Unless you’ve been living under a rock or on a deserted island, it’s clear that the newly redesigned and retooled Ford Bronco has made an indelible impression on both the auto industry and consumers since launching onto the scene in 2021.
The Bronco’s innovative and clever modular design presents practically limitless opportunities for unique customization — sparking a veritable Santa’s workshop for aftermarket manufacturers that’s sure to give the beloved Jeep Wrangler a run for its money.
There hasn’t been a buzz like this in the industry in over a decade, since the introduction of the JK Wrangler. In fact, nearly 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space was completely dedicated to Bronco accessories and add-ons at the recent 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, solidifying the resurrected off-roader as serious competition for Jeep in the aftermarket arena. (And, isn’t it time, really?)
Check out some of the biggest attention-getters to hit the show floor this past November, and keep an eye out at your local parts store. Many of these buzzy new products are set to hit shelves this quarter, with some already available.
Exterior Accessories
You could write a small encyclopedia on Bronco exterior accessories alone. The list of available add-ons is both long and varied. Here are a few functional options that also check the boxes for durability and style.
Bestop
For those who want to wax nostalgic over their original Ford Bronco, Bestop came to SEMA with a subtly retro-inspired fender flare that’s sure to turn heads. Featuring a simple DIY installation, flexible and shatter-proof construction, and a sexy matte-black finish that you can even paint to match your ride, these fender flares are an instant classic.
TrailFX
Speaking of fender flares, TrailFX got a nod (and a SEMA award) for its own rugged addition to the category. These angled tube-style flares leave plenty of room for beefier wheel and tire packages, while still warding off unexpected road hazards and debris. Add in a simple bolt-on installation that requires no drilling, and there’s even more to love.
ARB
ARB showed up to SEMA with some heavy-duty rock sliders, designed for way-off-road adventures. The durable steel construction ensures extra strength without the extra weight, while the one-piece design spreads out the load and protects the Bronco’s vulnerable lower sill area. A textured black powder coat adds sleek styling and additional protection against corrosive natural forces. Available for 2-door and 4-door models, the ARB Rock Sliders mount directly to the vehicle chassis rail and do not restrict ramp over angle.
Fab Fours
For those who really like to push the envelope on styling, Fab Fours offers its revolutionary (and legendary) grille and bumper combo. Aptly named the Grumper, it’s one of those styles that people seem to either love or hate – and insist on telling you exactly how they feel. The design is all the way aggressive, but matches those intimidating looks with serious off-road functionality. In addition to the full-frontal steel protection, the Fab Fours Grumper is winch-ready, features two D-ring mounting locations, and can accept multiple accessory lighting combinations. It also opens up the wheel wells for more tire clearance.
Performance
Looking to improve your Bronco’s giddy up? Several aftermarket brands came to SEMA with just that idea.
AWE
There are plenty of great exhaust options available for the new Bronco, but only one promises to match the vehicle’s innovative modular capabilities. Meet AWE’s 0FG Catback Exhaust Suite, which features a 3" modular catback configuration allowing it to cover 2.3T and 2.7TT Broncos in 2-door and 4-door applications. The 0FG Exhaust features a bespoke AWE resonator to give your rig a greater growl, and accommodates various tip options, including a .125" thick reinforced stainless ring on the outlet dubbed “BashGuard.”
Hypertech
How does fully customizable control over your Bronco’s throttle response sound? Hypertech’s offering just that with REACT, an innovative new throttle optimizer that provides on-the-fly adjustments to best suit your driving needs. After a simple plug-and-play installation, simply turn the control knob to adjust your Bronco’s throttle intensity. Three (3) versions are available: Performance, for the enthusiast who wants a more exciting ride; Off-Road, for better performance in various terrains; and Tow, to improve power delivery when towing or hauling.
Fabtech
For those looking to improve their Bronco’s ground clearance and ride quality, Fabtech serves up all-new 5"/6" Crossmember Lift Kits. Allowing the use of up to 40" tires, these kits provide an aggressive stance and also feature reduced factory bump steer and proprietary steering speed for enhanced highway control. The superior ride feel comes compliments of Fabtech’s stainless steel Dirt Logic Coilover shocks. Derived from the desert racing circuit, these shocks provide excellent dampening capacity that’s perfect for aggressive off-road exploring.
Hellwig
Beef up handling, comfort and safety with a new Hellwig rear sway bar for the 2021-2022 Ford Bronco. Constructed from 4140 forged chromoly steel, this three-way adjustable sway bar simply bolts in place of the factory equipment and offers immediate improvement in ride quality and control. Talk about an easy and cost-effective performance upgrade.
Lighting
Boy, has this segment evolved way past headlight illumination. Check out what some of the industry’s best and brightest revealed at SEMA 2022.
ORACLE
A perennial trend-setter, ORACLE hit the show floor with several new innovations. Nabbing a SEMA award was the brand’s high-mount integrated LED light bar, which features unique cowl design that not only blends seamlessly with the Bronco’s OE styling, but also provides a quieter and more aerodynamic installation compared to traditional LED light bar setups. Also grabbing attention were ORACLE’s sleekly styled, flush-mount LED taillights - which protrude out significantly less than factory lights for better trail-riding use.
Diode Dynamics
Making waves last year with its high-output SS5 Pods, Diode Dynamics made another splash – this time with its new Stage Series Rock Lights. Available in a single-pack, 4-pack, or 8-pack configuration in a single-color option or RGBW, these high-powered rock lights shine with an incredible 10 watts of power. If you’ll excuse the pun, that’s lightyears ahead of other rock lights on the market.
Wheel and Tires
Tricking out your wheels and tires is one of the more distinctive ways to customize your Bronco. Your wheels not only define your look, but they also optimize your performance, so choose wisely.
WARN
Think these guys only dabble in winch recovery? Think again. WARN debuted its Epic Wheels lineup in 2020 with fitments for Jeep JL and JK Wranglers and JT Gladiators. The brand’s new six-lug configuration (6x139.7) is perfect for hot-selling off-roaders like the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Ford Ranger and, of course, Ford Bronco. Available in three unique styles - Diamond Cutter, Jackhammer, and Moonsault – WARN Epic Wheels come in two colors (high-quality black or gunmetal gray powder-coated) and two center caps options (black-and-gold or black-and-red).
Mickey Thompson
Those itching to stuff more rubber under their rig can thank Mickey Thompson. The brand showed up to SEMA 2022 and unveiled all-new 42- and 44-inch tire sizes -- the largest ever -- for its Baja Boss M/T line. Available to consumers in mid-2023, the expanded sizes enable off-roaders to ride higher with more ground clearance and overcome rocky terrain through exceptional sidewall grip. If that all sounds like a bit too much, don’t worry – Mickey Thompson has your Bronco covered with a variety of options to improve both on- and off-road handling.
Overlanding
The Bronco is one of the more ideal vehicles for outfitting if you’re into overlanding. Tons of room in the back, a luxurious interior, and heavy-duty independent suspension allow you to take it virtually anywhere for extended periods of time. You just need the right accessories.
Westin
Functional, adjustable, lightweight – those are words you definitely want to hear when shopping for a roof rack. Westin’s new MESA rack, which debuted at SEMA 2022, is all these and more. It mounts to all factory locations for an easy installation, and allows you to remove the front and rear roof panels without sacrificing top-side storage. Extruded aluminum keeps it strong but light, and a clever recessed pocket at the front ensures you can add useful lighting upgrades.
Dometic
Dometic has long been innovating in outdoor gear, and 2022 was no different. At this year’s SEMA show, the brand brought an exciting new rooftop tent sporting a full inflatable structure. The lack of aluminum poles not only makes set-up easier, but also allows for more room inside the tent. The tri-fold design also clears more room on the roof rack for other essential gear.