2026 Ford Bronco Engine Options and Towing Capacities

The 2026 Ford Bronco is built for everything, including dusty desert trails and family camping trips. Got plans to haul your boat to Cochiti Lake or need to tow ATVs up to the Sandia Mountains? Knowing which 2026 Ford Bronco engine pulls what weight will help you pick the right Bronco for your next outdoor adventure. Our team at Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, has put together this 2026 Ford Bronco engine options guide to help you make an informed decision.

2026 Ford Bronco Engine Lineup: What Powers Your Adventure

The 2026 Ford Bronco comes with two distinct engine choices, each built to handle New Mexico's diverse landscapes. With premium fuel, the base 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I-4 cranks out 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Ford tweaked the tuning to boost low-end power delivery, perfect for crawling over rocks in the Ojito Wilderness. For more muscle, the 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 pumps out up to 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This extra muscle comes in handy during those high-altitude drives through the Jemez Mountains. At the top of the lineup, the Raptor has a 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 that churns out 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.

The Bronco's base MSRP ticks up to $40,495 from last year's $39,995. Its engines deliver serious low-end grunt for rock crawling while still giving you plenty of highway power for those long drives up to Colorado camping spots.

2026 Ford Bronco Towing Capacities by Engine Configuration

Most 2026 Broncos can tow up to 3,500 pounds with both the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 2.7L EcoBoost V-6. That'll handle your bass boat, small camper, or ATV trailer that Rio Rancho families love for weekend getaways.

The real hauler of the lineup is the Bronco Raptor, letting you tow up to 4,500 pounds. That means you can bring bigger boats and travel trailers on extended trips. Plus, the Raptor's 5,764-pound curb weight keeps things steady when you're pulling maximum loads.

With the standard 3,500-pound capacity, you can tow 18- to 20-foot bass boats, small camping trailers, enclosed motorcycle trailers, and gear-loaded utility trailers. Step up to the Raptor, and you can handle larger pontoon boats and midsize travel trailers. The Bronco matches the Jeep Wrangler's 3,500-pound capacity but can't quite match the Toyota 4Runner (5,000 pounds) or the Jeep Grand Cherokee (6,200 pounds).

Payload Capacity and Gross Combined Weight Rating Specifications

Depending on the conficguration, the 2026 Bronco carries around 1,000 and 1,500 pounds of payload. This capacity is perfect for camping gear, coolers, and outdoor equipment on trips. But remember, everything you load cuts into your Ford Bronco towing capacity based on gross combined weight rating (GCWR) limits.

The GCWR is the maximum combined weight of your loaded vehicle plus a trailer. With the 2.3L EcoBoost, you get GCWR ratings of 8,500-8,980 pounds and 350-pound tongue weight capacity. The 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 pushes that to 8,980-9,120 pounds with the same 350-pound tongue load limit. The top-dog Raptor's 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 maxes out at 10,650 pounds GCWR and handles up to 450 pounds of tongue weight, giving you more flexibility for heavy loads.

The Bronco's empty weight is diffrent for two-door and four-door models, while the Raptor's empty weight is the most. The exact numbers directly affect how much extra stuff you can carry while towing, so contact our team to discuss the details. Four people, luggage, and gear might add 800 pounds. Subtract that from your GCWR to find your safe trailer weight limit.

Towing Package Options and Upgrades

The Trailer Tow Package costs $750 and includes the basics: a seven-pin wiring harness and a Class 4 trailer hitch receiver (shipped separately for dealer installation). You also get smart safety features such as trailer sway control, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. These come in handy during those windy days common in New Mexico's high desert. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite adds blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, giving you extra confidence when pulling longer trailers through busy Albuquerque traffic.

Taking your trailer off-road? The Sasquatch Package might be worth its $6,175 price tag. It comes with advanced all-wheel drive with Automatic On Demand Engagement, electronic-locking front and rear axles, a 4.7 final drive ratio, high-clearance suspension, and massive 35-inch LT315/70R17 rugged-terrain tires. You'll thank yourself when towing boats up steep, slippery ramps or pulling campers through sandy washes to reach those hidden Southwest camping spots. Those electronic locking axles really earn their keep when you need every bit of traction on tough surfaces.

The Ford Connectivity Package costs $745 and includes a Wi-Fi hot spot, streaming capabilities, a voice assistant, and entertainment features for seven full years. If you like to keep things organized, the Ford Integrated Tether System (or FITS) Accessory Pack costs just $135 and includes a base plate, Bronco-branded cupholder, and storage bins, perfect for keeping your towing gear neat and within reach during your outdoor trips.

Experience the 2026 Ford Bronco at Chalmers Ford

The Bronco combines off-road capability with practical hauling power, putting it ahead in the SUV market. Even the base model offers solid towing capacity, while the Raptor gives you even more power. For Rio Rancho outdoor lovers, this means real-world versatility.

Ready to find your perfect 2026 Ford Bronco? Contact our team at Chalmers Ford to check out the Bronco in person and determine which towing setup best suits your outdoor lifestyle. Our team can help you choose the right engine, packages, and accessories.