Jay J.Trail Turn Assist helps the Bronco make a tighter low-speed turn by braking the inside rear wheel. That lets the truck pivot more sharply on loose terrain than steering angle alone would allow.
It only works in specific conditions, and Ford warns not to use it on dry, hard pavement.
In This Guide
What Does Trail Turn Assist Do?
Trail Turn Assist reduces turning radius during a low-speed, high-steering-angle maneuver by applying the brake to the inside rear wheel.
That helps the Bronco rotate around the inside of the turn, which is useful on tight switchbacks, narrow trails, sand, dirt, and other loose surfaces.
How Does Trail Turn Assist Work?
When the system is on and the activation conditions are met, the Bronco uses the braking system to slow the inside rear wheel during the turn.
Ford notes that you may hear noise from the anti-lock brake system while Trail Turn Assist is active. That is normal operation.
What Conditions Are Required?
Ford says Trail Turn Assist only works in 4-High or 4-Low.
It will not activate until vehicle speed is below 12 mph, the rear differential is fully unlocked, and the steering wheel is turned almost fully to the left or right.
Can You Use It With the Rear Locker?
No. Trail Turn Assist cannot operate with the rear locking differential engaged.
If the rear locker was recently used, the system may wait until it confirms the differential is fully unlocked before Trail Turn Assist activates.
Ford also says that if the rear differential is locked when you press the Trail Turn Assist button, the vehicle may attempt to disengage the locker so the feature can work.
Can You Use Trail Turn Assist on Pavement?
Do not use it on dry, hard-surfaced roads. Ford says Trail Turn Assist is intended for loose or slippery surfaces.
Using it on dry pavement can cause excessive noise, increased tire wear, and possible damage to driveline or braking components.
How Do You Turn It Off?
On Broncos with the physical Trail Turn Assist control, press the button again to switch the feature off.
You can also deactivate it by selecting 2-High or 4-Auto, or by engaging the rear locking differential.
Which Broncos Have Trail Turn Assist?
Trail Turn Assist is a full-size Bronco feature and is tied to automatic-transmission configurations, but exact availability can vary by trim, engine, and model year.
Ford's 2026 model pages list Trail Turn Assist as requiring the 10-speed automatic on several trims. Because Ford's published availability language is not identical across every 2026 document, check the window sticker, order guide, or build sheet for the exact Bronco you are looking at.
FAQ
What does Trail Turn Assist do?
It brakes the inside rear wheel during a tight, low-speed turn to help reduce the Bronco's turning radius.
How fast can you go with Trail Turn Assist?
The vehicle must be below 12 mph before the system will activate.
Can you use Trail Turn Assist with the rear locker?
No. The rear differential must be fully unlocked for Trail Turn Assist to activate.
Can you use Trail Turn Assist on dry pavement?
No. Ford warns against using it on dry, hard surfaces because it can increase tire wear and may damage driveline or braking components.
Does the Bronco Sport have Trail Turn Assist?
Trail Turn Assist is associated with the full-size Bronco, not the Bronco Sport.
