The Ford Bronco is a crossover renowned for its off-roading expertise, but it’s also a handy towing machine. There are two configurations available with the Bronco — a two-door and a four-door model. While the two-door option tends to be the preferred choice among off-roaders, the four-door version provides you with more interior cargo capacity. Here’s a closer look at exactly how much the Bronco can tow and what features it comes with to make hauling a heavy load at the rear that bit easier. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact our experts here at Brewster Ford.

2023 Ford Bronco Towing Limits
Most 2023 Broncos have a towing limit of 3,500 pounds. However, the Raptor trim, which is the highest option in the 10-trim lineup, increases your towing capacity to 4,500 pounds. The added capacity is made possible by a more powerful engine under the hood, which produces the necessary torque and horsepower to handle those extra-heavy loads.
The Bronco’s towing abilities stand out among other vehicles in the compact SUV class. Many other crossovers struggle to tow half as much as the Raptor, with common towing capacities ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. So if you’re looking for a compact towing machine, the Bronco should be at the top of your list.
What Can a 2023 Bronco Tow?
Some people find it difficult to imagine what a 4,500-pound towing limit looks like in practice. What pieces of equipment can a vehicle with that towing limit pull at the rear? If you’re asking yourself this question, it may help to consider a few examples. The Bronco can easily handle a small travel trailer or a pop-up camper. If you push the towing capabilities a bit harder, you’ll also have no trouble towing a utility trailer or a modest-sized camper.
When figuring out the towing capacity, it’s important to consider the weight in your Bronco’s cabin and what you’re pulling at the rear. As a result, a full cabin of passengers or a heavy load of cargo behind the second row can reduce your towing capacity. Going over your towing capacity is something you should avoid at all costs, as it can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Your performance on the road will be impaired because your Bronco will be much more difficult to handle.
Ford Bronco Engine and Performance
The key to the Bronco’s impressive towing abilities is its powerful engine lineup. Even the base engine has strong stats. The 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder unit can put out 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and it’s paired with a seven-speed manual transmission. This engine gives the Bronco a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The second engine option is a 2.7L six-cylinder unit. It has an output of 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Like the base engine, this engine gives the Bronco a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, it offers stronger acceleration from zero to 60 mph than the base turbocharged unit.
The biggest Bronco engine is available only in the range-topping Raptor trim. The 3.0L unit churns out 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Only with this powerhouse under the hood can your Bronco reach its top towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.
Bronco Cargo Capacity
Along with the Bronco’s great towing abilities, you can carry additional cargo at the rear of the cabin. You may require camping gear or luggage space for your next vacation. If you plan on making the most of the Bronco’s interior space, you’ll want to opt for the four-door version. In this setup, the Bronco can carry over 35 cubic feet of cargo at the rear. The second row folded flat boosts this capacity to over 77 cubic feet.
The smaller two-row Bronco is still a capable cargo hauler, and it may still be your best option if you plan on doing a significant amount of off-roading. There are 22.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row, which can comfortably hold a large load of groceries. If you need to haul bulkier items, you can access over 52 cubic feet of space by folding the second row flat.
Bronco Off-Roading Capabilities
The Bronco needs little introduction to seasoned off-roaders. Its long list of gear designed to tackle rocks, mud trails, steep gradients, and other challenging surfaces puts this crossover at the front of the pack when the pavement ends. For towing, this means that you’ll have no trouble hauling a camper or trailer along a gravel road or trail to reach even the most out-of-the-way campsite.
One of the most important features that help the Bronco tackle rough terrain is its ground clearance. Even the base model has an excellent ground clearance of 8.3 inches. Move up to the top Raptor trim, and you’ll have an incredible 13.1 inches to work with. The Bronco is equipped with numerous skid plates to protect its components from rocks and other obstacles. The off-road suspension ensures this crossover articulates well over bumps and other objects.
Various off-roading upgrades are available to tackle the most challenging trails. For instance, you can get winch-ready bumpers, mud or all-terrain tires, and locking differentials. All trims have different drive modes that can alter the traction and other aspects of the Bronco’s performance to handle mud, sand, snow, and other conditions.
Get Your 2023 Ford Bronco at Brewster Ford
Are you ready to test-drive a 2023 Bronco in Brewster, New York? The latest edition of Ford’s off-roading specialist is certainly a top candidate for a compact crossover capable of handling a substantial load. You can explore the Bronco models and trims we currently have in our online showroom or swing by our New York dealership to check them out in person.
If you have any questions about the Bronco and its towing capabilities, feel free to contact our Ford experts. We’d be delighted to walk you through the purchase process, including explaining our new vehicle special offers and helping you access competitive auto financing.
Photo Credit: Image via OEM


