The 2021 Bronco Sport Tow Ratings Against Its Main Competitors

Recently, we spent a lot of time covering the 2021 Bronco or "Big Bronco," as it's called amongst fans. However, the "Baby Bronco" or Bronco Sport, is an equally important part of the Bronco saga and a success story of its own.

Introduced in late 2020, with sales that have already surpassed the 30,000 mark, the Bronco Sport is a more affordable model, as well as being more usable in everyday situations than its larger relatives. Further, you shouldn't consider it to be less of a Bronco because it doesn't come with a unique chassis and drive train. Quite the contrary actually -- the 2021 Bronco Sport has already proved  its competence. In fact, it's the most capable model in its class.

Let's do a quick recap of some important Bronco Sport technical details. The Bronco Sport is available with two gasoline engines. Even though the standard engine is a very compact 1.5-liter, three-cylinder Ecoboost unit, its power output of 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque provides the 2021 Bronco Sport with more than decent on and off-road performance.

Equipped with a standard 8-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive with driving modes, this is a great everyday combo, capable of taking you on weekend camping trips without any problems. However, magazine testers were unanimously praised the optional, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with its 250 hp, which provides the Bronco Sport with real performance and an upscale feel. The additional torque (275 lb-ft) will do wonders when towing or taking on an extreme off-road course.

The 2021 Bronco Sport is based on Ford's C2 platform, which also underpins the Ford Escape. While the Ford Escape is a soft, urban SUV, that comes equipped with front-wheel-drive, the Bronco Sport is significantly more capable, as it's equipped with competent all-wheel-drive, and higher ground clearance that makes it ready to tackle any terrain.

So, how did Ford manage to use the same platform while arriving at such different results? Through intelligent engineering and the use of different components, G.O.A.T. driving modes, and overall design.

On most similar models, you'll find  trim levels that don't change the vehicle's personality, but only add more equipment and creature comforts. The 2021 Bronco Sport is different, with trim levels that focus on different uses of the vehicle or the driving characteristics of the owners, and not just on selling you more stuff you don't need.

That's why the lowest trim level (Base) doesn't feel cheap, since it offers you  the equipment you'll use -- an all-wheel-drive system. If you want to chase luxury in the 2021 Bronco Sport, you can, with the Outerbanks or Badlands trim levels, which come with bigger wheels and leather interiors.

However, a posher Bronco Sport is not necessarily the better Bronco Sport. The essence of this SUV is practicality and off-road capability, not trying to impress your neighbors.

And what about the towing capacity of the new 2021 Bronco Sport? Although not many owners will likely tow big trailers, it's still good to know what you can expect from the "Baby Bronco." Here's the table showing how the Bronco Sport stacks up against the competition in its segment.

• Ford Bronco Sport   2.0L 4-cyl. Turbo 8-speed Automatic   2,200 lbs

• Ford Bronco Sport   1.5L 3-cyl. Turbo 8-speed Automatic   2,000 lbs

• Ford Escape             1.5L 3-cyl. Turbo 8-speed Automatic   2,000 lbs

• Hyundai Tucson       2.4L 4-cyl. 6-speed Automatic              2,000 lbs

• Jeep Cherokee         2.4L 4-cyl. 9-speed Automatic             2,000 lbs

• Kia Sportage            2.4L 4-cyl. 6-speed Automatic              2,000 lbs

• Kia Sportage            2.0L 4-cyl. Turbo 6-speed Automatic   2,000 lbs

• Mazda CX-5             2.5L 4-cyl. Turbo 6-speed Automatic   2,000 lbs

• Chevrolet Equinox   1.5L 4-cyl. Turbo 6-speed Automatic   1,500 lbs

• Honda CR-V             1.5L 4-cyl. Turbo CVT Automatic          1,500 lbs

• Hyundai Tucson        2.0L 4-cyl. 6-speed Automatic             1,500 lbs 

• Subaru Forester       2.5L 4-cyl. CVT Automatic                    1,500 lbs

• Toyota Rav4              2.5L 4-cyl. 8-speed Automatic              1,500 lbs

• Nissan Rogue           2.5L 4-cyl. CVT Automatic                     1,350 lbs