.

Using a Weight-Distributing Hitch

For larger trailers near maximum tow ratings, a weight-distributing hitch helps transfer tongue weight to the front axle of the Bronco Sport. This enhances stability and braking performance. Steps for proper setup:

1. Park unhitched trailer on level ground and disconnect from tow vehicle. Chock wheels and jack up tongue with trailer jack.

2. Measure height from ground to top of trailer ball coupler. Record this number.

3. Back Bronco Sport up to trailer and lower hitch over coupler. Latch securely.

4. Adjust hitch head tilt so coupler sits slightly above level ride height.

5. Install spring bars with enough preload tension to lift tongue back to recorded ride height.

6. Cinch weight distribution bars tight and lock friction sway control. Lower jack.

Always use a weight distribution hitch in accordance with manufacturer guidelines for optimal control and safety.

Safety Checks Before Towing

Prior to hauling any trailer, complete these vital safety checks:

• Tires properly inflated on SUV and trailer
• Wheel lug nuts tight – recheck torque after first 25 miles
• Coupler secured and locked to ball
• Safety chains correctly rigged to frame
• Electrical hookups plugged in and working
• Breakaway switch wired to SUV
• Trailer brakes functioning properly
• Running and brake lights working
• Trailer jack fully retracted
• Cargo doors latched and drawer locks secured
• Load evenly distributed and tied down
• Tongue weight and weight distribution set
• Mirrors adjusted to see around trailer
• Vehicle and trailer registration up to date

Taking time to thoroughly inspect all components will help avoid dangerous failures, keeping your Bronco Sport towing safely and reliably.

Useful Towing Accessories

Consider these handy accessories to enhance towing:

• Backup camera – Provides visibility when hitching up alone.
• Tow mirrors – Manual or power mirrors extend outward for better rear view.
• Hitch steps – Allow easy access to truck bed or roof of SUV.
• RV airbags – Help support additional tongue weight on suspension.
• Tire inflator – Compressors that plug into vehicle power ports are handy for trailer tires.
• Surge protector – Protect trailer electronics from voltage spikes.
• Chocks – Wheel chocks prevent unexpected trailer movement when unhitched.
• Safety chains – Extra length provides an alternate connection if the coupler fails.
• Locks – Coupler locks and wheel boots thwart trailer theft.
• Towing gauge kit – Aftermarket kits monitor temperature and charge levels.

Towing Tips and Precautions

Follow these expert driving tips for safe, successful towing:

• Allow extra distance for braking with heavy loads
• Reduce speed and gear down going downhill
• Accelerate slowly and evenly, avoid sudden maneuvers
• Watch trailer in side mirrors when turning and changing lanes
• Take wide turns to allow trailer clearance
• Pay attention to clearance heights of overpasses
• Regularly recheck connections and chatperal tensions
• Have a spotter help when backing up
• Use electronic aids when available
• Verify load security after first few miles
• Avoid using cruise control while towing
• Stay within speed limits which may be lower when towing
• Keep right foot resting on brake to activate lights
• Use lower tow/haul mode on transmissions so equipped
• Monitor engine temperature gauge frequently
• Pull over immediately if anything feels unstable

Exercising caution and driving defensively will help prevent common towing mishaps. Be aware of trailer length and width at all times.

Maintaining Your Bronco Sport for Towing Duty

Frequent maintenance is crucial when regularly towing heavy loads. Follow Ford’s severe duty schedule and:

• Change engine oil and filter every 5,000 miles or 6 months
• Replace transmission fluid every 30,000 miles if towing over 3,000 lbs
• Inspect brake pads and rotors frequently for wear
• Check tire inflation and tread depth before each trip
• Re-torque hitch, ball, and wiring connections as needed
• Re-lube trailer wheel bearings annually

In addition to factory maintenance, keep all chassis, suspension